Poet's Narcissus
Narcissus poeticus
Family: Amaryllidaceae
What it is like
Narcissus poeticus 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 from April to June. 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Damp meadows in mountains.
Europe - France to Greece.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The bulb is powerfully emetic and irritant. A homeopathic remedy is made from the bulb.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
Irritant: Causes irritation or abnormal sensitivity in living tissue.
Other
Rating: 2
An essential oil is obtained from the flowers. 500kg of the flowers yields 1kg concrete, 300gr absolute of the 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 and situations. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Easily grown in a moist soil, doing well in grass but it is slow to establish. The dormant bulbs are fairly hardy and will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -5°c. A very ornamental plant, but it is sometimes shy to flower. The flowers are 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: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Bulb
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
All parts of the plant, and especially the bulb, are poisonous. The aroma of the flowers can cause some people to get a headache when they are in a closed room.