Narcissus × medioluteus
primrose-peerless
Overview
Narcissus x medioluteus, primrose-peerless, is a naturally occurring hybrid between N. poeticus and N. tazetta, grown from a bulb. It produces strap-shaped basal leaves 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) long and flowering stems of similar height. Each stem carries two to four fragrant flowers, unlike the single bloom of many daffodils. The flowers are 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across, with white petals surrounding a short, shallow cup of pale to deeper yellow. Bloom comes in late spring, from April to May, later than most large-trumpet daffodils. The bulbs are dormant through summer and resume growth in autumn. Plants naturalise in grass and spread slowly into clumps over years. After bloom, the foliage dies down naturally over several weeks, drawing reserves back into the bulb and leaving an untidy clump in the meantime. All parts contain toxic alkaloids, and the bulbs are poisonous if eaten.
Native Range
Narcissus x medioluteus is of hybrid origin in southern Europe, where its parent species N. poeticus and N. tazetta overlap. It is found naturalised in meadows and grassy places across the Mediterranean region and beyond.Suggested Uses
Used for naturalising in grass, in mixed borders, and under deciduous trees and shrubs. The bulbs are planted in drifts for late-spring bloom and cut for fragrant 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 late spring, from April to May, later than most trumpet daffodils. Each stem holds two to four fragrant blooms that last one to two weeks. After flowering, the foliage persists for several weeks before dying down.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with yellow cupFoliage Description
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. A soil pH from 6.0 to 7.5 is suitable. Water needs are medium during growth in spring and low through summer dormancy, when the bulbs prefer drier soil. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8, the bulbs withstand winter cold in the ground. Bulbs are planted in autumn at about 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Crowded clumps can be lifted and divided in summer once the foliage has died back. All parts contain toxic alkaloids.Pruning
Spent flowers are removed to prevent seed formation, while the leaves are left in place until they yellow and die down. Foliage is cleared away once fully withered. 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