Narcissus bulbocodium
The well-named hoop petticoat daffodil charms everyone at Rosemoor where we have naturalised it in our banks and meadows along with N. cyclamineus AGM.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- Hoop petticoat daffodil
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Height & spread
- 20 x 10cm (8in x 4in)
- Form
- Bulbous perennial
- Soil
- Well-drained, moderately fertile, light soil, kept moist in the growing season. Best in a wet position on acid soil.
- Aspect
- Full sun or partial shade
- Hardiness
- Hardy
Narcissus
This is a genus of around 150 species of bulbous perennials from Europe and North Africa and is one of the most popular flowers in the world. Its name derives from the Greek Mythological character, Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection and died. Legend has it that in the place of his death, yellow daffodils sprung forth and were hence named after him.
Narcissus grows in meadows, woodland, river silts and rock crevasses from sea-level to sub-alpine altitudes. Thousands of cultivars have been developed providing a huge range of size, colour, shape and form. This genus is grown for its striking often scented flowers which are borne in spring. Some cultivars flower in autumn and winter.
Narcissus is an excellent cut flower and mostly cultivated in the Channel Islands, the Isles of Scilly, Great Britain and Holland.
Leafless stems bear between one and 20 inflorescence each with six spreading petals which surround the central corona. Colour varies greatly, but most Narcissus flowers are yellow or white and have red, orange or pink trumpets.
The leaves grow from the base of the plant, are strap like or cylindrical and 15-75cm in length depending on the species.
Narcissus is very versatile in its planting position. It can be grown amongst shrubs in a border, in meadows, woodland, lawns and containers. Some of the smaller species are suitable for the rock garden, although some, like N. cantabricus, N. romieuxii and N. rupicola will need extra protection in an alpine house.
For horticultural purposes, Narcissus has been split into 13 divisions, each with distinctive features.
Narcissus bulbocodium
Narcissus bulbocodium is a delicate low-growing daffodil. The Royal Horticultural Society has awarded it an Award of Garden Merit (AGM) in recognition of its excellence in cultivation. In mid-spring, it produces funnel-shaped, pale to deep yellow flowers 3.5cm across with wide inflated trumpets and insignificant, pointed petals. The flower is reminiscent of a hoop petticoat caught in the wind, hence its common name.
The leaves of N. bulbocodium are slender, semi-cylindrical and dark green10-40cm long.
It makes a striking specimen plant for an alpine display house or cool glasshouse. Blooms can last up to two to three weeks, adding cheerfulness to overcast winter days. It is suitable for naturalising in damp, rough grass that dries out in summer.
Cultivation
- Plant bulbs one and a half their own depth in autumn.
- Prefers a moderately fertile soil with good drainage. Moisture retention is important during the growing season.
- Dead head flowers.
- Allow foliage to die down for at least six weeks after flowers have faded before cutting back. Although unsightly, the leaves are generating valuable energy that will be used for next year’s flowers.
Propagation
- Detach ‘daughter’ bulbs from the mother and replant as leaves fade in early summer. Alternatively, division can be undertaken from August to November before new roots are produced.
AGM
The RHS Daffodil and Tulip Committee awarded Narcissus bulbocodium an Award of Garden Merit and described it as a:
'Dwarf bulbous perennial to 15cm tall, with slender, dark green leaves and golden yellow flowers with large, funnel-shaped trumpets and very narrow perianth segments.'