Hyacinthus 'White Pearl' is a beautiful prepared hyacinth producing dense spikes of pure white, highly fragrant flowers. Each flower is complemented by small yellow anthers, adding a subtle touch of colour to the crisp white blooms. Specially prepared for early flowering, it is an excellent choice for bringing colour and fragrance into the home around Christmas and New Year.
Compact and easy to grow, 'White Pearl' looks particularly effective planted in groups in bowls and decorative containers. Its clean white flowers suit both traditional Christmas arrangements and more contemporary winter displays.
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Botanical name: Hyacinthus orientalis 'White Pearl'
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Common name: Prepared Hyacinth
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Plant type: Prepared spring-flowering bulb
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Flower colour: Pure white with yellow anthers
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Flowering period: Christmas-New Year when forced indoors
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Height: Approximately 25cm
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Spread: Approximately 10-15cm
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Fragrance: Highly fragrant
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Position: Cool and bright once in active growth
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Ideal for: Indoor pots, bowls and winter displays
About Hyacinthus 'White Pearl'
'White Pearl' forms sturdy flower spikes densely packed with waxy, star-shaped white blooms. The flowers open progressively along the spike, creating a full display above broad, glossy green leaves. Like other hyacinths, it is also valued for its rich fragrance, which makes it particularly rewarding as an indoor plant.
Growing to around 25cm (10 inches) tall, it is compact enough for windowsills and table displays. Several bulbs planted together create an especially impressive mass of white flowers.
Prepared for Early Indoor Flowering
These 'White Pearl' bulbs have been specially prepared for forcing. This means the bulbs have received a temperature treatment designed to encourage them to flower much earlier than hyacinths grown naturally outdoors.
With suitable planting and growing conditions, prepared bulbs can flower around Christmas and New Year. Exact flowering time can vary according to planting date and temperature, so flowering on a particular date cannot be guaranteed.
How to Plant Hyacinthus 'White Pearl' Bulbs
Plant the bulbs promptly after receiving them. Use a shallow pot or bowl filled with free-draining compost. Set each bulb into the compost with its growing tip and upper portion remaining above the surface.
Bulbs can be planted individually or grouped together for a fuller display. When planting several in the same container, position them closely without allowing the bulbs themselves to touch. Water after planting and thereafter keep the compost lightly moist, avoiding waterlogging.
How to Force 'White Pearl' Indoors
After planting, place the bulbs somewhere cool and dark to encourage strong root development. Check the compost occasionally and water sparingly if it begins to dry.
Once a good root system has developed and the shoots are established, gradually introduce the plants to light and warmer indoor conditions. When the flower spikes begin opening, a bright but relatively cool room will help the flowers remain attractive for longer. Avoid placing flowering hyacinths immediately beside a radiator or other strong heat source.
Growing Prepared Hyacinths in Water
'White Pearl' can also be grown in a traditional hyacinth forcing vase. Position the bulb so its base sits just above the water rather than being submerged. Roots will grow downwards into the water while the bulb remains dry.
Keep the vase somewhere cool and dark during the initial rooting period before gradually moving it into a brighter position as growth develops.
Height and Spread
Hyacinthus 'White Pearl' reaches approximately 25cm in height when flowering, with an eventual spread of around 10-15cm. Its upright habit makes it easy to combine several bulbs in a relatively small container.
Why Grow Hyacinthus 'White Pearl'?
- Pure white flowers with contrasting yellow anthers
- Strongly fragrant blooms
- Prepared for early indoor flowering
- Ideal for Christmas and New Year displays
- Excellent for bowls, pots and forcing vases
- Compact 25cm flowering height
- Beautiful planted alone or in groups
Frequently Asked Questions
When does prepared Hyacinth 'White Pearl' flower?
Prepared bulbs are intended for forcing into flower around Christmas and New Year. Actual flowering time depends on planting date, temperature and growing conditions.
What colour is Hyacinth 'White Pearl'?
'White Pearl' has pure white flowers with small contrasting yellow anthers.
Is Hyacinth 'White Pearl' fragrant?
Yes. The flowers have the rich, distinctive fragrance for which hyacinths are well known.
How tall does 'White Pearl' grow?
Plants reach approximately 25cm (10 inches) in height when flowering.
Can I grow several bulbs together?
Yes. 'White Pearl' is particularly effective planted in groups. Bulbs can be positioned closely together in a bowl or container, although they should not directly touch.
Can prepared 'White Pearl' bulbs be grown in water?
Yes. They can be grown in a suitable hyacinth vase with the base of the bulb positioned just above the water.
How do I keep the flowers looking good for longer?
Once flowering begins, keep the plants somewhere bright and relatively cool. Avoid placing them close to radiators or other sources of strong heat.
With its pure white flowers, rich fragrance and compact habit, Hyacinthus 'White Pearl' is a superb choice for an elegant indoor display during Christmas and the New Year.