Narcissus bulbocodium
Hoop Petticoat Daffodils (Narcissus bulbocodium) are charming, early-flowering daffodils, instantly recognisable by their flared, trumpet-shaped blooms. Flower colours range from soft white through to clear lemon and rich golden yellow.
The common name comes from the flower’s distinctive shape, said to resemble an old-fashioned hoop petticoat skirt.
While smaller than many modern hybrid daffodils, these bulbs make up for size with delicacy, reliability, and strong seasonal impact in late winter and early spring.
Key Plant Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
| Plant type | Deciduous flowering bulb |
| Height | 10–20 cm |
| Spread | Forms clumps over time |
| Growth habit | Upright, grass-like foliage |
| Bloom time | Winter to early spring |
| Foliage interest | Narrow green leaves in winter–spring |
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.
Planting & Care Guide
- Planting depth: Around 10 cm
- Spacing: Allow room for clumps to expand
- Planting time: Autumn
Some species naturally pull themselves slightly deeper over time. Once established, bulbs will slowly multiply and naturalise in the garden.
Feeding
- Apply well-rotted compost or aged manure while bulbs are dormant
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers
Lifting & Dividing
- Generally not required
- Lift only if planted in very wet soils or if clumps become overcrowded
Climate, Hardiness & Origins
- Hardiness: Frost tolerant
- Climate zones: Cool to temperate climates
- Origin: Southern Europe – France through Portugal, Spain, and into North Africa
Hoop Petticoat Daffodils are naturally adapted to regions with cool, moist winters and dry summers, making them well suited to many Australian gardens with winter rainfall.
Sun, Soil & Water Requirements
Light
- Best position: Full sun
- Tolerates: Light partial shade
More sun produces stronger flowering and sturdier plants.
Soil
- Preferred: Well-drained, humus-rich soil
- Tolerates: Poorer soils better than many daffodils
Good drainage is essential, particularly over winter.
Water
- Water needs: Low
- Natural rainfall is usually sufficient
- Supplement only during extended dry periods while in active growth
Grower note: These bulbs dislike sitting wet in summer dormancy. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained sites.
Uses in the Garden
- Ideal for rockeries and gravel gardens
- Excellent for pots and containers
- Naturalises well in lawns and meadow-style plantings
- Great for early pollinators
- Suited to small gardens and borders
Species & Varieties to Look For
Hoop Petticoat Daffodils are naturally variable, and many forms appeal to collectors.
- Narcissus bulbocodium conspicuus
Golden yellow flowers, easy to grow, approx. 15 cm tall. - Narcissus bulbocodium citrinus
Clear lemon-yellow flowers, less common but very attractive. - Narcissus bulbocodium obesus
Larger flowers up to 4 cm across, originating from Portugal. - Narcissus bulbocodium graellsii
Spanish form with smaller yellow flowers. - Narcissus romieuxii
Early flowering with sulphur-yellow blooms and flattened cups.
Other forms include N. bulbocodium nivalis, var. genuinus, and var. tenuifolius.
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.
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