Narcissus cyclamineus February Gold

Narcissus 'February Gold' is one of the first to bloom in the garden, sometimes as early as February (as its name suggests). This old variety has a long flowering period that pairs beautifully with primroses and early oriental hyacinths. It naturalises easily in moderately calcareous soil. 'February Gold' displays delicate and sunny flowers, with sulphur yellow petals slightly curved backwards, surrounding a long golden yellow trumpet where the first pollinating insects gather. It is a small, sturdy bulb, with short stems and delicate flowers.

Narcissus 'February Gold' was registered in 1923. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and to division 6 of hybrids derived from Narcissus cyclamineus. This species is native to northwest Portugal and northwest Spain. 'February Gold' is a small vigorous plant that reaches about 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) when in bloom. Its foliage reaches approximately 15cm (6in) in height. Its flowers are composed of a corolla of slightly curved petals, of a bright sulphur yellow, onto which a rather long, crenellated coronule, of a beautiful golden yellow hue, is inserted. It is a very early flowering plant. It naturalises in the garden within 3 or 4 years through the production of bulblets.

Narcissus 'February Gold' grows in any well-drained and loosened soil, but the results are poorer in excessively wet soil, especially in summer, or excessively calcareous soil.

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 'February Gold' with primroses, botanical crocuses, hyacinths, early-flowering botanical tulips, forget-me-nots, pansies, or liverworts. A group of 'February Gold' daffodils is also perfect in pots.

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 mitigated by dipping the ends of narcissus stems in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes.