Hyacinthus Delft Blue - ORG

The Delft Blue hyacinth takes its name from the deep blue of Delft pottery, and that is no exaggeration: the clusters of flowers range from violet-blue to an intense cobalt blue once they are fully open. It has been one of the most widely planted hyacinths in the Netherlands for decades, and there is a good reason for that.

A fragrant addition for bees and vases alike

Hyacinths are among the first flowers to bloom that attract bees after winter, and the intense fragrance of Delft Blue draws them from afar. Flowering often begins as early as March, sometimes even before the daffodils appear. Combine Delft Blue with white or pink spring-flowering plants for a border that immediately catches the eye, or plant a few bulbs together in a pot by the front door. Cut a few stems for indoors and the scent will fill the whole house within a day – a simple way to bring a bit of the garden indoors, even on a rainy day.

From Ottoman gardens to Dutch borders

Hyacinths were brought from Turkey to Europe in the sixteenth century, where they quickly became a favourite at the Ottoman courts before finding their way into Dutch gardens. Delft Blue is no newcomer to this list: the cultivar has been grown for decades, making it one of the most established names among hyacinths. It is precisely this long history that makes it a reliable choice. A bulb that generations of gardeners have come to know for its unfailing return every spring.