Overview

Narcissus 'Microphone' (4) is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Narcissus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Narcissus 'Microphone' (4) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Narcissus 'Microphone' is a clump-forming bulbous narcissus that produces spring flowers from February to April. It carries deciduous foliage and suits sites in full sun or partial shade. The bulbs tolerate a wide range of soils, from chalk to clay and sand, provided drainage is reasonable. Plants are rated H6, so they are very hardy in UK gardens.

About the genus

Narcissus is a genus of predominantly spring flowering perennial plants of the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae. Various common names including daffodil, narcissus, and jonquil, are used to describe some or all members of the genus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Narcissus (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Narcissus (plant)

In the garden

Narcissus 'Microphone' is a bulbous cultivar of Narcissus that forms neat clumps and flowers in the main spring period, from February to April. The shoots die back after flowering as the foliage goes deciduous, so allow leaves to ripen before removing them to feed the bulbs for the following year. Its flowering window makes it a useful early-spring accent where a splash of seasonal bloom is wanted. Place the bulbs in full sun or partial shade. They will grow in chalk, clay, loam or sand and cope with acid, alkaline or neutral pH, provided the soil is moist but well-drained rather than waterlogged. Aspects from north to west are all acceptable and the plants tolerate both exposed and more sheltered sites. The H6 rating indicates the bulbs are very hardy and will survive typical UK winter conditions without special protection. Where space allows, plant several bulbs together for a stronger display; they perform equally well in borders, cottage or informal beds, courtyards and containers. Use under roses and shrubs where early colour is needed, or lift stems for cut flowers. Allow the foliage to die back naturally to replenish the bulb before clearing the area for summer planting.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Narcissus

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Narcissus 'Microphone' (4) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Bulbs

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Narcissus 'Microphone' (4)

Propagation

Removing offsets as the leaves fade in early summer

Pest resistance

Slugs, Narcissus bulb fly, Narcissus eelworm, Bulb scale mite

Disease resistance

Narcissus basal rot, Narcissus leaf scorch, Daffodil viruses

Frequently asked questions

More in the Narcissus genus

• 
  Narcissusdaffodil
• 
  Narcissus 'Willems Choice' (1)
• 
  Narcissus 'Zaragoza' (4)
• 
  Narcissus varduliensis (13)
• Narcissus 'Aventura' (2)
• Narcissus 'Belize' (2)
• Narcissus 'Double Itzim' (4)
• Narcissus 'Jack Sparrow' (6)