Narcissus Irene Copeland

Narcissus 'Irene Copeland' is an award-winning old variety of double-flowered daffodil, which first bloomed in England in 1915. Its double flowers appear somewhat ruffled. It develops a tangle of ivory-white petals that are perfectly imbricated, revealing a cup divided into small yellow petals that are sometimes slightly orange, depending on the nature of the soil. This beautiful plant blooms on rather sturdy stems in April-May. Its flowers are perhaps the most beautiful among double narcissus, making them perfect for creating spectacular spring bouquets.

'Irene Copeland' is an old horticultural hybrid obtained in the early 20th century, named after the daughter of its creator, William Copeland. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. More specifically, it is a division 4 narcissus. The genus includes about 50 species mainly found in Western Mediterranean, as well as in Africa and Asia.

'Irene Copeland' produces a very sturdy stem, 35 to 40cm (14 to 16in) tall when in bloom. It is a spring-flowering plant, with a large yellow-green flower bud that opens into magnificent 8 to 9cm (3 to 4in) diameter flowers, composed of 3 to 5 rows of small wrinkled white petals, intertwined with each other, becoming smaller towards the centre of the flower. The cup or corolla is divided into segments that intercalate between the white petals. Double-flowered narcissus have a long flowering period. The foliage is deciduous and linear, and disappears in summer. This variety is one of the parents of Narcissus 'Obdam'.

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 (at least 20 bulbs) for a dazzling effect. Pair 'Irene Copeland' with blue squills, hyacinths, double tulips, forget-me-nots, pansies, or liverworts. The flowers will look sublime in in a vase. This variety is also perfect in pots.