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International Flower Bulb Centre
Amaryllidaceae
Narcissus papyraceus
Paperwhite Narcissus
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
The small delicate flowers of true paperwhite narcissus are early season jewels that emit a strong distinctive scent. Each bulb produces scapes topped with clusters of small Narcissus blooms with white perianths and tiny white cups. The charming spring bulbs are native to upland Mediterranean regions, from the Riviera to North Africa. Plants are often confused with Narcissus tazetta specimens. (So much so that some taxonomists deem them synonymous, but not all.) Wild populations have a lot of natural variation.
The large oval bulbs of paperwhites have brown papery tunics. In late winter or spring they put forth a cluster of upright, flat, keeled blades of medium green. Flowers are soon to follow. Each scape may hold five to twenty small white blooms, which emit a strong musky-sweet fragrance. Like all Narcissus, the blooms are distinguished by six showy petal-like tepals that surround a protruding tubular floral structure called a corona. The small spreading tepals of paperwhites surround a tiny white corona that may be slightly ruffled. Bees are particularly attracted to the bright flowers.
These hardy, spring-blooming bulbs may flower in late winter or spring, depending geographic location. Over time they will form substantial clumps and naturalize nicely. Unlike tulips, they are poisonous, so their bulbs are not eaten by small mammals and their green tops are not browsed by deer.
Daffodils are some of the easiest bulbs to grow. They prefer full to part sun and require average to fertile soil. After blooming, it is good to let their green tops photosynthesize to allow them to store plenty of fuel for next spring’s display. Once their leaves start to turn yellow, they can be cut to the ground. Hardiness is cultivar/species dependent, but all Narcissus require a chilling period to bloom.
These are lovely spring bulbs for any parkland or home landscape. Hybrids are also very popular for indoor winter forcing.
9 - 1
3 - 9
A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
Full Sun, Partial Sun
15"-24" / 38.1cm - 61.0cm
6"-24" / 15.2cm - 61.0cm
Early Spring, Spring
Europe, Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Asia
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Black Walnut Toxicity
Medium
Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring
Showy
White, Salmon, Ivory
Sandy Brown
Green
Yes
No
Single
Matte
Cutflower, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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