Jonquil Geranium - Trenton Cottage
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Jonquil Geranium

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Celebrate the refined charm of Jonquil Geranium (Narcissus tazetta) as it brightens your garden with its elegant blooms. This variety produces clusters of 4 to 6 medium-sized creamy white flowers, each accented by soft orange cups, exuding a sweet and uplifting fragrance. These delicate flowers pair beautifully with slender, rich green foliage, creating a timeless and sophisticated display. Plant these bulbs in well-drained soil, where they thrive in full sun to partial shade. Flourishing in cool to subtropical climates, Jonquil Geranium performs wonderfully in cooler regions, where winter provides the perfect start, and excels in warmer areas, thanks to its adaptability. With its gentle colours and intoxicating scent, Jonquil Geranium is sure to bring elegance and delight to your garden.

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Description

Jonquil Geranium (Narcissus tazetta)

Jonquil Geranium, a captivating bulbous perennial from the Amaryllidaceae family, is cherished for its clusters of 4 to 6 medium-sized creamy white flowers, each accented by a striking orange cup. Each stem produces multiple blooms, creating a refined and vibrant display that fills the air with its sweet, heady fragrance. Slender, rich green foliage complements its colourful blooms, making it a standout choice for any garden. This spring-flowering favourite is low-maintenance, naturalises easily, thrives in both cooler regions and warmer climates and is highly resistant to rodents, offering effortless charm and versatility.

Uses and Versatility

Jonquil Geranium adds timeless beauty and vibrant colour to gardens and floral arrangements. Its warm tones and fragrant clusters make it ideal for structured displays or naturalised plantings.

Ideal Uses

  • Forcing Indoors: Perfect for early, fragrant blooms in pots or vases.
  • Borders and Garden Beds: Adds elegance, fragrance, and vibrant contrast to mixed plantings.
  • Naturalising: Beautiful for creating meadow-like spring displays or under trees.
  • Pots and Containers: Excellent for patios, balconies, and small spaces.
  • Cut Flowers: Long-lasting blooms fill indoor spaces with fragrance and charm.

Climate Preferences

Jonquils thrive in cool to subtropical climates, excelling in warm, drier conditions such as Mediterranean and temperate regions. Compared to standard daffodils, they perform better in warmer climates, including subtropical areas, but also grow well in cool climates with frost. Its adaptability makes it a reliable choice for a wide range of growing conditions.

When to Plant

Plant from March onwards when the soil has cooled, ensuring the bulbs establish strong roots before winter. In warmer regions, wait until late April or May, after the summer heat has passed, for optimal growth.

How to Plant

  • Location: Full sun to partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.
  • Soil: Well-drained, organically rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
  • Depth: Plant bulbs 12–15 cm deep and space 10–15 cm apart.
  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to encourage root development.
  • Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature, especially in warmer regions.
  • Arrangement: Group bulbs for bold displays or scatter them for a naturalised effect.

Aftercare

  • Watering: Keep soil moist during the growing season but reduce watering as foliage begins to die back.
  • Fertilising: Use a controlled-release fertiliser at planting and again after flowering to replenish bulbs.
  • Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to redirect energy to bulb development.

Division and Maintenance

Jonquils naturally multiply, forming clumps over time. Divide bulbs every 3–4 years after the foliage has completely died back to maintain flowering quality. Gently lift clumps, separate healthy bulbs, and replant in fresh, well-drained soil. Any unused bulbs should be stored in a cool, dry place until replanting. Regular division rejuvenates clumps, ensuring abundant blooms year after year.

Pests and Diseases

Jonquils are hardy but can occasionally face pests and diseases:

  • Aphids and Spider Mites: Remove with water sprays or insecticidal soap.
  • Narcissus Fly: Plant bulbs deeply to deter larvae.
  • Bulb Rot: Avoid overwatering and ensure the soil drains well.
  • Slugs and Snails: Use natural deterrents or barriers to protect emerging shoots.

Proper care minimises these issues, ensuring healthy and vibrant blooms.

Special Features

  • Fragrance: Renowned for its sweet, strong scent.
  • Foliage: Slender, rush-like leaves provide a striking contrast to its cascading blooms.
  • Blooming Period: Flowers from late winter to early spring, offering weeks of vibrant colour.
  • Wildlife Resistance: Naturally deters rodents and deer.

Safety

Jonquils are toxic if ingested, and their sap may irritate skin. Wear gloves when handling and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Caution: Harmful if eaten; skin and eye irritant.

Supplied as dormant bulbs.

Additional information

Price Code

B – Aqua Pack
Botanical Name

Narcissus tazetta
Quantity in Pack

5 Bulbs
Flowering Time

Mid to Late Spring
Planting Time

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

30-60 cm
Planting Depth

Plant bulbs 12–15 cm deep, or roughly twice their height, and slightly deeper—three times their height—in warmer climates. Avoid shallow planting, as it encourages bulbs to split into offsets prematurely, delaying maturity.
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.
For pots, use a high-quality potting mix designed for bulbs or a general-purpose potting mix with added perlite or sand to enhance drainage.
How to Plant

Plant Jonquils in full sun, with afternoon shade in warmer climates, ensuring they receive at least 4–6 hours of light daily for healthy blooms. In windy areas, position them near walls, fences, or taller plants for protection, or place pots in sheltered spots to reduce wind exposure and support healthy blooms.
Once the soil is prepared, plant the bulbs 12–15 cm deep, with the round base positioned downward and the neck facing upward—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 potted Jonquils, you can plant them slightly closer together while leaving enough space between each bulb. A 30 cm pot comfortably fits seven bulbs, but ensure it is deep enough to accommodate the planting depth Jonquils require, especially in warmer climates where deeper planting helps protect the bulbs from heat. 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. In warmer regions, this helps protect bulbs from summer heat. In cooler climates, mulch supports bulbs during dormancy. For fire-prone areas, use non-combustible materials like gravel or pebbles to reduce fire risk. Avoid piling mulch around the base of bulbs to ensure proper airflow.
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, natural rainfall suffices in cooler regions. However, in humid subtropical climates, excess moisture can lead to bulb rot, so it’s essential to keep the bulbs dry. In warmer, drier areas, water lightly during extended dry spells to prevent desiccation, ensuring well-drained soil.
Fertilise

While Jonquils aren’t heavy feeders, an annual feed is beneficial. For nutrient-poor soils, enrich the planting area with a controlled-release fertiliser or a commercial bulb fertiliser during soil preparation. If the soil has already been enriched with compost or well-rotted animal manure, this step can be skipped. It is recommended to apply a controlled-release or commercial bulb fertiliser after the blooms fade and before the foliage yellows, avoiding high-nitrogen fertilisers as they encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. This practice replenishes energy stores, promotes bloom production, 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 Jonquils after flowering to redirect energy to the bulb. Allow foliage to die back naturally, trimming only once it has fully yellowed.

Divide Jonquils every 3–4 years in late summer or early autumn, once the foliage has fully died back. Signs that division is needed include reduced flower size, fewer blooms, or overcrowded bulbs pushing to the soil surface. Gently lift the clumps, separate the bulbs and offsets, ensuring each has roots, and replant them at a depth of 12–15 cm in fresh, well-drained soil with adequate spacing to promote airflow and healthy growth. Offsets will take time to reach maturity before they bloom, as they only flower once they develop into mature, rounded, fully formed bulbs.
In hot regions, apply mulch to retain moisture and provide shade during peak summer heat. During dormancy, natural rainfall is usually sufficient in cooler areas, but in warmer, drier regions, light watering may be needed during prolonged dry spells to prevent desiccation. For potted Jonquils, refresh the soil during replanting and move pots to sheltered locations during extreme weather. Frost-hardy Jonquils can remain in the ground or pots during cold winters, but in frost-prone areas, protect potted bulbs by placing them in a frost-free area or covering them with mulch to safeguard against freezing temperatures. Alternatively, store bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space until planting season.
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