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Bulbs
Narcissus ssp.
daffodil
AmaryllidaceaeEurope, Africa
At a Glance
TypeBulb
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height6–20 inches (15–50 cm)
Width4–6 inches (10–15 cm)
Maturity1 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
3 - 9Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Container Friendly
Maintenancevery low
Overview
Narcissus is a genus of spring-flowering bulbs in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to meadows, rocky hillsides, scrub, and woodland edges in Europe — particularly the Iberian Peninsula — and North Africa, with the center of diversity in Spain and Portugal. The genus encompasses approximately 50 wild species and over 32,000 named cultivars organized into 13 Royal Horticultural Society horticultural divisions based on flower form, including trumpet, large-cupped, small-cupped, double, triandrus, cyclamineus, jonquilla, tazetta, poeticus, bulbocodium, split-corona, and species types. All share the characteristic flower structure of six spreading petal-like tepals surrounding a central corona or trumpet. Colors range from white through all shades of yellow, orange, and pink; bicolors are common. Narcissus are among the most reliable and permanent of all spring bulbs in Pacific Northwest gardens, naturalizing readily in grass, under deciduous trees, and in borders. All parts — particularly the bulbs — are toxic to pets and humans and contain calcium oxalate and lycorine, which cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia. Rodents and deer avoid them, making them especially valuable where other bulbs are predated. Early varieties bloom in February, late varieties in April; a well-chosen succession provides eight to ten weeks of continuous bloom.
Native Range
Wild Narcissus species are native primarily to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), with additional species in southern France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, North Africa (Morocco, Algeria), and extending east to the Caucasus and central Asia. The center of species diversity is in the mountains and meadows of Spain and Portugal. Not native to North America; widely naturalized in temperate regions worldwide.Suggested Uses
Daffodils are among the most rewarding and permanent spring bulbs for Pacific Northwest gardens, naturalizing freely under deciduous trees, in grass, along borders, and in any well-drained position. Plant in generous drifts of 25 or more for natural effect; mix early, mid, and late cultivars for an extended season from February to April. The full rodent- and deer-resistance of all Narcissus makes them especially valuable where other bulbs are damaged by voles, squirrels, or deer. Fragrant cultivars — jonquilla hybrids and N. 'Thalia' — are particularly valuable near paths and windows. Combine with Muscari, Erythronium, Scilla, and Tulipa for a diverse spring bulb display. Do not mix Narcissus with other cut flowers in the same vase — Narcissus sap is toxic to other flowers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Colors
Flower Colors
yellow
white
orange
pink
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
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Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow, white, orange, pink, or bicolor; six spreading tepals surrounding a central trumpet or cup-shaped coronaFoliage Description
Basal, strap-shaped to cylindrical, glaucous gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 3-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandclay
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Low
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
1 year
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant Narcissus bulbs in autumn, September through November, at a depth of two to three times the bulb diameter — typically 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) deep — in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. In Pacific Northwest gardens, Narcissus perform best in full sun but tolerate the partial shade of deciduous trees since they bloom before leaf-out. Drainage is important; bulbs in waterlogged soil will rot. Space 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) apart in groups of at least five to seven for natural effect. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally for a minimum of six weeks — do not tie, braid, or cut green leaves — to allow bulbs to store energy for the following year. Lift and divide overcrowded clumps every four to five years in summer for best performance. All parts toxic; wear gloves when handling.Pruning
Deadhead spent flowers by snapping off the flower head at the base of the stem — this prevents seed set and directs energy back to the bulb. Do not remove or cut back the foliage until it has died back naturally and turns yellow — a minimum of six weeks after flowering, typically by late June in Pacific Northwest gardens. Removing green foliage prematurely weakens bulbs and reduces next year's flowering. Lift and divide clumps in summer dormancy every four to five years when flowering becomes sparse.Pruning Schedule
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Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons