About
This variable species with upright, grey-green leaves, up to 50cm long, and nodding flowers, up to 7cm across, with yellow trumpets and narrow, twisted, cream petals, produced in early spring.
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
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden
Native toS Europe
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 bulbs at one and a half to two times their own depth in autumn. Will tolerate most soils but prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is constantly moist during the growing season. Good for naturalising. See also daffodil cultivation
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