Florists divide hyacinths into four classes:
1. The Single Hyacinth—the corolla divided into six segments.
2. Semi-Double—only slightly double, with a few petals irregularly disposed behind the single.
3. Double—the outer petals lined with an equal number of other petals in regular order.
4. Full Hyacinth—which has a heart as full of petals as it can hold.
These four classes furnish a great number of varieties. We cannot define further without going into their distinguishing features and numerous subdivisions.
The Full Hyacinth possesses the greater number and best varieties. It is important a hyacinth should belong to the best (one of full) varieties—but this is not sufficient to constitute a good flower. The petals should grow in very regular order—especially those within the heart of the flower, and the petals should as well be curved back very evenly at their tip. They should also be of a beautiful clear and decided colour, and this is a great charm in a hyacinth. As well as being as perfect and decided as possible, the colour of the inner should harmonise agreeably with the colour of the outer petals.
In this respect there is nothing to be found to surpass the Gloria Florum Suprema[[3]]—the blossoms being perfectly disposed the full length of the stem, which rises tall and very straight, but is, unfortunately a little too thin to support the weight of the flowers. The petals are very pure white, and their tips fold back with the greatest regularity, forming a perfectly symmetrical bud (or button). Colours such as blue and black, red and white are satisfactory combinations. White hyacinths, as a rule, are the most delicately shaded, but each variety has a beauty entirely its own.
[3]. No longer in existence.