White flowers Narcissus poeticus

Credit: B. Spragg

Poets' narcissus flower

Credit: J-J. Milan

Narcissus poeticus in bloom

Credit: Isiwal

White Narcissus yellow and red heart Narcissus poeticus

Credit: Peganum

Cham de narcisses blancs narcisses des poètes en fleur

Credit: Vasyliuk Olesksij

Narcissus poeticus, the poet's narcissus

With its immaculate white petals and two-tone crown, Narcissus poeticus doesn't quite resemble other narcissi. Yet this plant, native to the Mediterranean, the Balkans and the Ukraine, belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family.

How to recognize Narcissus poeticus, the poet's narcissus?

Narcissus poeticus is a bulbous, flowering plant with a bushy habit. It grows to between 30 and 60 centimetres in height.

While some narcissi, such as narcissus jonquilla, can bear several flowers per stem, this is not the case with Narcissus poeticus. The flower of the poet's narcissus is solitary. It measures four to five centimetres in diameter. It has six white petals, arranged in a helix or star shape. In the center, a yellow tube edged in red forms the crown. Late-blooming flowers give off a sweet fragrance.

The linear, glaucous-green leaves are upright. They form a tuft at the base of the plant, but disappear in summer.

Poet's narcissus is toxic. When ingested, all parts of the plant cause nausea and vomiting. Narcissus poeticus can also cause allergic reactions on contact. If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves when planting. The bulb is the most toxic part of the plant.

Our maintenance tips

You can leave bulbs in the ground all year round. However, they will bloom more beautifully if you remove them and give them a resting period in a dry, dark place.

Watering

As daylight hours and temperatures drop into spring, your plant needs special watering.

Keep the soil slightly moist. Water only when the substrate is dry on the surface, for one or two centimeters.

Water with non-calcareous water at room temperature, without soaking the soil.

Thirty minutes after watering, empty any stagnant water from the cup. This will keep the roots dry and prevent them from rotting.

During the rest of the year, adjust the watering of your Narcissus poeticus.

Your Poet's Narcissus tolerates thirst better than excess water. Water only when the soil is three to five centimeters dry. Choose moderate rather than heavy watering, and always use non-calcareous water at room temperature.

If you use a planter or saucer, drain off any stagnant water. It can rot the roots.

Repotting

Plant narcissus poeticus in a pierced pot or window box at least 20 centimetres deep. Place a layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.

Fill the pot with potting soil or garden soil. Plant your bulb at a depth of around fifteen centimetres. The tip should face upwards.

Cover the bulb completely with substrate. Tamp gently and water lightly to help the bulb take root.

Prune

Once the flowers have faded, cut the stem flush with the ground.

The bulb needs the foliage to replenish its reserves. Do not prune the leaves while they are green. When they are dry, dig up the bulb, clean it to remove the soil and remove the leaves.

Store your bulb in a dry place, away from frost and light.

Plantation

Dig a hole three times as high as the bulb and a little wider. You can place a layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.

Plant your bulb vertically, at a depth of fifteen centimetres. The tip should point skywards and the base in contact with the soil. Cover your bulb completely with soil. When planting several narcissus poeticus side by side, space them at least fifteen centimetres apart.

Tamp and water lightly to help the bulb take root.

Cutting

Cutting takes place in autumn.

Dig up bulbs after the leaves have wilted. If they have given rise to bulblets, separate them.

Obtain a pierced pot or planter at least 20 centimetres deep. You can make a drainage layer, with clay balls or gravel. Then pour in a layer of potting soil or garden soil. You can add sand if your substrate seems too heavy.

Plant your bulbs at a depth of around fifteen centimetres, pointing upwards. Cover with potting compost or soil. Tamp gently and water lightly.

Wintering

During the wintering period, your plant's needs are different.

Keep your bulb away from light, in a cool, dry place, until planting. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't rot.

Diseases / Threats

Whiteflies

Red spiders

Slugs

Information

Family	Amaryllidaceae - Amaryllidaceae
Type	Narcissus - Narcissus
Species	Narcissus poeticus - Narcissus poeticus
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs Planter
Categories	Bulb Flowery
Tags	Beginner Increvable Rustic Toxic
Origins	Eastern Europe Southern Europe Western Europe
Hardiness (USDA)	7a
Leaf color
Flower colors