Bunchflower Daffodil, Cream narcissus
Narcissus tazetta
Family: Amaryllidaceae
What it is like
Narcissus tazetta is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from January to February. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Fields, meadows and garigue, especially in damp places, in the Mediterranean.
Europe to E. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
Demulcent. Used in the treatment of boils and mastitis. The root is emetic. It is used to relieve headaches. The chopped root is applied externally as an antiphlogistic and analgesic poultice to abscesses, boils and other skin complaints. The plant has a folklore of effectiveness against certain forms of cancer. This might be due to benzaldehyde changing to laetrile-like compounds or to lycorine changing to lycobetaine-like compounds in the body.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating: 2
An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a deep rather stiff soil but succeeds in most soils and situations. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers an alkaline soil with a pH between 7 and 8. Best grown in a warm sunny corner with shelter from cold winds. The dormant bulbs will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -5°c. A polymorphic species. Cultivated for its essential oil. The flowers are very powerfully scented. The sub-species N. tazetta chinensis. Roemer. is used in Japanese medicine.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. A short stratification will improve the germination of stored seed. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be left undisturbed in the pot for their first two years of growth. Give them an occasional liquid feed in the growing season to ensure they do not become nutrient deficient. When the plants become dormant in the summer, pot up the small bulbs placing 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow them on for another one or two years in the greenhouse before planting them out when they are dormant in late summer. Division of bulbs after the leaves die down in early summer. Larger bulbs can be replanted immediately into their permanent positions, or can be stored in a cool place and then be planted out in the autumn. It is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year before planting them out when dormant in the autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Bulb
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist