Narcissus Changing Colours

The Narcissus 'Changing Colours', as its name suggests, changes colour during flowering. On a corolla of petals that remain white, a lemon yellow crown emerges at first, gradually lightening to become a very pale pink cream. This transformation is a marvel of sweetness and poetry that occurs in the garden but also in bouquets. The flower, of a good size, appears almost double, due to its central crown that is almost as developed as the petals at full bloom. Narcissus have become essential in gardens, announcing spring with grace. Count on their presence from one year to the next, as they are perfectly hardy and perennial. 

The 'Changing Colours' Split-corona Narcissus, introduced in 1993, belongs to the family of liliaceae (Amaryllidaceae), more precisely to division 11 of the large narcissus family, which counts 12 divisions. The Narcissus genus includes about 50 species found mainly in Western Mediterranean, but also in Africa and Asia. The 'Changing Colours' narcissus is a medium-sized variety, which produces a very sturdy stem of 40-45 cm (16-18in) in height when in bloom. It is a mid-season flowering plant, in March-April, with a large yellow-green floral bud that opens up into magnificent flowers of 10-12cm (4-5in) in diameter, composed of a split central cup that is undulated at the edges, with changing colours, on a corolla of large white petals. The flowers have six petaloid tepals. The six stamens are inserted into a cup-like crown or paracorolla. The foliage is deciduous, linear and disappears in summer. 

There is such a variety of narcissus varieties that you can enjoy them for three months in spring without ever getting tired. They have in common the ability to naturalise easily, a love for yellow and white, and often emit sweet fragrances. All the more reason to grow them in large clumps (at least 20 bulbs) for an amplified effect. Combine the 'Changing Colours' narcissus, in slightly groomed flower beds, with squills and hyacinths, accompany them with double tulips but also forget-me-nots, pansies or liverworts. A group of 'Changing Colours' double-flowered Narcissus in a vase creates a sensational effect. In pots, this narcissus is perfect.

Daffodils are actually narcissus, belonging to division 7 of the group. Native to Southern Europe and North Africa, they have flowers grouped in pairs or more. Let's not forget the botanical species that have preserved the charms of wild plants and thrive in rock gardens: N. bulbocodium, N. canaliculatus, N. juncifolius, N. pseudonarcissus, the simple woodland daffodil, are among the prettiest. For bouquets: we advise against mixing narcissus with other flowers such as tulips, as the narcissus stems contain a substance that causes other flowers to wilt quickly. This detrimental effect on other flower types can be mitigated by dipping the ends of narcissus stems in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes.

Narcissus are toxic, it is advisable to wash hands after picking or handling them.