Narcissus poeticus, the Pheasant’s Eye Daffodil

 

 

Plant of the Month October 2024 

GENERAL INFORMATION: Now is the time to plant bulbs for next spring’s display. Small bulbs should be planted by now. Daffodils, Tulips and Lilies may be planted in the next few weeks. Narcissus poeticus is a favourite, one of the first Daffodils in cultivation. It was known in ancient Greece and may be the flower associated with the Narcissus legend. It is classified as a small cup Narcissus. Daffodils have a central trumpet, longer than the surrounding tepals.

 

Narcissus poeticus.

Common Name: Poet's daffodil, poet's narcissus, nargis, pheasant's eye, findern flower, pinkster lily,

Cultivars: Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus, - reflexed petals;  Narcissus poeticus 'Praecox'; Narcissus ‘Actaea’ - larger flowers, Narcissus 'Double Poets’ (1601) 

Life Cycle: Perennial bulb.

Height: 30 - 60 cm.

Bloom Time: Late spring - early May in Toronto.

Narcissus poeticus -flower.

Flower Colour & Size: Flat flower about 7cm across, with 6 pure white tepals. Small, central yellow cup (corona) with a  red rim and green throat.

 

Narcissus poeticus - leaves and flowers.

Scent: Very fragrant. Narcissus oil is used in 11% of perfumes.

Leaves: Narrow mid green leaves, strap-shaped, to 30-40 cm long.

Range: Native to Central and Southern Europe.

Habitat: Alpine and sub-alpine meadows, woodland edges.

CULTIVATION: 

Plant: bulbs in groups in the fall, 8 cm apart, 18 cm deep.

Light: full sun, partial shade.

Soil: All soils. Not strongly acidic or alkaline.

Water: Well drained, but moist in growing season. Do not let bulbs get hot and very dry while dormant.

USDA Hardiness: Zones 3-9. Needs winter cold.

Narcissus poeticus - with late spring flowers.

Companion planting: Among grasses, next to deciduous trees and shrubs, with other bulbs and spring flowers. Long lasting. Plants have been in our garden for over 50 years.

Propagation: From seed - Expose to fluctuating winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. Keep seedlings cool; need winter protection. Division of bulbs after leaves died down.

Toxicity: If eaten, it is a strong emetic and irritant. Can irritate the skin. The scent can give a person a headache and vomiting if a large quantity is kept in a closed room. 

Pest and Diseases: Usually pest free. Aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can occur, especially with overwatering. Also Narcissus bulb fly. Remove dying leaves and rotting bulbs.

Native Alternatives: Camassia.

Pollinators: Bees.

References:

https://www.gardenia.net/plant/narcissus-poeticus-var-recurvus-poeticus-daffodil

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissus_poeticus

https://onrockgarden.com/index.php/germination-guide

 

Text and images supplied by Anna Leggatt (Toronto Master Gardener)