The Story of the Hyacinth: A Flower Rooted in Myth and Meaning
Learn all about this fabled bloom, including what it symbolizes and how to care for it.
Mar 11, 2025
Wrapped in lore and bursting with vibrant hues, the hyacinth is more than just a fragrant flower — it’s a symbol of many emotions, including love, sorrow, and renewal. Rooted in ancient mythology, this bloom also has a history as rich as its scent. From its Greek origins to its modern-day meanings of devotion and rebirth, the hyacinth has woven its way through time, leaving a trail of beauty and symbolism.
With so much personality and many tales to tell, let’s dive into the fascinating world of this storied flower.
A flower of legends, love, and remembrance
With roots in mythology, the hyacinth carries deep symbolism that has endured for millennia. According to Greek legend, this bloom sprang from the blood of Hyacinthus, a Spartan youth beloved by the god Apollo. When a tragic accident at a discus-throwing competition claimed Hyacinthus’s life, a grief-stricken Apollo transformed his fallen friend into a flower, ensuring his memory would live on for eternity.
Some versions of the myth suggest that Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, played a role in the tragedy, as he was jealous of Apollo and intentionally altered the path of the discus. This layer of rivalry deepens the story's themes of passion, fate, and the sometimes cruel nature of the gods.
Because of this myth, the hyacinth is often associated with power, pride, and beauty, as well as sorrow and the fleeting nature of life. However, it also represents rebirth and renewal, as it emerges each spring, echoing themes of transformation and the cycle of life.
Hyacinth also has different meanings depending on the color of the flower. Purple symbolizes sorrow, white expresses prayers for someone, blue represents sincerity, and yellow means jealousy, going back to Zephyrus’ act that led to Hyacinthus’ death.
A fragrant welcome to spring
With the arrival of spring, few things capture the season’s beauty like a fresh bouquet of hyacinths. The newest arrangement from 1-800-Flowers.com features a dozen stems in various shades of purple, pink, blue, or white nestled in a striking purple glass vase (or delivered as a bouquet on its own). Arriving in bud form, these blooms will slowly unfurl, revealing their pretty petals and filling your space with their refreshing scent.
This bouquet is a perfect way to welcome the season, brighten a room, or surprise a loved one with a touch of springtime charm.
“The hyacinth’s strong fragrance and rich colors make it special,” said Mallory Green, product development manager at 1-800-Flowers.com. “Each thick stem is covered in dozens of individual miniature blooms, making it a truly striking bouquet.”
Because hyacinths are only available during spring, their limited seasonality makes them even more special, Green notes.
“They smell like spring!” she exclaims. “They are one of the most fragrant flowers. They have a strong floral fragrance that I would consider the epitome of a true springtime scent.”
How to care for your hyacinths
Proper care is essential to keeping your hyacinths fresh and vibrant. Start by filling your vase with fresh water and adding half of the floral food packet. Since hyacinths may arrive with some dirt or sand on their stems, giving them a quick rinse before placing them in the vase will help keep the water clean. If your flowers arrive with part of the bulb still attached, don’t cut it off — they can thrive with it intact.
After one to two days, re-cut the stems, refresh the vase with clean water, and add the remaining floral food. Keep your arrangement away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, and check the water level daily to ensure your blooms stay hydrated.
As the flowers bloom, they can become top-heavy and risk bending or breaking. To keep them standing tall, trim the stems and place them in a shorter vase for extra support.
The perfect gift for any occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, showing appreciation, or simply welcoming the arrival of spring, a bouquet of hyacinths is a thoughtful and elegant choice. Their timeless appeal also makes them a meaningful gift for moments of remembrance. And since hyacinths symbolize sincerity and deep emotion, they are a perfect way to convey heartfelt messages to loved ones.
Green says, “They would be appropriate for any occasion and for any recipient who appreciates a strong floral fragrance.”
AUTHOR
Nicole DiGiose is a lifestyle writer who serves as an editor and writer for 1-800-Flowers. Previously, she's been published in Electronic Products, EE Times, Chilled Magazine, and local newspapers based in her hometown.
