About
Narcissus 'Empress of Ireland' (Division 1) is a classic, large-flowered trumpet daffodil to 40 cm with broad, overlapping, pure-white perianth segments and a long, white trumpet that flares widely. One of the finest all-white trumpet daffodils for borders and cutting.
About the genus
Narcissus are bulbous perennials with strap-shaped leaves and leafless stems bearing solitary or clustered flowers, each with six spreading perianth segments and a central cup or trumpet-shaped corona. A classic spring bulb for borders, naturalising and cutting.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toN Portugal, NW & NC Spain
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, tortoises): Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationPlant at one and a half to two times its own depth in autumn. Will tolerate most soils but prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is constantly moist during the growing season. See daffodil cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead as flowers fade and allow the leaves to die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by removing offsets as the leaves fade in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, narcissus bulb fly, narcissus eelworm, and bulb scale mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to narcissus basal rot, narcissus leaf scorch or daffodil viruses