Narcissus Precocious - Daffodil

The Narcissus 'Precocious' is a variety of daffodil with a stunning flowering. Its tall stem carries a huge bicolored flower reaching 10cm (4in) in diameter, with a perfectly formed ivory white perianth. This corolla welcomes on its heart an outrageously beautiful trumpet: wide, flared, semi-double, intensely fringed at the edges, this crown faces forward but sometimes leans more shyly towards beautiful blue-green foliage. This large spring bulb blooms in April or May, depending on the climate. Ideal for flowering in shaded and sunny beds, it is superb in bouquets.

Introduced to the United States in 1976, the 'Precocious' Narcissus belongs to the lily family (Amaryllidaceae), specifically to division 2 of the large narcissus family, which includes 12 divisions. The genus Narcissus includes about 50 species found mainly in the western Mediterranean, but also in Africa and Asia. The 'Precocious' narcissus, like the majority of large-cupped narcissus, is derived from crosses between N.poeticus and N (x) pseudonarcissus, or even N.incomparabilis. It is a remarkable hybrid both in terms of flower size and colour. The plant produces a tall and sturdy flowering stem that reaches a height of 50-55 cm (20-22in). It is a mid-season flowering plant, blooming in April-May, with a large yellow-green floral bud that opens into magnificent flowers, 8-10 cm (3-4in) wide. The flowers have six ivory-white petaloid tepals, which are very wide. The six stamens are inserted into a superb wide, semi-double cup-shaped crown or paracorolla, which is a deep rose-orange colour. The foliage is deciduous, linear, and disappears in summer. 

There is such a wide selection 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, to offer infinite variations of yellow and white, and to often emit sweet fragrances. These are all reasons to grow them in large clumps on the lawn or at the edge of a flower bed (at least 20 bulbs) for a multiplied effect. Combine 'Precocious' daffodils, in wild or romantic flower beds, with squills and hyacinths, accompany them with double tulips but also with forget-me-nots, daisies, chamomiles, or liverworts. A group of 'Precocious' Narcissus in a vase provides a sensational display. In pots, this daffodil is perfect.

Jonquils are actually a type of 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 rockeries: N.bulbocodium, N. canaliculatus, N.juncifolius, N.pseudonarcissus, and the simple wood jonquil are among the most beautiful. For bouquets: we advise against mixing narcissus with other flowers, especially tulips, as the stems of narcissus contain a substance that causes other flowers to wilt quickly. This adverse effect on other flower types can be mitigated by dipping the ends of narcissus stems in warm water for 1 to 2 minutes.