The hyacinth is yet another type of blue flower that actually has a more purple shade more than anything else. It’s not exactly the type of flower you would want if you prefer a flower with a distinctly strong blue shade, but it is nonetheless one of the more attractive flowers you will see around. Its flower, for one, is quite distinct. Instead of a rounded or flat flower head, the hyacinths are usually shaped like a bell. Hence, hyacinths are actually known as bluebells too. However, unknown to many people, hyacinths have many species, most of them sporting that beautiful purple-blue shade that really gives this flower the most distinct look.
In general, the hyacinth (or the hyacinthus) is a bulbous flowering. They are native to the Mediterranean region, particularly the eastern part, near Iran and Turkmenistan. Previously classified as a part of the Liliaceae family, the hyacinth is now part of the separate Hyacinthaceae family. In the Hyacinthus genus, there are there species: the hyacinthus litwinowii, the hyacinthus orientalis, and the hyacinthis transcaspicus. Of the three, it is the hyacinthus orientalis that is regarded as the common or garden hyacinth, mainly because this is usually the ones planted as a garden flower.
As its name pretty much describes, the flowers of the common or garden hyacinth is a bell-like bulb. One hyacinth stem grows as many as 50 flowers, although it can bear as little as two flowers too. It can grow up to 35 cm, so it’s a type of flower you would want to place at the back of a flower bed, surrounded by shrubs and smaller flowers. The hyacinth is characteristically fragrant. Its flowers yield so much good scent that the hyacinth is also often called the angel’s breath. Flowers, in general, are supposed to be fragrant, but one would be hard pressed to find any other flower that can actually match the smell of the bluebell. Because of its appearance and its smell, the hyacinth is regarded as an ornamental flower. However, because of its smell, it can attract a lot of insects.
Another flower that is connected with the hyacinth is the Muscari, also known as the grape hyacinth. It is called a grape hyacinth because of its flowers, which resembles a cluster of grapes. Still, when you look at it closely, it has the trademark bell-shape flowers of the common hyacinth.
Not surprisingly, the hyacinth actually has medicinal uses. It can be used for its styptic and its diuretic properties, although its bulb can also be used as a source of glue, mainly because of its toxicity.
It is such a shame that the bluebells are not very popular—flowers such as hydrangea are still regarded as the most stunning blue flower. Although very common in Britain as well as Ireland, it is quite rare elsewhere. In fact, the bluebell population in the United Kingdom comprises 30 percent of its entire population. This is really regretful, as the bluebell would really make a great flower for any occasion.
Tags: bluebells, Hyacinths, medicinal flowers
