Narcissus Chromacolor - Narcisse trompette, Jonquille trompette

The 'Chromacolor' daffodil bears very large white flowers with a broad crown of coral pink blended with salmon orange. This unusual colouring is enhanced in soft light. Its sturdy stems support the flowers well despite their size. Vigorous, hardy and reliable, this bulb earns its place in borders, beds and large containers. Its flowers can also be cut for arrangements.

This daffodil belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is a bulbous perennial whose leaves emerge at the end of winter, nourish the bulb after flowering, then yellow and die back in early summer. The plant then rests until the following season. 'Chromacolor' was raised in the United States by the hybridiser William G. Pannill, from the cross 'Carita' × 'Accent', and registered in 1976. It belongs to Division 2, large-cupped daffodils: each stem bears a solitary flower whose crown measures more than one-third of the length of the tepals, while remaining shorter than them. This variety received the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2001, followed by the Wister Award from the American Daffodil Society in 2007. The latter honours daffodils that are reliable in the garden, with vigorous growth and a long-lasting display. The plant forms an upright clump of 40 to 50 cm in height. Its slightly blue-green leaves are long, narrow and strap-shaped. From the centre of the clump rise leafless, firm stems, each bearing a flower 12 cm in diameter. The six white tepals, broad and almost flat, surround a very open, long and ample crown with slightly undulate edges. Its colour is a blend of deep pink, coral and salmon orange; it varies with temperature, the age of the flower and light intensity. Light partial shade or dappled sun during the hottest hours preserves the pink tones. The flowers open in the middle of the daffodil season, mainly in April. The plant withstands harsh winters, but its success depends on sufficient moisture throughout its entire growth period.

Plant the bulbs of the 'Chromacolor' daffodil in groups in a border, spring bed, lightly mown lawn or large container. You will enjoy its flowering best near a path or terrace. The blue of Myosotis sylvatica 'Victoria Azurea' highlights its coral trumpet, and the Viridiflora tulip 'Groenland', pink veined with green, flowers at a similar height and at the same time. In partial shade, the Hosta 'June' unfurls its variegated leaves as the daffodils begin to fade, gradually concealing their yellowing foliage. For mixed cut flower arrangements, first let the daffodil stems soak on their own for several hours, then mix them with other flowers without recutting them.