Spring Bulbs: Daffodils, Tulips and Hyacinths (ISBN 0713489243)

Hyacinths get some respect:
There are lots of books on spring bulbs with glorious photos of tulips and daffodils, but finally here is a book that treats hyacinths as something other than a brief afterthought. If you thought hyacinths come only in light pink, white, or blue prepare to be amazed. There are soft orange, almost black purple, yellow, lilac, and wine hyacinths. Most are single flowers but some have frilly double florets. Chapter 6 (20 pages) is nothing but hyacinths--photos of florets from different cultivars in side by side comparison, descriptions of over 100 species and cultivars, and history and cultivation tips. For those with an interest in old Victorian varieties, Geoff Stebbings gives the introduction date, the introducer and even the parents where known. He does the same excellent job for daffodils and tulips in other chapters, but there are other books that cover them. However, if like me you have been enchanted by the sweet smell of hyanciths and want to know more, this is the book to get.