Narcissus
December 06, 2021
The first promise of spring is usually heralded by the ever-reliable Narcissus or Daffodil, when gardeners breathe a visible sigh and excitedly begin making solid preparations for the season to come. It’s a joy to behold their gorgeous nodding trumpets and we defy anyone to not smile as soon as you lay eyes on one! The origin of it's name is thought to have direct links with the beautiful youth of Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection. The Greek word Narke also refers to numbness and is possibly linked to the toxic narcotic properties of the bulb.
Daffodils have been cultivated since at least the mid 14th century when the original species were collected. Iberia is apparently the original home of this genus, though species can be found in most Mediterranean countries, especially France and Morocco. Traders and collectors from Spain and Portugal bought wild daffodil species to the British Isles and these apparently formed the first of many modern hybrids. There is reported to have been originally 24 distinct kinds, mostly species although some early natural hybrids may have been present. Each species has a preferred habitat, altitude and climate, though many are adaptable and tolerant of a wide range of conditions. It is these characteristics that have made the daffodil such a widely cultivated bulb.
More recently, their popularity and fanatical following has seen recognition by the Royal Horticultural Society of 89 species, 31 sub-species, 100 varieties and 72 hybrids! The RHS daffodil register has over 26,000 listed names due to more than 150 years of crossing selections and species. It seems the most problematic thing about Narcissus is choosing one. The Diggers Club have many selections available.
Flowering times may vary according to locality and season as they are temperature and weather dependant. They are grouped as flowering Very Early (June and July), Early (first half August), Early-Mid (last half August), Mid (first half September), Late (last half September) and Very Late (October).
Early Season Flowering
Jonquil ‘Grand Soliel d’Or’ – A frost hardy, early flowering variety bearing 10-20 scented flowers, each adorned with a small tangerine cup surrounded by gold petals. Grows to about 45cm tall.
Jonquil ‘Paper White’ – This little beauty is an early flowering variety in late winter to early spring. It is frost tolerant and bears clusters of up to 10 strongly fragrant glistening white blooms up to 35cm.
Narcissus orientalis – A heavenly fragrant variety which produces 5-10 small flowers per stem, each adorned with a golden yellow cup and pure paper white petals to 45cm tall. This variety is well suited to early forcing indoors for a lovely winter display inside as it is frost tender.
Narcissus ‘Magnifique’ – An early flowering King Alfred style daffodil that will make a statement with large bright yellow petals and matching frilled trumpets to herald the coming warmer weather.
Narcissus ‘Winter Waltz’ – An early flowering floriferous miniature hybrid to 20cm, with reflexed white petals and a long slender buff-pink trumpet.
Narcissus x cyclaminus ‘Tete a tete’ – Dainty and long-lasting buttercup-yellow petals, slightly reflexed from deeper yellow cups, are a feature of this frost hardy early miniature to 20cm. Perfection in a pot.
Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ – A highly romantic double daffodil to 40cm. The ruffled flowers resemble peonies with clusters of soft white blooms with ivory centres. It boasts 6-8 flowers per stem and can be forced indoors for winter blooms inside. In contrast to other Narcissi, do not cut this flower until in full bloom.
Mid Season Flowering
Narcissus bulbocodium – Hoop Petticoat Yellow is a delicate miniature bulb often used at the front of a border. It is frost hardy and displays perfect 3.5cm funnel-shaped petticoats in deep yellow with fine foliage.
Narcissus ‘Marieke’ – Thought to be amongst the strongest of the golden trumpet daffodils and reaching 50cm tall, this 1986 hybrid from Konijnenburg and Mark sports huge yellow blooms, which are held firmly on strong stems for several weeks. This variety naturalises easily and is a prolific flowerer.
Narcissus triandrus ‘Thalia’ – Commonly known as the ‘orchid daffodil’ due to their glorious large ivory flowers appearing in pairs or trios. The blooms have narrow, reflexed slightly twisted petals and open cups and are a true heirloom dating back to 1916. This frost hardy bulb is ideally used to accentuate favourite garden focal points with a height of 30cm.
Narcissus ‘Art Design’ – Beautifully scented unique double blooms in ruffled shades of pale yellow and blushing pink inner segments with greenish yellow petals. These flowers would be at home on the set of Strictly Ballroom! A very romantic daffodil.
Narcissus ‘Art Perfume’ – Luscious double blooms accompanied by a heady fragrance. The soft yellow petals deepen to a dark yellow at their base and surround an orange-yellow ruffled corona. This daffodil stands at 40cm tall.
Narcissus ’Fortissimo’ – A robust daffodil possessing giant blooms. They feature brilliant lemon-yellow petals and a bright orange funnel-shaped corona with a fluted rim. An excellent cut flowers.
Narcissus ‘Pink Charm’ – A thoroughly modern free flowering variety with glistening white petals surrounding a frilled white trumpet with salmon pink edges. It also happens to be frost hardy.
Narcissus ‘Monarque’ – A tall highly perfumed variety with very large round bunches of up to 10 white petalled florets with butter-yellow cups.
Late Season Flowering
Narcissus ‘Sir Winston Churchill’ – A beautiful double form of Narcissus ‘Geranium’, the flowers on this daffodil has firm white outer petals with mixed white and saffron inner petals and grows to 40cm.
Narcissus ‘Yazz’ – A tall growing daffodil with a strong, earthy scent. This beauty’s flowers possess slightly ruffled outer petals that resemble vintage lace. They frame a warm gold trumpet, tipped with a soft apricot undulating rim.
Narcissus ‘Geranium’ – This frost hardy daffodil bears up to six scented glistening white flowers to 5cm across with bright orange-red cups and grows to 35cm.
Autumn-Winter Flowering
Narcissus ‘New Glory' – Blooms with creamy white petals and a lemon cup fading to near white with age in autumn. The flowers carry a stunning, yet not over-powering scent on 40cm tall stems.
Narcissus ‘Innisidgen’ – A late autumn to early winter bloomer carrying primrose yellow petals with a pale orange cup. It has a delicate fragrance and stands at 40cm.