Narcissus papyraceus (13)
paper-white daffodil
N. papyraceus is 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
Other common names
paper-white narcissus
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Grey Silver Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | White | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.