Jonquil
Narcissus jonquilla
Family: Amaryllidaceae
What it is like
Narcissus jonquilla is a BULB growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April. 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Rocky hillsides, often on limestone, also in meadows and damp places.
Europe - Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Flowers - raw or candied and made into desserts.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery. 1 kg of flowers yields 1g absolute of essential oil.
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. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Easily grown in a dry sunny position. Prefers an alkaline soil with a pH between 7 and 8. A very ornamental plant, it is widely cultivated around the Mediterranean for its essential oil. The blooms, which are almost intoxicatingly scented, have an undertone of orange in their perfume. The double form, 'flora Pleno' is even more powerfully scented.
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: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although we have no records for this species, many if not all members of this genus are poisonous.