According to classical mythology, a young lad Narcissus, was so enamored with himself that he stared at his reflection in a pool of water until he eventually turned into his namesake flower. And this is how Narcissus flowers came into being!

Narcissus is one of the most popular flowers in the world and the most popular flower in Germany.

A spring-flowering bulb, Narcissus is the name of a genus which includes flower bulbs like Daffodils, Jonquils, Paper whites 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 petal-like sepals (the perianth), and a central cup-like 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 Sicily, 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, Paper whites are the most popular varieties of Narcissus-

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