Narcissus 'King Alfred'
king alfred daffodil
Garden cultivar registered in England; genus native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia
Overview
Narcissus 'King Alfred' is a bulbous herbaceous perennial reaching 16–20 inches (40–50 cm) tall and 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) wide per bulb, spreading into clumps over time through offset production. The cultivar is a Division 1 trumpet daffodil registered by John Kendall in England in 1899. Each stem carries a single golden-yellow flower 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) across with a long flared trumpet that measures as long as or slightly longer than the six perianth segments — the trumpet geometry defines Division 1. Bloom occurs in March–April, mid-season among daffodils, opening 1–2 weeks after Division 6 Cyclamineus hybrids such as Narcissus 'February Gold' and Narcissus 'Jack Snipe'. Leaves are basal, strap-shaped, 10–16 inches (25–40 cm) long, gray-green, and die back 6 or more weeks after flowering. Much of the commercial bulb trade sells similar-looking Division 1 cultivars such as Narcissus 'Dutch Master' or Narcissus 'Golden Harvest' under the 'King Alfred' name — the true 1899 clone has become scarce in commerce, and bulbs labeled 'King Alfred' at retail are generally the substitute cultivars rather than the original selection. Established clumps persist and multiply over 20–40 years without division. Growth rate is moderate; bulbs reach flowering maturity the year after autumn planting. Hardy to USDA zone 3. All parts — especially the bulbs — contain lycorine and other alkaloids; ingestion causes vomiting, salivation, and contact dermatitis in pets, livestock, and humans.
Native Range
The genus Narcissus spp. is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Narcissus 'King Alfred' is a garden cultivar — a Division 1 trumpet daffodil — registered by John Kendall in England in 1899. Commercial bulb stock sold under this name is frequently the later cultivars Narcissus 'Dutch Master' or Narcissus 'Golden Harvest'.Suggested Uses
Planted in borders, drifts of 20–50 bulbs, under deciduous trees, and naturalized in lawns and meadows at 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) spacing and 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep. The 16–20 inch (40–50 cm) stem height and 4–5 inch (10–13 cm) flower size place this cultivar at the upper end of the scale range for common garden daffodils. Established clumps persist and multiply for 20–40 years without intervention. Buyers seeking the original 1899 clone should source from specialist historic-bulb nurseries rather than general retail, where stock labeled 'King Alfred' is usually substitute Division 1 cultivars such as 'Dutch Master'. The 6-week post-bloom foliage ripening period leaves yellowing leaves visible into May–June; interplanting with later-emerging perennials such as Hosta spp. or Hemerocallis spp. screens the fading foliage. All parts of Narcissus spp. are toxic to pets, livestock, and humans if ingested.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Single golden-yellow flowers 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) across appear in March–April over a 2–3 week window per planting. The trumpet measures as long as or slightly longer than the perianth segments, placing the cultivar in Division 1. Bloom is mid-season among daffodils, opening 1–2 weeks after Division 6 Cyclamineus hybrids such as 'February Gold' and 'Jack Snipe'.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Uniform golden-yellow; single flower 4-5 inches across with a long flared trumpet as long as or slightly longer than the perianth segments; March-AprilFoliage Description
Gray-green; basal, strap-shaped, 10-16 inches long; dies back 6 or more weeks after bloomGrowing 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
Plant bulbs 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep at 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) spacing in full sun to partial shade with 4–10 hours of direct light, in well-drained loam, sandy loam, or silt at pH 6.0–7.0. Autumn planting between September and November, 6–8 weeks before the ground freezes, gives the bulbs time to root before winter. Water in after planting and keep soil moist through establishment; bulbs are drought-tolerant once established. Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally for at least 6 weeks after flowering. Divide congested clumps every 5–8 years in early summer after foliage dies back, when flower count per stem drops below 80–90% of peak. Hardy to USDA zone 3.Pruning
Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally for 6 or more weeks after flowering. Do not cut, braid, or tie the leaves while they are still green — this reduces photosynthate production and weakens bulbs for the next season. Remove yellowed foliage when it detaches from the bulb with gentle pulling. Deadhead spent flower stems at the base of the stalk to prevent seed formation and direct energy into bulb storage.Pruning Schedule
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F
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M
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late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons