Now that the dogwood and azaleas are blooming in my garden, the daffodils are gone, all but one, that is. It stands 16 inches tall with slender leaves and small, delicate flowers borne in clusters on fine graceful stems. The flowers are trumpet daffodils in-miniature and make the preceding crop of daffodils (“Carltons”) look like elephants in comparison but they are not considered miniatures because they are too tall. In mass, they give the whole bed a light yellow hazy look and the best news is that this lasts for about 6 weeks. They are my longest blooming daffodils and their bloom lasts later in the season than any other I have grown (or see around my neighborhood). Like other triandrus narcissus, they produce several flowers per stem and are fragrant. In addition, they naturalize well in semi-shady areas and can be interplanted with other varieties/cultivars to prolong the season of daffodil bloom. I grow these in my secret garden where I can relish the delicacy of their tiny blooms up close. These are very special daffodils, unlike any others. Give them a try, you won’t be sorry!
Type: Bulb.
Bloom: Six weeks in spring lasting until late in the season; small, pale canary yellow flowers with a slightly paler ‘trumpet’.
Size: 8″-16″ (in my garden).
Light: Full sun to semi-shade.
Soil: Average, well drained, sandy loam best but tolerates heavier soil if well drained.
Fertilizer: Apply high phosphate (middle number) first in the fall when you plant the bulbs for the root system; again when the sprouts first poke through the soil in spring for the foliage and flowers, and finally after blooming for the foliage.
Hardiness: Zones 4-9.
Care: Dead head flowers as they fade and remove the foliage when it has turned brown and can be pulled off.
Pests and Diseases: None of significance.
Propagation: When flowering declines they may need to be divided.
Companion plants: Grape hyacinths, primrose, Siberian squill, columbine, Brunnera macrophylla; hostas and day lilies are good for covering the dying foliage of the daffodils.
Hawera is one of my favs, along with Thalia and her sister, Petrel and the earlier Ice Wings. Triandrus do well here.
Baby Moon is usually the last daffodil to bloom here.
They are rather special and are surprisingly tall plants for such small flowers. I also have N. Sun Disc which is about the same height and flowers at the same time. It too is noticeably fragrant.
Thanks for the suggestion of ‘Baby Moon’. Their rounded petals and small cup would be a nice addition to my daffodils. And I love the idea of an even later one.
‘Sun Disc’ is a great choice for a really unique daffodil and one that blooms very late. Thanks for the suggestion!