Narcissus
( nar - SISS - us )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of flowering perennials, also known as Daffodil or Jonquil, need full sun during their blooming periods and partial shade afterwards if they are being grown in warmer climates. They also require regular water during their growth and blooming periods, and are not eaten by deer or gophers. They are native to Europe and North Africa. Daffodils increase in number year over year, growing to form colonies of beautiful flowers in various colors. All blooms have the same basic structure: six outer petal-like segments, also called perianths that are held flat outside of the corona, or inner segment. Flowers can be single or borne in clusters, and most are colored in white and/or yellow with reds, oranges, apricots, and creams as secondary colors. Daffodils do wonderfully in containers, in planter beds, and make great additions to cut flower gardens.
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Narcissus Species and Varietals
The genus Narcissus is a member of the plant family Amaryllidaceae and includes Daffodils are generally divided into thirteen groups, depending on their makeup and habit. These groups are described below, along with a few choice examples of each. They grow best in zones A2, A3 and 1-24, though this can vary somewhat depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Trumpet Daffodils
This group of Daffodil have long, protruding coronae and produce one flower per stem.
This group of Daffodil have long, protruding coronae and produce one flower per stem.
Large-Cupped Daffodils
Center cup is at least a third of the length of perianth segments.
Center cup is at least a third of the length of perianth segments.
Small-Cupped Daffodils
The cup of this group does not exceed more than a third of the length of the outer perianth segments. One flower is produced per stem.
The cup of this group does not exceed more than a third of the length of the outer perianth segments. One flower is produced per stem.
Double Daffodils
These flowers look more like Peonies rather than Daffodils, with center cups that have segments that are separate rather than joined together. This group can have either single flowers or stems with more than one bloom.
These flowers look more like Peonies rather than Daffodils, with center cups that have segments that are separate rather than joined together. This group can have either single flowers or stems with more than one bloom.
Triandrus Hybrid Daffodils
This group of Daffodils includes hybrids with cups that reach at least two thirds of the outer segment length. There are several flowers per stem.
This group of Daffodils includes hybrids with cups that reach at least two thirds of the outer segment length. There are several flowers per stem.
Cyclamineus Hybrid Daffodils
This group of hybrid Daffodils is characterized by their early blooming season and recurved outer perianth segments.
This group of hybrid Daffodils is characterized by their early blooming season and recurved outer perianth segments.
Jonquilla Hybrid Daffodils
This group of hybrid Daffodils has much smaller flowers than others, with two to four blooms per stem.
This group of hybrid Daffodils has much smaller flowers than others, with two to four blooms per stem.
Tazetta Daffodils and Tazetta Hybrid Daffodils
This group grows well in zones 5-24 and has very fragrant flowers, borne four to eight per stem. Cups on these flowers are short.
This group grows well in zones 5-24 and has very fragrant flowers, borne four to eight per stem. Cups on these flowers are short.
Poeticus Daffodils
The perianth segments on these flowers are very short, and surround a broad central cup of a contrasting color. This group is comprised of some very fragrant selections.
The perianth segments on these flowers are very short, and surround a broad central cup of a contrasting color. This group is comprised of some very fragrant selections.
Bulbocodium Hybrids
Perianth segments are thread-like in these interesting hybrids.
Perianth segments are thread-like in these interesting hybrids.
Other Species, Varieties and Hybrids
This group includes many naturally occurring forms and wild hybrids. Some types are even great for rock gardens miniature additions to container plantings. The two following species are the most prominently recognized in this group.
This group includes many naturally occurring forms and wild hybrids. Some types are even great for rock gardens miniature additions to container plantings. The two following species are the most prominently recognized in this group.
Narcissus bulbocodium (Hoop Petticoat Daffodil)
This species grows best in zones 3-24 and has 6 inch tall stems sprouting from grassy foliage that hold a few small yellow flowers with thread-like perianth segments. |
Narcissus jonquilia (Jonquil)
This species has very fragrant golden flowers with shortened center cups. Two to six blooms are held on each 1-foot tall stem. |
Split-Corona Hybrid Daffodils
This group of hybrids is characterized by cups that are split for at least a third of their length into two or more segments. This is a small class of Daffodils, but more hybrids are being created with these characteristics.
This group of hybrids is characterized by cups that are split for at least a third of their length into two or more segments. This is a small class of Daffodils, but more hybrids are being created with these characteristics.
Miscellaneous Daffodil Varieties
This group contains all types of Daffodils that don't quite fit as nicely into the above categories.
This group contains all types of Daffodils that don't quite fit as nicely into the above categories.
'Tete-a-Tete'
A rock garden dwarf variety that reaches about 6 inches in height. |
'Tiny Bubbles'
A fragrant choice for a rock garden; grows to about 6 inches tall. |
Caring for Narcissus
Withhold water during summer months unless you are in a particularly warm area. They only need infrequent division (they can survive without it). Plant bulbs in mid- to late-fall when soil temperatures have started to cool down in an area that gets full sun, or beneath high-branching trees in warmer locations. Provide with well-draining soil; otherwise, Daffodils are not picky. Set bulbs 5-6 inches deep (for larger bulbs) or 3-5 inches deep (for smaller bulbs), spacing them 6=8 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting. Rainfall is usually enough to keep Daffodils watered, but provide extra water if your area is not getting much rainfall through the winter months, or if you see the leaves of your Daffodil beginning to yellow. Pruning is minimal; plants can be deadheaded after the bloom fades, but foliage should be left untouched. After foliage has yellowed and the plant is going into dormancy, foliage can be cut back to the ground, Mulch around the top and leave over summer.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Narcissus Bulb Fly
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 000 - 000, Name
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