Narcissus poeticus var. hellenicus (13)

Synonyms

Narcissus hellenicus

Bulbs

A bulbous perennial up to 60cm tall, with dark green, linear leaves. The flowers appear in spring with white petals which are slightly flexed back to display a greeny yellow centre edged in red, and have an intensely sweet fragrance

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
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
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

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 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
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

The planting depth should be equivalent to three times the bulb's height. Bulbs are best planted in autumn but can also be moved in the green in spring after flowering. They will tolerate most soils but prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is constantly moist during the growing season. 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
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

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