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Narcissus
daffodil
Europe and North Africa — Mediterranean basin, Iberian Peninsula, and northwestern Africa; meadows, woodlands, and rocky slopes
Overview
Narcissus spp. spp. is daffodil (narcissus), a bulbous perennial growing 6-20 inches (15-50 cm) tall and 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) wide. Flowers with 6 spreading tepals surrounding a central trumpet or cup-shaped corona in yellow, white, orange, pink, or bicolor from February through April (10-week succession across cultivars). Glaucous gray-green strap-shaped basal leaves 8-18 inches (20-45 cm). In Amaryllidaceae spp.. About 50 species and over 25,000 registered cultivars classified into 13 divisions by the Royal Horticultural Society. Native to Europe and North Africa. Naturalizes freely by bulb offsets. Contains lycorine — all parts are toxic if ingested, and the alkaloid content makes the bulbs unappealing to squirrels and deer (squirrel-proof, unlike tulips and crocus). The foliage must be allowed to yellow naturally for at least 6 weeks after bloom — do not cut, braid, or tie green leaves. This 6-week foliage maturation period and the floppy dying foliage are the primary aesthetic limitations. Many cultivars are fragrant (especially Tazetta and Jonquilla divisions). Plant 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep in fall. Zones 3-9. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to Europe and North Africa — Mediterranean basin, Iberian Peninsula, and northwestern Africa. Found in meadows, woodlands, and rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Grown naturalized in lawns, under deciduous trees, in borders, and in containers of at least 2 gallons (7.5 L), spaced 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). Plant in drifts. Squirrel-proof. Fragrant (many cultivars). Toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 3-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Late winter to mid spring (February-April). Flowers with 6 tepals and a central corona in yellow, white, orange, pink, or bicolor. 10-week succession across cultivar groups. Many divisions fragrant. Bee-visited. Naturalizes.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow, white, orange, pink, or bicolor; 6 spreading tepals surrounding a central trumpet or cup-shaped corona (the corona length relative to the tepals defines the 13 divisions); 1-20 flowers per stem depending on division; many cultivars are fragrantFoliage Description
Basal, strap-shaped to cylindrical, glaucous gray-green, 8-18 inches (20-45 cm); foliage dies back by early summerGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (3-10 hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5. Plant 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep in fall. Allow foliage to yellow naturally for 6+ weeks after bloom. Squirrel-proof (lycorine). Naturalizes. All parts toxic (lycorine). Deer-resistant. Zones 3-9.Pruning
Snap off spent flowers. Do not cut, braid, or tie green foliage — allow to yellow naturally for at least 6 weeks. Remove dead foliage after it withers (May-June).Pruning Schedule
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springlate spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons