Narcissus Fragrant Rose

Narcissus 'Fragrant Rose' is an exceptionally fragrant daffodil with a large corolla. Its large bicoloured flower in white and pink blooms in April-May. It emits an astonishing scent of old roses. It can be planted in the garden to naturalise and increase in number each year. It can also be grown in a pot to enjoy its fragrance near the house. In a bouquet, its long-lasting flowers perfume an entire room.

Narcissus 'Fragrant Rose' was introduced in Northern Ireland in 1978. It has been awarded by the American Daffodil Society. It belongs to the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), specifically to division 2 of the large daffodil family, which has 13 divisions. The Narcissus genus includes around 50 species found mainly in the western Mediterranean, but also in Africa and Asia. Narcissus 'Fragrant Rose', like most large corolla daffodils, is the result of cross-breeding between N. poeticus and N. x pseudonarcissus, or even N. incomparabilis. Its mother is called 'Roseworthy' and its presumed father is the poet's narcissus 'Merlin'.

Its green foliage is deciduous from summer to winter, and regrows in spring. The leaves can surpass the flower stem, often reaching 50cm (20in) in length. This variety reaches a height of 35 to 40cm (14 to 16in) when fully grown. Flowering usually takes place in April. The 9.5cm (4in) wide flowers are composed of waxy petals. 3 petals among the 6 that make up the corolla are slightly recurved. The corolla, in the shape of a long crenellated cup, is pale salmon-pink when it blooms, paler towards the strongly marked green base. At maturity, the salmon-pink becomes deep pink. The scent of the flowers resembles that of the poet's narcissus and old roses.

Daffodils can be planted in lawns, rock gardens, perennial borders, flower beds, and pots. They are increasingly appreciated as they symbolise the return of spring. Narcissus 'Fragrant Rose' is sensitive to heavy rain, which can damage its flower. Nevertheless, it is one of the most resistant autumn bulbs, and it is a faithful plant that returns every year.

For bouquets: we advise against mixing daffodils with other flowers such as tulips, as daffodil stems contain a substance that causes other flowers to wilt quickly. This detrimental effect on other types of flowers can be mitigated by dipping the ends of the daffodil stems in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes.

The name daffodil comes from a Greek legend in which a beautiful young man rejected the love of the nymph Echo. The gods made him only love his own image as punishment. When he leaned over a fountain to drink, Narcissus saw his reflection and remained fixed, contemplating his own image for so long that he eventually drowned in the pool. He then transformed into a flower.