# 5734 - 2022 First-Class Forever Stamp - Snowy Beauty: Hyacinth
US #5734
2022 Grape Hyacinth – Snowy Beauty
- One of 10 stamps picturing flowers that bloom in cold weather
- Pictures grape hyacinths in snow
Stamp Category: Commemorative
Set: Snowy Beauty
Value: 60¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue: October 11. 2022
First Day City: Guilford, Indiana
Quantity Issued: 300,000,000
Printed by: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Offset
Format: Booklet panes of 20
Tagging: Nonphosphored type III, block tag
Why the stamp was issued: To commemorate flowers that bloom in late winter/early spring and bring color back to the world.
About the stamp design: Pictures a hand-sketched and oil painted image by artist Gregory Manchess.
First Day City: There was no First Day of Issue Ceremony, but the First Day of Issue cancellations were from Guilford, Indiana, home to the United States’ largest importer of Dutch tulip bulbs – Breck’s.
About the Snowy Beauty set: A set of 10 stamps picturing different species of flower that bloom in late winter or early spring. Some are more southerly species, while others are found further north in the US. All are well-known and popular among gardeners.
History the stamp represents: Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) is a tiny flowering plant in the asparagus family. Its blooms appear in mid-spring and range in color from purple or blue to pale pink or white. It earned its common name from the way the flowers are clustered together, similar to the way grapes grow on a vine.
Originally native to Eurasia, today grape hyacinths are grown throughout America – except especially hot and humid habitats of the southern United States. Bulbs are planted in the fall with flowers appearing the following spring. Interestingly, the bulbs often grow leaves in the fall just before being covered by snow. This has no effect on the flowers the following year. Grape hyacinth looks best when planted in clusters. When it blooms, its purple-blue coloration can almost appear like small streams or ponds. And, as time goes on, grape hyacinth tend to spread to surrounding areas, increasing their yearly spectacle.
In addition to being beautiful, grape hyacinth is also edible. One of the most common ways of preparing it is by heating equal parts sugar and water and then adding flowers and allowing to steep. This creates a bright purple-blue syrup that can be added to sparkling water or lemonade for a special treat.
US #5734
2022 Grape Hyacinth – Snowy Beauty
- One of 10 stamps picturing flowers that bloom in cold weather
- Pictures grape hyacinths in snow
Stamp Category: Commemorative
Set: Snowy Beauty
Value: 60¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue: October 11. 2022
First Day City: Guilford, Indiana
Quantity Issued: 300,000,000
Printed by: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Offset
Format: Booklet panes of 20
Tagging: Nonphosphored type III, block tag
Why the stamp was issued: To commemorate flowers that bloom in late winter/early spring and bring color back to the world.
About the stamp design: Pictures a hand-sketched and oil painted image by artist Gregory Manchess.
First Day City: There was no First Day of Issue Ceremony, but the First Day of Issue cancellations were from Guilford, Indiana, home to the United States’ largest importer of Dutch tulip bulbs – Breck’s.
About the Snowy Beauty set: A set of 10 stamps picturing different species of flower that bloom in late winter or early spring. Some are more southerly species, while others are found further north in the US. All are well-known and popular among gardeners.
History the stamp represents: Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) is a tiny flowering plant in the asparagus family. Its blooms appear in mid-spring and range in color from purple or blue to pale pink or white. It earned its common name from the way the flowers are clustered together, similar to the way grapes grow on a vine.
Originally native to Eurasia, today grape hyacinths are grown throughout America – except especially hot and humid habitats of the southern United States. Bulbs are planted in the fall with flowers appearing the following spring. Interestingly, the bulbs often grow leaves in the fall just before being covered by snow. This has no effect on the flowers the following year. Grape hyacinth looks best when planted in clusters. When it blooms, its purple-blue coloration can almost appear like small streams or ponds. And, as time goes on, grape hyacinth tend to spread to surrounding areas, increasing their yearly spectacle.
In addition to being beautiful, grape hyacinth is also edible. One of the most common ways of preparing it is by heating equal parts sugar and water and then adding flowers and allowing to steep. This creates a bright purple-blue syrup that can be added to sparkling water or lemonade for a special treat.