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Daffodil Bittern

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Proof that great things come in small packages, Daffodil ‘Bittern’ (Narcissus) is a versatile miniature variety that makes a big impact. Each bulb produces multiple stems, with each stem showcasing a few soft yellow blooms featuring a pale orange cup, which together create the appearance of charming clusters framed by lush green foliage. Thriving in climates ranging from cool to mild tropical and performing well in full sun to part shade, this variety is perfect for naturalising in the garden to form vibrant carpets of spring colour or planting in pots to create striking focal points. Requiring minimal care, it rewards you with fragrant blooms and greenery that provide weeks of flowering, offering exceptional value and effortless beauty for any garden.

SKU: TCDAFBIT003 Category: Tags: , ,

Description

Daffodil Bittern

Daffodil ‘Bittern’ (Narcissus), a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, is a captivating spring-flowering perennial. Native to Europe and North Africa, this miniature daffodil boasts delicate, soft yellow petals that curve gently, giving the blooms a graceful, wind-swept appearance. These are beautifully contrasted by a pale orange cup, framed by lush green foliage. Renowned for its versatility and naturalising ability, ‘Bittern’ returns reliably each year, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.

Uses and Versatility

Daffodil ‘Bittern’ combines the charm of miniature daffodils with a bold presence. Ideal for naturalising or clusters, it adds structure and spring hues to formal and naturalistic designs, complementing other blooms beautifully.

As an added benefit, daffodils like ‘Bittern’ are naturally unappealing to rodents due to their toxicity, offering a protective barrier for other plants in your garden.

Ideal Uses:

  • Borders and Focal Points: Adds structure and delicate charm to garden layouts with its petite yet striking blooms.
  • Clumps and Naturalising: Creates stunning, wind-swept displays that multiply over time.
  • Pots and Containers: Ideal for patios, balconies, and small spaces.
  • Woodland and Meadow Gardens: Naturalises beautifully in meadows and beneath deciduous trees, with greater shade tolerance than many other varieties.

Climate Preferences

Daffodils can grow in cool to mild tropical climates but thrive in regions with cold winters and mild springs, which provide ideal conditions. They are best treated as annuals in areas with short, hot springs or insufficiently cold winters. For mild tropical or tropical climates, pre-chilling bulbs before planting replicate the winter chill necessary for successful flowering.

When to Plant

Daffodils are best planted from March to May. This period allows bulbs to establish strong roots before winter, ensuring a vibrant spring display. Wait until the summer heat has passed and the soil has cooled for optimal growth. In warmer regions, plant in late April or May once soil temperatures have dropped.

How to Plant

  1. Site Selection: Choose full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
  2. Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart; miniature varieties should be planted 8-10 cm deep.
  3. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil but avoid additional watering until foliage emerges.

Aftercare

  • Watering: Keep soil moderately moist during growth but allow it to dry during dormancy to prevent rot.
  • Fertilising: Use NPK 6:6:6 or azalea and camellia food when blooms fade but before foliage yellows, replenishing energy reserves for next season’s growth.
  • Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to redirect energy to the bulb.
  • Foliage: Let leaves die back naturally to recharge the bulb for the following season.
  • Mulching: Apply a 5 cm mulch layer to retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

Division and Maintenance

Daffodils multiply slowly, forming clumps over several years. Divide bulbs every 3-5 years or when flowering declines. After foliage has died back, lift and separate offsets, store bulbs in a cool, dry place, and replant in autumn. Regularly dividing daffodils ensures healthy growth and effective naturalisation.

Pests and Diseases

Daffodils are hardy but may encounter occasional issues:

  • Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, and Narcissus bulb fly.
  • Diseases: Basal rot, grey mould, and viral infections, often linked to wet or humid conditions.

To minimise problems, plant in well-drained soil, ensure good air circulation and use organic pest control measures as needed.

Safety

Daffodils contain lycorine, a toxic compound found in all parts of the plant, especially the bulbs. Ingestion can cause stomach upset in humans and pets, and the sap may irritate the skin. Store bulbs securely and plant them out of reach of children and animals. Always wear gloves when handling bulbs to avoid irritation.

Caution: Harmful if eaten. A skin and eye irritant.

Supplied as dormant bulbs.

Additional information

Price Code

A – Pink Pack
Botanical Name

Narcissus
Quantity in Pack

3 Bulbs
Flowering Time

Late Winter to Early Spring
Planting Time

Plant from March onwards, once the summer heat has passed and the soil has cooled sufficiently.
Growing Height

25-40 cm
Planting Depth

Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep, or about twice their height, with slightly deeper planting recommended in warmer climates. Shallow planting can cause bulbs to split into offsets prematurely, delaying flowering as fully developed bulbs are required to produce blooms. For miniature varieties, plant 8-10 cm deep or twice their height.
Soil

Plant in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Enrich with compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before planting. Further improve drainage and prevent compaction by incorporating coarse sand, perlite, or horticultural grit. Adding peat moss or leaf mold will help improve soil texture and slightly acidify the soil.
How to Plant

Choose a location with full sun to partial shade, ensuring afternoon shade in warmer regions. Provide at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, as daffodils will not flourish if positioned in too much shade.
Once the soil is prepared, plant the bulbs 10-15 cm deep, with the pointed end facing up—approximately twice the height of the bulb to ensure proper root development and stability. In warmer climates, plant slightly deeper—three times their height— to protect the bulbs from excessive heat. Space bulbs 10-15 cm apart. For miniature varieties should be planted 8-10 cm deep.

For potted daffodils, you can plant them slightly closer together while leaving enough space between each bulb. A 15 cm pot comfortably fits four bulbs, but ensure it is deep enough to accommodate the planting depth daffodils require. Plant them at the same depth as mentioned for garden beds. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil and establish roots.

Optional but beneficial: Apply a moderate layer of mulch after planting to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, providing an optimal environment for growth.
Watering

After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil. In areas with very dry winters, apply occasional watering to encourage emergence and maintain bulb health. Otherwise, hold off on watering until signs of growth appear, as excessive moisture during dormancy can lead to rot. Once growth begins, maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent bulb rot. In regions with heavy rain, plant in raised beds or on slopes to ensure well-draining soil.

As the foliage starts to yellow, gradually reduce watering and cease completely once the foliage has fully died back. During dormancy, apply only light watering in warmer regions during prolonged dry spells to prevent the bulbs from desiccating. In cooler areas, natural rainfall is generally sufficient.
Fertilise

While daffodils aren’t heavy feeders, an annual feed is beneficial. For nutrient-poor soils, incorporate a balanced fertiliser when preparing the soil. If the soil has already been enriched with compost or well-rotted animal manure, this step can be skipped. However, it is recommended to apply a balanced fertiliser such as NPK 6:6:6 or azalea and camellia food after blooms fade but before foliage yellows. This encourages bloom production over excess foliage, replenishes energy stores, and supports healthy growth for the following year.

Important Note: Avoid over-fertilising, as this may lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced blooms. Always water the soil before applying liquid fertiliser or mix it according to packaging instructions to prevent root burn and ensure even nutrient distribution.
Pruning

Deadhead daffodils after flowering to redirect energy to the bulb. Allow foliage to die back naturally, trimming only once it has fully yellowed. Divide clumps every 3-5 years or when flowering decreases by lifting bulbs after foliage dies back, separating offsets, and replanting in well-prepared soil to maintain healthy growth and blooms.
Daffodils are frost-hardy and can tolerate freezing temperatures during their dormancy and early growth phases. For those in climates that don’t provide the necessary cold dormancy, treat daffodils as annuals, as they will not reliably flower again without the required winter chill.
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