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Jonquil Paperwhite

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Breathe life into your garden with the dazzling Jonquil Paperwhite (Narcissus tazetta)! This grab bag is perfect for those seeking an abundance of pure white, star-shaped blooms, that exude a sweet and uplifting fragrance. Complemented by slender, rich green foliage, these jonquils thrive in cool to subtropical climates, where the cool winters provide the perfect conditions for early growth. They are also an exceptional choice for warmer regions, thriving effortlessly and performing even better than daffodils in these conditions. Low-maintenance and versatile, they’re ideal for borders, pots, naturalising, or floral displays. With its timeless beauty and adaptability, Jonquil Paperwhite is a must-have for creating vibrant, fragrant springtime displays.

SKU: TCJONPAP040 Category: Tags: ,

Description

Jonquil Paperwhite (Narcissus tazetta)

Jonquil Paperwhite is a timeless classic, celebrated for its clusters of pure white blooms and heady, sweet fragrance. Each stem produces up to 10 medium-sized flowers, creating an elegant and pristine display. Paired with slender, rich green foliage, Paperwhite’s beauty and fragrance make it a standout choice for gardens and indoor spaces alike. This spring-flowering favourite is perfect for naturalising, and its resistance to rodents ensures effortless charm and reliability in any setting.

Uses and Versatility

Jonquil Paperwhite brings timeless beauty and a delightful fragrance to gardens and arrangements. Its elegant blooms and adaptability make it perfect for both structured plantings and relaxed naturalised settings.

Ideal Uses

  • Forcing Indoors: A top choice for early, fragrant blooms in pots or vases.
  • Borders and Garden Beds: Adds elegance and fragrance to mixed plantings.
  • Naturalising: Ideal for creating pristine spring displays beneath trees or along pathways.
  • Pots and Containers: Excellent for patios, balconies, and small spaces.
  • Cut Flowers: Long-lasting, fragrant blooms bring freshness and charm indoors.

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

Botanical Name

Narcissus tazetta
Quantity in Pack

40 Bulbs
Flowering Time

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 can comfortably hold 10 bulbs, a 15 cm pot fits 4 bulbs, and a 40 cm pot accommodates 15 bulbs. Ensure the pot is deep enough to meet the planting depth Jonquils require, particularly in warmer climates, where deeper planting helps shield 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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