Narcissus x triandus Moonlight Sensation

Narcissus 'Moonlight Sensation' is a hybrid daffodil that carries the genes of a botanical species called Narcissus triandus. This lovely multiflorous variety produces up to 4 stems, each bearing up to 6 beautiful star-shaped flowers whose yellow colour fades almost to white. The flowers emit a beautiful fragrance. It flowers late, until May, pleasantly extending the long daffodil season. In the garden, its bulbs naturalise easily in loose and well-drained soil.

Narcissus 'Moonlight Sensation' was introduced in 2016. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. The Narcissus genus includes about 50 species found mainly in Western Mediterranean, but also in Africa and Asia. The 'Moonlight Sensation' daffodil is a hybrid variety of N. triandus, a plant native to Spain, Portugal, and France. 'Moonlight Sensation' distinguishes itself with larger and more colourful yellow flowers. The plant produces a sturdy stem that reaches 35cm (14in) in height when in bloom. It is a late and long-flowering plant, starting from April, with each stem bearing 3 to 6 extremely fragrant, pendulous flowers, 6.5cm (3in) wide, adorned with a short trumpet. The perianth or corolla is composed of 6 wide and slightly concave segments (tepals). Over time, the yellow colouring of the flower fades, with all floral parts becoming ivory to white at the base and widely bordered with pale-yellow. The foliage is linear and disappears in summer, a few weeks after flowering.

There are so many daffodil cultivars that one can enjoy them for three months in spring without ever getting tired. They all have in common the ability to naturalise easily, to offer an infinite range of yellow and white shades, and to often emit sweet fragrances. Grow them in large clumps in lawns or at the edge of flower beds (at least 20 bulbs) for an enhanced effect. Pair 'Moonlight Sensation' with squills and Anemone blanda. Plant the bulbs with botanical tulips, forget-me-nots, small grasses like stipa, and Anemone coronaria. A group of 'Moonlight Sensation' in a vase creates a sensational effect. You can even bring a pot into a lightly heated room where its fragrance can be enjoyed. This daffodil is also perfect in bouquets.

Daffodil or Narcissus? Botanically speaking, daffodils are a type of narcissus. They have flowers grouped in pairs or more, and their corona forms a campanulate trumpet that is longer than the corolla is wide. The botanical species have the charm of wild plants and thrive in rock gardens: N. bulbocodium, N. canaliculatus, N. juncifolius, N. pseudonarcissus, and the simple woodland daffodil are among the prettiest. 

For bouquets, we advise against mixing narcissus with other flowers, especially tulips, as daffodil stems contain a substance that causes other flowers to wilt quickly. This detrimental effect on other flower species can be attenuated by dipping the ends of narcissus stems in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes.