How to Prep and Arrange Hyacinths

With their high-impact color and shape, hyacinths can make quite an impression -- if you know what to do with them. Design expert Kevin Sharkey shares his top tips for working with these bold, beautiful blooms.

Stem Surgery. Before you do any arranging, cut off the white base. Like tulips, hyacinths will continue to grow in water. If they become too top heavy, their stems will split. Trimming the base impedes the movement of water through the stems, which will keep them right where you want them.

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One of a Kind.

Hyacinths don't play well with others. They're low and compact, which makes them tough to pair. Luckily, they're striking enough to stand on their own -- always in monochrome, please.

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Keep It Contained.

Hyacinths are like wallpaper -- a fun, colorful statement that's best in small doses. Put them somewhere you'll pass through quickly, like an entry hall or powder room. Because they're also very fragrant, I wouldn't recommend using them anywhere you'll be eating or sleeping.





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