Bulbs

Narcissus
daffodil, narcissus

- Height 2-18 in (5-45 cm)
- Planting distance 2-8 in (5-20 cm)
- Flowers late winter to early summer
- Well-drained, moist, humus-rich soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Bulbs available late summer to late fall
- Hardy zones 4-10

It's not surprising that narcissi are popular with gardeners: they're inexpensive, easy to grow, spread with little encouragement once in the ground, and offer an eye-catching display throughout spring. The first flowers open as early as late winter in the South, the last in early summer. Depending on the region, with a selection of different cultivars, a colorful display is possible for almost 5 months. All but the very short stemmed cultivars do well in rough grass or a meadow, where they can be left undisturbed to colonize over the years. The large cultivars grow well in groups in shrub and flower borders, while the flowers of the dwarf cultivars look enchanting in a rock garden or window box. All make excellent cut flowers. Narcissi thrive in acid and neutral soils, but they will tolerate an alkaline soil. Ideally the soil should be well drained but moist, with plenty of humus in it.

Popular species and cultivars
The botanical name for all members of the genus is narcissus; those in the trumpet group are commonly called daffodils. The many narcissus hybrids developed from the species are divided in groups according to the size of the cup or trumpet (corolla) and outer petals, and the species from which they have been developed. There are 11 divisions.
Trumpet daffodils (division 1) have cups that are as long as or longer than the petals. The 8-18 in (20-45 cm) high stem carries only one flower, which appears in late winter or early spring. Daffodils look particularly effective planted in cluster in long grass beneath trees. A vast number of cultivars have been developed, offering several color combinations: 'Golden Harvest' and 'King Alfred' (yellow), 'Mount Hood' (white), 'Spellbinder' (greenish-yellow petals, white trumpet), and 'Trousseau' (white and yellow).
Large-cupped narcissi (division 2) have cup-shaped corollas a little more than one-third the length of the petals. Only one flower is held on each 13-18 in (32-45 cm) high stem. The flowers appear between mid- and late spring, depending on the cultivar, in a range of colors. These narcissi are good for naturalizing in grass. Popular cultivars include 'Carlton' and 'St. Keverne' (yellow), 'Romance' (white petals), 'Ice Follies' (pure white), and 'Peaches and Cream' (silvery petals, apricot-pink cup).
Small-cupped narcissi (division 3) have small cups - less than one-third the length of the petals. One flower is held on each 14-18 in (35-45 cm) high stem. The flowers appear in early spring to midspring in several color variations. They are suitable for growing in borders or for naturalizing in grass. Popular cultivars are 'Barrett Browning' (pure white petals, orange-red cup) and 'Birma' (yellow petals, deep orange cup).
Double-flowered narcissi (division 4) have double flowers. These are scented and stand 1-11/2 ft (30-45 cm) above ground in early spring to midspring. Plant in borders. Cultivars are 'Cheerfulness' (cream-white), 'Flower Drift' (white petals, orange-yellow cup), and 'Texas' (yellow).
Triandrus narcissi (division 5) have pendent flowers with funnel-shaped cups and backswept petals. The 6-15 in (15-38 cm) high stems each carry two or three flowers in midspring . Plant in a sunny spot at the front of a border. Popular cultivars include 'Liberty Bells' (yellow), 'Thalia' (pure white), and 'Tresamble' (white).
Cyclamineus narcissi (division 6) have pendent flowers with long, narrow, frilled trumpet-shaped cups and backswept petals. They stand 6-15 in (15-38 cm) high and appear in late winter or early spring .Grow in fine grass or with dwarf plants in a rock garden. Cultivars include 'Charity May' (soft yellow), 'Peeping Tom,' and 'February Gold' (golden yellow).
Jonquilla narcissi (division 7) have several small sweetly scented flowers, sometimes with backswept petals, on stems 11-17 in (28-42 cm) high. These appear in mid- and late spring. They grow best in a sheltered, sunny spot. Popular cultivars include 'Suzy' (up to four flowers per stem; bright yellow petals, orange cup), the tall 'Trevithian' (two or three lemon-yellow flowers per stem), and 'Waterperry' (ivory-white petals, pink-orange cup).
Tazetta, or Poetaz, narcissi (division 8) have short cups and petals that are often frilled. In late spring, several sweetly scented flowers appear on each 11/2 ft (45 cm) high stem. They grow outdoors only to zone 7; elsewhere they can be forced to flower indoors in winter. Cultivars are 'Cragford' (white petals, orange cup) and 'Paper White' (white).
Poeticus narcissi (division 9) have white petals with yellow or red frilly-edged cups. Only one scented flower is held on each 14-17 in (35-42 cm) high stem in late spring. These narcissi are best grown in borders and beds, but they can be naturalized in grass. Popular cultivars include 'Actaea' (white petals, red-rimmed yellow cup) and 'Old Pheasant Eye' (white petals, red cup).
Species narcissi (division 10) have flowers in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most are dwarf plants, suitable for growing in a rock garden or naturalizing in short grass. The most popular is Narcissus bulbocodium, also called 'Yellow Hoop Petticoat,' with a wide funnel-shaped sup and narrow insignificant petals. Its yellow flowers appear in late winter and early spring only 2-6 in (5-15 cm) above ground. Plant in short grass. Narcissus pseudonarcissus, the Lent lily, is the true wild daffodil, native to Europe. The flowers, with near-white petals and long lemon-yellow trumpets, appear in midspring 1/2-1 ft (15-30 cm) above ground. It is best grown in moist soil. An all-white form and an all-yellow form are also available.
Split-cup, or Butterfly, narcissi (division 11) have central cups that are split and spread out against the surrounding petals. 'Tricollet' (orange-yellow cup against cream petals) is a fine example.

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