About
Narcissus poeticus (Division 13), the pheasant's eye, is a clump-forming daffodil to 45 cm with strap-like, grey-green leaves and solitary, intensely fragrant flowers in late spring with long, pure-white perianth segments and a small, flat, yellow cup with a distinctive narrow red rim. One of the most fragrant of all daffodils � excellent 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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden
Native toSW Europe
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 at one and a half to two times its 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 further advice
PruningCut down or remove leaves when they have turned yellow approximately 6 weeks after flowering
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