About
Narcissus jonquilla (Division 13), the jonquil, is a bulbous perennial to 30 cm with long, slender, rush-like, dark-green leaves and clusters of very fragrant, small-cupped, deep-golden-yellow flowers 3 cm across in late spring. A classic and intensely fragrant species daffodil for borders and naturalising.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toW Mediterranean
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 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. See daffodil cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningDeadhead as flowers fade. Allow the leaves to die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by division, removing offsets as the leaves fade in early summer, or by chipping. See bulb propagation for more detailed advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, large narcissus bulb fly, narcissus eelworm, and bulb scale mite on bulbs forced for early flowering
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to narcissus basal rot, narcissus leaf scorch or daffodil viruses