Overview
Narcissus biflorus is a bulbous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae family, considered a natural hybrid between N. poeticus and N. tazetta, though it has been treated as a species in older literature. Plants grow 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) tall from a tunicate bulb 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) in diameter. Leaves are strap-shaped, glaucous grey-green, 8–14 inches (20–35 cm) long and 0.3–0.5 inch (8–12 mm) wide, emerging in late winter. Each stem (scape) typically bears two (occasionally one or three) fragrant flowers — the basis for the epithet biflorus. Flowers are 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across with six white perianth segments (tepals) and a small, shallow, cup-shaped corona 0.3 inch (8 mm) across, pale yellow fading to cream. Fragrance is sweet, similar to N. poeticus, perceptible from 3–5 feet (1–1.5 m). The species has been cultivated in European gardens since at least the 16th century and has naturalised in parts of Britain, France, and the eastern United States. It is one of the oldest narcissus in cultivation — references appear in the herbal literature from the 1570s. Bulbs naturalise freely in undisturbed ground, forming dense colonies over decades. All parts contain the alkaloid lycorine and other toxins — poisonous if ingested, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Contact with cut stems and sap causes contact dermatitis ("daffodil itch") in sensitive individuals.
Native Range
Narcissus biflorus likely originated as a natural hybrid in the western Mediterranean region where the ranges of N. poeticus and N. tazetta overlap — southern France, Italy, and the Iberian Peninsula. It has been naturalised in the British Isles since at least the 16th century and in parts of eastern North America since the colonial period.Suggested Uses
Planted in borders, orchards, and naturalised in grassland and beneath deciduous trees. Space bulbs 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) apart in informal drifts of 15–25+ for a naturalistic effect. Among the most reliable daffodils for long-term naturalisation — colonies persist for decades in undisturbed ground. The fragrance and late bloom extend the narcissus season by 2–3 weeks beyond early types.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'4"
Width/Spread3" - 4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers open in April in the Pacific Northwest, approximately 2–3 weeks after early trumpet daffodils and overlapping with N. poeticus. Each flower lasts 7–10 days. Bloom period spans 2–3 weeks. Fragrance is most noticeable in warm, still afternoon air. Pollinated by bees, though most reproduction in cultivation is vegetative via daughter bulbs.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with pale yellow coronaFoliage Description
Glaucous grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Plant bulbs 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep and 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) apart in autumn, in full sun to partial shade in moist but well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Tolerates a wide range of soil types including moderately heavy clay. Water during the growing season if rainfall is insufficient; allow soil to dry during summer dormancy. Do not remove foliage until it has yellowed naturally (typically 6 weeks after bloom) — premature removal reduces bulb reserves for the following year. Feed with a bulb fertiliser or bone meal at planting and again in early spring as shoots emerge. Bulbs will multiply steadily, forming dense clumps — lift and divide every 5–7 years when flowering declines due to overcrowding.Pruning
No pruning required. Remove spent flower stems at the base after bloom to redirect energy to the bulb. Leave foliage in place until it yellows and collapses naturally, then remove. In lawn plantings, delay the first mow until 6 weeks after flowering.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons