About

Derringer' is a bulbous perennial producing two to three scented, slightly-nodding flowers, each up to 7cm across, in mid-spring. The outer petals are a pale lemon-yellow, darkening towards their centre and base, and surround a short, deep, orange-yellow cup.

About the genus

Narcissus are bulbous herbaceous perennials with linear leaves and leafless stems bearing flowers, which may be solitary or in umbels, with 6 spreading perianth segments and a cup or trumpet-shaped corona

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow, City and courtyard gardens
FragranceFlower
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 after flowering 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