The best orchid-flowered daffodils to brighten up your garden

Narcissus 'Blanc'

The Narcissus Papillon White flowers in mid-spring, from April to May. It bears flowers about 9 cm in diameter, typical of orchid-flowered narcissi. They are consisting of a white corolla surrounding a split crown, with a crinkled texture. This narcissus is described as “split corona”, due to this characteristic. Initially lemon-yellow, the central crown becomes paler over time. This flowering is mildly scented.

The flowers are borne on sturdy stems, which reach 45 cm in height and will withstand gusts well.

The flowers of this narcissus are undoubtedly delicate. They will look wonderful in a white garden. To dress a border, plant several Narcissus Papillon White near dwarf roses, which also produce immaculate flowers and will carry on into summer. For example choose ‘White Border’, ‘Schneeküsschen’ or ‘Paradise Ivory’.

Easy to grow, hardy and without special requirements, this Narcissus Papillon White will grow in sun or partial shade. Plant it in well-drained soil that stays cool and moist (never completely dry).

Narcissus ‘Lemon Beauty’

‘Lemon Beauty’ is a semi-double narcissus with beautiful bi-colour flowering. Its flowers consist of a bright white corolla, with tepals delicately edged. They contrast beautifully with a star-shaped corona, sporting a bright lemon-yellow. This is, moreover, the shape that earns this type of narcissus its butterfly-like reputation. Each flower is fairly large, since it can reach up to 10 cm in diameter.

Flowering occurs in April or May. This narcissus will then stand about 45 cm tall and 10 cm across.

Flowering at the same time as the tulips, ‘Lemon Beauty’ will help you create beautiful pots displays in a range of colours to brighten terraces and balconies.

Plant it in sun or partial shade, in soil that remains cool and moist. There is a good chance it will naturalise and return year after year. Easy to grow and full of merit, it has also been awarded by the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society in England.

The daffodil ‘Apricot Whirl’

The orchid-flowered narcissus ‘Apricot Whirl’ graces us with a colour less common than the usual yellow or white flowers, which are frequently seen in daffodils.

It is a relatively recent, charming variety that flowers quite early in the spring. Its flowers consist of an immaculate white corolla, in which a split crown is inserted, with a tousled appearance. It bears a delicate apricot-pink colour, which gives it its distinctive character.

This flowering is also quite fragrant.

At maturity, this narcissus will reach around 40 cm in height. It will thrive in a bright, sunny position, which will bring out its colour. Grow it in well-drained, cool soil.

You can play with contrasts by pairing this butterfly narcissus variety with light-blue or pastel blooms, such as with Muscari armeniacum ‘Valerie Finnis’ and Muscari aucheri ‘Ocean Magic’).

Narcissus 'Tripartite'

The Narcissus ‘Tripartite’ flowers early in spring, producing true little suns. The flowers of 4 cm are grouped into bouquets, in which up to around 20 blooms can mingle. They appear at the tops of stems 30 cm tall. Each has a perianth (the envelope protecting the reproductive organs) open and flat, surrounding a crown of petals that is almost as large. This gives the impression that two flowers have fused together. Their colour is a bright yellow at the centre, lighter on the outside. The flowering exudes floral notes.

The flowering of ‘Tripartite’ began as early as March, making it suitable to pair with all early-spring bulbs, such as the hyacinths and crocuses.

Undemanding, hardy and reliable, this narcissus is one of the safe bets.

Narcissus 'Mondragon'

‘Mondragon’ is an orchid-flowered narcissus with particularly warm colours. Its flowers feature a sulphur-yellow corolla surrounding a split crown with undulate petals, and a vivid orange. Each flower is borne on sturdy stems about 45 cm tall. This generous narcissus is also fragrant. It blooms early in spring, from March to April.

The flowers of this bulb will make a wonderful cut flower arrangement, bringing light and fragrance to a living room.

Grow ‘Mondragon’ in light, cool soil, in full sun or partial shade. It will naturalise year after year, as narcissi are bulbs that naturalise readily. For a sparkling pairing, pair it with fritillaries imperial in the same shades of yellow and orange (‘Prolifera’ or ‘Tchaikovsky’).

Narcissus 'Blazing Starlet'

Butterfly narcissus variety ‘Blazing Starlet’ graces us here again with a sun-drenched flowering, particularly striking. Well-coloured flowers feature a golden-yellow inner corolla surrounding a curly chicory paracorolla, yellow edged with bright orange. This centre, with its somewhat tousled appearance, lends it considerable charm.

This Narcissus will reach 40 cm in height during flowering.

It will be planted in small groups to brighten a lawn that is a little too monotone. Like its congeners, it will thrive in sun or partial shade, in a fresh, well-drained soil.

Narcissus 'Vanilla Peach'

‘Vanilla Peach’ would almost sound like an ice-cream fragrance name. This variety, with striking colours, blends white, cream, yellow and salmon for an original effect. Each large solitary flower of 10 cm opens at the tip of tall, sturdy stems. The outer ivory-white corolla surrounds a flat crown, composed of several segments inserted between the petals. This centre first reveals a peach-pink or salmon hue, before taking on yellower tones. The flowers emit a subtle fragrance. A real little gem, which will herald the return of warmer days in March or April!

Like other narcissi, this variety is really easy to grow. It only needs light soil that does not dry out too much. Plant it at the base of deciduous trees, such as Prunus which bloom pink, to create a beautiful harmony.