Narcissus poeticus (13)
pheasant's eye
A clump-forming perennial daffodil to 45cm high, with straplike, grey-green leaves, producing solitary, scented flowers in late spring. Flowers have long white outer petals, and a small yellow cup with a narrow red rim
Other common names
pheasant's eye daffodilpheasant's eye narcissus
see morepoet's daffodil
poet's narcissus
Whitsun lily
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Yellow Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
- W Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant bulbs at one and a half to two times their own depth in autumn. Will tolerate most soils but prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is constantly moist during the growing season. See daffodil cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by division, removing offsets as the leaves fade in early summer, or by chipping. See bulb propagation for more detailed advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Deadhead as flowers fade. Allow the leaves to die down naturally
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, large narcissus bulb fly, narcissus eelworm, and bulb scale mite on bulbs forced for early flowering
Diseases
May be susceptible to narcissus basal rot, narcissus leaf scorch or daffodil viruses
Get involved
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