The miniature narcissi, or daffodils, are delightful flowering bulbs that grow from three to 12 inches in height. All narcissi like moisture during their growing season, but none will tolerate places where stagnant water stands. Although we have had success with late Fall planting, we recommend early planting for all forms of narcissi. This practice insures good root growth before the cold weather sets in, and is especially important with the various miniature kinds.
Planting Depth
Small bulbs of the narcissus family should be planted three to four inches deep and one to two inches apart; larger bulbs, four to five inches deep and three to four incites apart. In the middle Atlantic states, it would be three to four inches deep; further South, two to three inches deep. The species and closely related hybrids produce smaller bulbs than the large-flowering hybrids.
The tiniest narcissi are perfectly formed, and the smallest of these (until recently, available only to the connoisseur) is Narcissus asturiensis, formerly known as N. minimus. A veritable jewel of delicate proportions, it has to be seen to be appreciated, for it seems hardly possible that such small but perfect daffodils exist. Best described as a tiny replica of the giant King Alfred, it is a native of Spain. Perfect, exquisite golden flowers are produced on three-inch sterns and the small trumpet is fringed at the rim and greatly enhanced by the twisted form of its perianth. Truly, it is a miniature jewel.
Another gem three to four incites tall is N. minor (rearms), a little larger and taller than the preceding form. The trumpet is bright yellow and delicately plaited at the rim and the perianth is a shade lighter, slightly pointed in form.
Comparatively little known is the hybrid Rockery Beauty. This six-inch narcissus is astonishingly beautiful with its bright yellow trumpet with a pale yellow perianth. A drift of a dozen or more at the base of a wall or foundation planting is a sight you are not likely to soon forget. Slightly taller and the earliest of the large-cupped varieties is the colorful Pepper.It has a yellow perianth and deep, reddish-orange cup which produces the effect of a copper glow, glittering in the sunlight. This is an unusually decorative form when planted in groups, creating a pleasant splash of color in the border or in the rock garden. Perhaps the most unique of all the miniature large-cupped kinds is Nor-Nor. In this flower the perianth opens almost as a self yellow, aging to a creamy white. The three-quarter inch corona ages in color to apricot-orange with a suffused golden halo on the perianth surrounding the trumpet. It is long lasting and absolutely sun-proof; a good bloomer, it grows nine inches tall.
The Triandrus Hybrids
Now let us consider the triandrus hybrids. Perhaps the most popular today is the variety Thalia. For newcomers, it is well to state that it has two or three flowers per stem, is glistening white, of good substance and a good keeper and increaser. It is simply stunning in groups or drifts in the foundation planting or rock garden. Less widely known, but equally as beautiful with a larger flower, is the hybrid Moonshine. Charming in form, with a star-shaped perianth, it has a longer and more open train-pet than Thalia. Rich, creamy-white, pendant flowers are produced three to four per stein at a height of ten to 12 inches. Like Thalia, it is mid-May flowering.
A Few Charmers
In the cyclamineus hybrid series there are many charmers, but we are mentioning only a few. Beryl has drooping. primrose-yellow flowers with a slightly reflexing perianth. The small, globular, bright-orange cup is shaded yellow. It is eight inches tall, blooms early and is of good substance. February Gold was introduced, which is a superb lemon-yellow daffodil with pointed petals and a straight, delicately-fluted trumpet of a deeper yellow, tinged orange. It truly makes a bright splash of gold in the early Spring garden.
Rare, and one of the finest in this group, is LeBeau; as its names implies, it means “The Handsome.” The flowers are extremely well formed with long pointed petals, and long trumpets with a rolling rim. It is slightly nodding, of unsurpassable gracefulness and its soft, pure-yellow flowers are of great substance. In semi-shade, it lasts to three weeks.
Better known are the forms of N. jonquilia. Featured in our seaside rock garden, N. jonquilia flore plena was unusually beautiful and dainty. It is sweet-scented and particularly effective when planted in drifts with blue muscari, the familiar grape hyacinths.
by J Thibodeau – 61906
