About
Flowers are strongly scented and characteristic, with narrow, olive-green, swept back petals, and are produced in clusters of up to five to a stem in autumn. A bulbous perennial, up to 35cm high, with one or two, narrow rush-like green leaves. In years when flowers are produced, the bulbs may not produce any leaves.
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, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toSW Spain, Morocco
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
CultivationThrives in rich, well-drained soil in full sun. This species benefits from being kept relatively warm and almost dry while dormant. Best grown in containers that can be protected or moved indoors over winter
PruningDeadhead as flowers fade. Allow the leaves to die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division, or by chipping. See bulb propagation for details
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