--> A spring-flowering bulb, Narcissus is the name of a genus which includes flower bulbs like Daffodils, Jonquils, Paperwhites and so forth. Narcissi (plural form of Narcissus) are easily grown from bulbs. The word Narcissus is derived from the Greek word narke, meaning numbness or stupor. Some attribute the naming of the flower to its narcotic fragrance while others debate that it is associated with the poisonous nature of the Narcissus bulbs.

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class

Liliopsida

Order

Asparagales

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Genus

Narcissus

Narcissus flowers are usually white or yellow and are characterized by a narrow, tubular base (hypanthium), three petals and three petallike sepals (the perianth), and a central cuplike appendage (the corona, cup, or crown) that may be of contrasting color.

Facts About Narcissus

• Narcissus is mostly native to the Mediterranean region, but a few species are found through central Asia to China.
• Without exception the most common Narcissus species found growing throughout America today were brought over from Europe by the early colonists and distributed westward by settlers from the East.
• Narcissus is mainly cultivated in the Channel Isles, the Isles of Sicilly, Great Britain and Holland.
• Narcissus flowers are available from November to April depending on the species. The typical Daffodil blooms in the early spring.

Narcissus Varieties

The genus Narcissus encompasses dozens of species, hybrids, varieties and forms. Jonquils, Daffodils, Paperwhites are the most popular varieties of Narcissus-

• Jonquils - They have dark green, round, rush-like leaves and cluster of small, fragrant, early, yellow blossoms.
• Daffodils - Without a doubt, modern large flowered daffodils are the most popular type of Narcissus planted today.
• Paperwhites - They are the early blooming Narcissus variety with white, powerfully fragrant, clustered flowers.

Common Name	Scientific Name	Description
Cyclamineus Daffodil	Narcissus cyclamineus	Cyclamineus Daffodils have nodding blooms with strongly reflexed perianths and long cups. Flowers come in a wide variety of shades of red, orange, yellow, green, white, and pink.
Double-Flowered Daffodil	Narcissus sp. double flowered cultivars	Double-Flowered Daffodil blooms have double numbers of perianth or corona segments, or double numbers of both. Flowers come in a wide variety of shades of red, orange, yellow, green, white, and pink.
Jonquil	Narcissus jonquilla	The most fragrant Narcissus, jonquils have small flowers made up of a small center cup (corona) surrounded by petals (perianth).
Poet's Narcissus, Poet's Flower, Pheasant's Eye Narcissus	Narcissus poeticus	In mid- to late spring, each stem of poet's Narcissus bears one fragrant flower featuring a small yellow central cup (corona) with a red edge, surrounded by white petals (perianth).
Tazetta Narcissus	Narcissus tazetta	Tazetta Narcissus plants bear many flowers per stem, nearly two dozen small flowers or up to four larger flowers. The flowers have open perianths and small cups.
Trumpet-Flowered Daffodil	Narcissus sp. trumpet flowered cultivars	Trumpet-Flowered Daffodils have blooms with flattened outer petals and trumpet shaped cups that flare from their base to a wide, open rim. Flowers come in a wide variety of shades of red, orange, yellow, green, white, and pink.
Hoop-petticoat Daffodil	Narcissus bulbocodium	Hoop-petticoat Daffodils are deer-resistant, small (6 inches or less) and bear bright yellow blooms with large cups and tiny, pointed perianths.
Triandrus Daffodil	Narcissus triandrus	Triandrus Daffodils usually have more than one flower per stem. Often the petals are reflexed, which means that they sweep backward as opposed to the faintly forward curve of the perianth in most daffodil classifications.
Paperwhite Narcissus	Narcissus tazetta papyraceous	Paperwhite narcissus are one of the easiest bulbs to force for cut flowers or ornamental displays in the home from December to March.
Campernelle jonquil	Narcissus odorus	A natural hybrid between the wild jonquil and the wild daffodil. It has two to three large, fragrant, yellow jonquil flowers.
Texas Star jonquil	Narcissus intermedius	It is a natural hybrid between the wild jonquil and the wild narcissus. It has short, pale yellow flowers .

Growing Narcissus

Bulbs are the main source of propagation for growing all the species of Narcisuus.

• Narcissus bulbs are very easy to grow. Narcissus require little maintenance. Still, if you could take some minimum care, Narcissus can be more vigorous and floriferous, and they'll multiply much more quickly, improving the show they provide each year.
• Soil & Site Selection - Narcissus grow almost anywhere, although it does prefer well-drained soils with a sunny or light shade environment. The Narcissus species types are more specific in their requirements.
• Planting Bulbs - Narcissus should be planted from August to November, the earlier the better, at a depth three times the height of the bulb in beds, borders and large containers. In lawns, Narcissus is best planted slightly deeper, at a depth of 15cm.
• Planting Associations - Narcissus looks good planted in borders or in naturalised drifts at the base of deciduous trees. Narcissus looks its best when planted in drifts of eight or more bulbs, which appears more natural.
• Deadheading - When Narcissus flower-heads have faded, it is best to remove them. Otherwise the plant will divert energy from building up the bulb, which is necessary for next year's display, and put it into seed production.
• Post-Flowering Care - After the Narcissus blooms have faded, the remaining leaves can look unsightly as they yellow. It is important to resist the temptation of removing this foliage early. It contains valuable nutrients that will be used for next year's crop of flowers. Leave the leaves for at least six weeks after flowering - longer if possible - before removing them.
• Propagation - Divide overcrowded Narcissus clumps in late summer, and plant offsets elsewhere in the garden.The Narcissus species types can be propagated with fresh seed collected during summer and sown in late summer or autumn in pots outdoors.

Narcissus Plant Care

• Like most perennials, Narcissus does well with about 1 inch of water per week while they're actively growing and blooming - from March to May
• Mulch can be tremendously helpful in conserving moisture in Narcissus plants.
• The best thing you can do for your Narcissus bulbs is provide them rich, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter in it.
• Most organic bulb fertilizers can be placed right into the planting hole because they're very gentle and nonburning.
• Since Narcissus is a perennial, every 5 to 10 years, divide the clumps of bulbs in early summer.
• Once flowers are produced, it is best to keep plants away from direct sunlight and in a cool area. This will prolong the flowering period in Narcissus.