What red means in a hyacinth
Breeders have never produced a pure scarlet hyacinth. The reds sold are really deep rose, raspberry or crimson-pink, and they look richer in a cool, bright room than in strong sun. The warm tone lifts a table in the cold months, and it sets off cream or white companions well. Victorian flower dictionaries gave red and pink hyacinths the meaning of play, a light-hearted reading that fits their cheerful colour.
Timing in the southern hemisphere
Hyacinths flower on a bulb's own clock, so the colour you want does not change when they appear. Plant or pot in April or May and expect colour from late winter, in August and September. If you live somewhere with mild winters, such as Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, put the bulbs in the fridge crisper for six to eight weeks beforehand, away from fruit. In Hobart, Melbourne and Canberra, the ground does the chilling for you.
- Pick bulbs that are firm, heavy and free of soft spots.
- Plant with the shoulders level with the soil surface in a pot, or deeper outdoors.
- Red tones fade faster in hot sun, so give the pot bright shade.
When the spike fades
Cut off the faded spike but leave the leaves. Water sparingly until they die back, then store or replant in autumn. Do not count on a second year being as full.
Keep pets and children clear
All parts of the plant are toxic, the bulb most. The ASPCA rates hyacinth as toxic for dogs, cats and horses, and gloves are wise when handling bulbs.
