Narcissus Acropolis

'Acropolis' Double-flowered Narcissus unfolds an exceptionally large, solitary flower at the end of each of its tall stems, with a subtly spicy fragrance. Its corolla is fully double, pure white warmed by a touch of bright orange at the heart. It generally flowers in May, earlier or later depending on the climate. It is a remarkable cut flower, which also has a beautiful effect in a border, flowerbed, mass planting, or large container. This old variety has been awarded several times for its ornamental qualities and performance in the garden. Pair it with grape hyacinths or scarlet Triumph tulips!

The 'Acropolis' Double-flowered Narcissus belongs to the lily family (Amaryllidaceae), more precisely to division 4 of the large family of daffodils, which includes 12 divisions. The genus Narcissus includes around 50 species found mainly in the western Mediterranean, but also in Africa and Asia. The 'Acropolis' narcissus, introduced in 1955 in Ireland, is a cross between the Falaise and Limerick varieties. This excellent, historic creation, has given rise to 5 more recent varieties. 'Acropolis' sends up a 55 cm (22in) tall flowering stem. It is a large plant which flowers in May, with a large yellow-green floral bud that opens into magnificent double flowers, 11 cm (4in) wide. The very double corolla is pure white to pale ivory and pleasantly fragrant. Double-flowered daffodils have an extra crown of petals and a long flowering period. The flowers have numerous petal-like tepals. The stamens are transformed into petals and inserted into a cup-shaped paracorolla that looks crumpled and is bright orange in the Acropolis variety. The deciduous, linear, foliage disappears in summer. 

There are so many daffodil varieties that you can enjoy them for three months in spring without ever getting tired. They can all naturalise easily, come in endless shades of yellow and white and often emit sweet fragrances. So many reasons to grow them in large groups on the lawn or in a border (at least 20 bulbs) for a mass effect. Pair 'Acropolis' in wild or romantic flowerbeds, with scilla and hyacinths, plant it with double Angelique or single, bright red Red Impression tulips, or forget-me-nots, grape hyacinths, daisies, chamomiles, liverworts. A bunch of 'Acropolis' daffodils in a vase will look sensational. This narcissus is perfect for containers.

For bouquets: we advise you not to mix daffodils with other flowers, especially tulips, as the stems of daffodils contain a substance that causes other flowers to wither quickly. This adverse effect on other flower types can be mitigated by dipping the ends of the daffodil stems in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes.

Narcissus are also called daffodils and these belong to division 7 of the group. Native to southern Europe and North Africa, they have flowers grouped in pairs or more. Botanical species have retained the charms of wild plants and thrive in rock gardens: N.bulbocodium, N. canaliculatus, N.juncifolius, N.pseudonarcissus, and the simple wood jonquil are among the prettiest.