About
A small bulbous perennial with dark green, linear leaves and pale yellow, funnel-shaped flowers with narrow perianth segments, borne on stems to 12cm in height between late autumn and 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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Bulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toNW Africa
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
CultivationGrow in a cold greenhouse, bulb frame or alpine house in free-draining compost (e.g. 2 parts peat-free, loam-based compost to 1 part grit). Allow to dry out completely during summer dormancy, repotting into damp compost in early autumn. See also daffodil cultivation
PruningDeadhead as flowers fade and allow the leaves to die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by seed sown as soon as ripe in a container in a cold frame, or by separating offsets in early autumn before the roots start to grow
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to narcissus basal rot, narcissus leaf scorch and a virus. See daffodil viruses
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to narcissus basal rot, narcissus leaf scorch or daffodil viruses