About
Narcissus nanus 'Little Beauty' is an early-flowering dwarf narcissus producing attractive, bi-coloured flowers with white perianth segments and a yellow trumpet on stems to around 15 cm. A charming and reliable cultivar for an alpine trough or the front of a border.
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
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toSW Europe, N Africa
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 times their own depth in autumn, slightly deeper in light soils and in grass, in well-drained preferably acidic soil that is reasonably moist in the growing season in spring, in full sun. See daffodil cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead as the flowers fade, but allow the leaves to die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe in deep containers in a cold frame, or by division: separate and replant offsets as the leaves fade in early summer, or in early autumn before new roots are produced
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