Narcissus papyraceus (13)

RHS Plant Profile
paper-white daffodil

Other common names

paper-white narcissus

Synonyms

Narcissus 'Paper White'
Narcissus papyraceus
Narcissus tazetta subsp. papyraceus

Bulbs Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A bulbous perennial, to 35cm tall, with narrow, blue-green leaves and clusters of up to 10 strongly-scented, pure white flowers in late winter and early spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eatenskin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, tortoises): Harmful if eatenskin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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
Name Status
Correct
Horticultural Group
Division 13 daffodils include all natural species and their varieties and forms
Plant Range
Mediterranean, SW Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant at one and a half to two times its own depth in autumn. Prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is constantly moist during the growing season. Will survive outdoors in mild areas, or may be grown in containers under cover. See daffodil cultivation and bulbs for Christmas flowering for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by removing offsets as the leaves fade in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Deadhead as flowers fade and allow the leaves to die down naturally

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, narcissus bulb fly, narcissus eelworm, and bulb scale mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to narcissus basal rot, narcissus leaf scorch or daffodil viruses