Narcissus × incomparabilis
nonesuch daffodil
Overview
Narcissus x incomparabilis, the nonesuch daffodil, is a hybrid between N. poeticus and N. pseudonarcissus, grown from a bulb. It produces strap-shaped grey-green basal leaves 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) long and a flowering stem of similar height bearing a single flower. The flower is 2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm) across, with yellow petals around a cup about half the length of the petals, ranging yellow to orange. Bloom comes in mid-spring, from March to April, between the early trumpet daffodils and the late poet's narcissus. The bulbs are dormant through summer and resume root growth in autumn. Plants naturalise in grass and form clumps over years. After flowering, the foliage dies down naturally over six to eight weeks, drawing reserves into the bulb and leaving fading leaves in the meantime. All parts contain toxic alkaloids, and the bulbs are poisonous if eaten.
Native Range
Narcissus x incomparabilis is of hybrid origin in southwestern Europe, where its parent species N. poeticus and N. pseudonarcissus overlap. It is found naturalised in meadows and on grassy slopes across western and central Europe.Suggested Uses
Used for naturalising in grass, in mixed borders, and under deciduous trees and shrubs. The bulbs are planted in drifts for mid-spring colour and cut for indoor arrangements. Clumps are spaced 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread4" - 6"
Bloom Information
Flowers open in mid-spring, from March to April, one per stem. Each bloom lasts one to two weeks in cool weather. Flowering falls between the early trumpet daffodils and the later poet's narcissus.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow with yellow-orange cupFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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
Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil of average fertility, tolerating a soil pH from 6.0 to 7.5. Water needs are medium during spring growth and low through summer dormancy, when drier soil suits the resting bulbs. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8, the bulbs withstand winter cold in the ground. Bulbs are planted in autumn about 6 inches (15 cm) deep and 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) apart. Crowded clumps are lifted and divided in summer after the foliage dies back. All parts contain toxic alkaloids.Pruning
Spent flowers are removed to prevent seed formation, while the leaves are left until they yellow and die down. Foliage is cleared once fully withered, about six to eight weeks after bloom. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons