About
Napoleona vogellii is an evergreen shrub or small tree from tropical West Africa producing the characteristic distinctive, many-petalled flowers of the genus. A rewarding botanical curiosity for a warm, frost-free garden or heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Napoleona are evergreen shrubs and small trees from tropical West Africa producing highly unusual, many-petalled flowers. Grown as botanical curiosities in warm, frost-free gardens and heated glasshouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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
CultivationTolerates most soils but prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is constantly moist during the growing season. Plant bulbs at one and a half to twice their own depth in autumn. See daffodil cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead as flowers fade and allow the leaves to die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by removing offsets as the leaves fade in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, large narcissus bulb fly, narcissus eelworm and bulb scale mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to narcissus basal rot, narcissus leaf scorch or daffodil viruses