Hyacinths: Lost Forever?

Though preservation is our mission, bulbs drop out of our catalog every year.

Sometimes it’s because the harvest was too small. Sometimes it’s because they’re widely available elsewhere and don’t need our help. And sometimes it’s because we’ve lost our only known source due to severe weather (cold, drought, etc.), health problems (a debilitating stroke), or economic woes (small farmers are always at risk).

The good news is that, in time, we’re often able to return these bulbs to our catalog. So here’s a list of many we’ve offered in the past. For an alert the moment they’re available again, subscribe to our free email newsletter. Or to find a similar bulb, try our easy Advanced Bulb Search.

Fall-planted: Crocus Daffodils Hyacinths Lilies Peonies Tulips Diverse

Spring-planted: Cannas Dahlias Daylilies Gladiolus Iris Diverse

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AMETHYST, 1950

The subtle, intriguingly different color of this 1950s gem isn’t pink or lavender but something beautifully in-between. Unusual colors have little place in the mass market, though, and its acreage has been plummeting. To help, just grow it! Zones 5-8aS/10WC. Last offered in 2007. We may offer it again periodically, or we could special order it for you.

APPLE BLOSSOM, 1910

Can “obsolete” be a good thing? We think so! Dropped from the International Register in 1954, this “obsolete” beauty is well-named. It’s an ethereal soft pink, paler than ‘Lady Derby’ and brimming with the dawning light of spring. Alan Shipp of the UK National Collection dates it to the early 1900s, but its history is obscure and if you find it in any old books or catalogs, we’d love to hear from you. Zones 5-8aS/10WC, from England. Last offered web-only in 2006. We may offer it again periodically, or we could special order it for you.

BLUE DIAMOND, 1920

After the fall of the Iron Curtain, a few bulbs of this horticultural refugee came to the UK National Collection from a beleaguered public garden in Lithuania, a garden that despite all sorts of difficulties had managed to preserve a remarkable collection of antique hyacinths. Tough and vigorous, it sports blue-purple petals that are deeper in the center shading to almost silver at the edges. Russian records date it to 1920. Zones 5-8aS/10WC, from England. Last offered web-only in 2006. We may offer it again periodically, or we could special order it for you.

BLUE GIANT, 1935

“Blue giants” are the brightest stars in the universe, and the radiant, pearly-blue flowers of this Depression-era classic make it a worthy namesake. We’ve also found it extra easy to force. 10-12”, zones 5-8aS/10WC. Last offered in 2007. We may offer it again periodically, or we could special order it for you.

DISTINCTION, 1880

One of our all-time favorite hyacinths, ‘Distinction’ has dark maroon, “beet-root” blossoms that are stunning amid spring’s pastels. Its small size — about half that of most hyacinths — reflects its age and makes it especially well-suited for forcing. 8-10”, zones 5-8aS/10WC, from Holland. We were heart-broken when this unique hyacinth suddenly went “commercially extinct” in 1999, and we long for the day when the small supply being nurtured for us by Alan Shipp of the UK National Collection is ready for sale.

GIGANTEA, 1859

Extinct? That’s what the experts thought. But then Alan Shipp of the UK National Collection got a surprise phone call from the Lithuanian ambassador’s wife and before long a box full of old hyacinths arrived that had been preserved by a botanic garden behind the Iron Curtain – including this Victorian beauty. With a “large truss of delicate rose” florets, ‘Gigantea’ was the most expensive single hyacinth in the 1870 catalog of the Olm Brothers of Springfield, MA. Very limited supply. Last offered web-only in 2007. We hope to offer it again. For an alert, sign up for our email newsletter.

GRACE DARLING, 1910

‘Grace Darling’ is named for the brave young daughter of a lighthouse keeper who rowed out with him in a raging storm to rescue shipwreck survivors. Her story captured the imagination of the Victorian age and before long people everywhere were singing songs and hanging lithographs of Grace on their parlor walls. Her namesake hyacinth is a lovely blue-purple, soft but vibrant (how fitting!). Though its date of introduction is unclear, Alan Shipp of the UK National Collection assures us it is “very old.” Zones 5-7S/9WC, from England. Last offered in 2009. We may offer it again periodically, or we could special order it for you.

L’INNOCENCE, 1863

A favorite for almost 150 years, this warm white is one of the most perennial hyacinths in our garden and extra easy to force. Our impossibly easy, paper-bag-in-the-fridge instructions will show you how. 10-12”, zones 5-8aS/10WC, from Holland. Chart to compare. Last offered in 2012. Sadly,after 149 years 'L'Innocence' is now "commercially extinct." Although bulbs by this name may be offered elsewhere, all are counterfeits. For an alert, sign up for our email newsletter.

MARCONI, 1900

Midway between soft pink ‘Lady Derby’ and intense ‘Vuurbaak’ is this rosy mid-pink hyacinth that’s been a favorite since the days of Marconi’s amazing new “wireless telegraphy.” 10-12”, zones 5-8aS/10WC, from Holland. Last offered in 2007. Widely available elsewhere.

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