Narcissus bulbocodium
With very attractive flowers, flared trumpets in colours from white to yellows, Hoop Petticoat daffodils are the common name given to Narcissus bulbocodium.
This are a varied group with many easy care varieties to brighten the garden, or grow in a container and the common name comes from the flowers which is said to look like a ‘hoop petticoat’.
These are a group of species daffodils, and they include Narcissus bulbocodium conspicuus, obesus and romieuxii. Many named cultivars are also available, all with the distinct large trumpet.
They may not be as big in flower as some of the hybrid relatives, but they are certainly a most attractive group of bulbs for the spring garden.
Easy to grow and very pretty, Narcissus bulbocodium are worth a place in the garden.
Hoop Petticoat Daffodils appear as grass like stalks in spring and then burst into bloom a little later. Delicate and very pretty flowers, however the bulbs themselves are quite tough and forgiving.
How to grow Hoop Petticoat Daffodils
These bulbs prefer full sun and a well drained humus rich soil, however they seem to cope with poorer soils as well. Given time they will naturalize into the garden, however they also do well in pots and containers.
Plant at around 10cm deep, some species will drag themselves a little deeper over time. Over time they will multiply in the ground.
Fertilize Narcissus bulbocodium using well rotted compost or manure when dormant. Watering is not usually required except in very dry spells during the growing season.
These bulbs do not need to be lifted in winter unless they are planted in a very wet area (not desirable).
Summary Information
- Botanical Name –Narcissus bulbocodium
- Common Name – Hoop Petticoat daffodils
- Origins – France through to Portugal.
- Position – Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Moisture – Well drained humus rich soil.
- Growth Habit – Upright with flowers on tall stems
- Foliage Colour – Mid to deep Green
- Flower Colour – White through to Yellow
- Flowering time – Winter to Spring
- Frost Tolerant – Yes.
- Coastal Gardens – Only in prepared soils with protection from salt winds.
- Height – 10 to 20 cm depending on varoety.
- Spread – Will form a clump over time.
Species and Varieties
Narcissus Bulbocodium naturally occur through southern Europe, Spain through to Algeria. They are naturally a varied group. As they popular with collectors and enthusiasts many hybrids are available, if you know where to look.
Bulbocodium Varieties include:
- Narcissus bulbocodium conspicuus with its golden flowers is easy to grow and popular. Reaching around 15cm in height.
- Narcissus bulbocodium citrinus is a lovely clear lemony yellow form, rarely seen, but it is available
- Narcissus bulbocodium obesus is one of the larger flowering forms. From Portugal the flowers are up to 4cm accross
- Narcissus bulbocodium graellsii is from Spain, smallish yellow flowers
- Narcissus romieuxii is an early flowering species with clear sulphur yellow flowers and a flattened open cup.
Other Hoop Petticoat Daffodils to look for include. N. bulbocodium nivalis, N. bulbocodium var. genuinus, and Narcissus bulbocodium var tenuifolius
More Bulb Resources
Narcissus bulbocodium are available for sale from the following nurseries
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
2 Jacksons Hill Rd, Menzies Creek VIC 3159
Hundreds of different varieties of daffodils as well as other beautiful spring & autumn flowering bulbs for home gardeners. Free colour catalogues available. Tulips, Daffodils,Alliums, Freesias, Iris and many other bulbs.
www.daffodilbulbs.com.au