Poeticus Narcissus 'Actaea' - 10 pieces

Narcissus 'Actaea'

CHF 28.95

Poeticus narcissus from 1919
Pure white flower with a yellow, red-rimmed eye
Distinct, sweet scent
Late flowering in April and May
Naturalises very well in meadows and lawns

'Actaea' is a historic Poeticus narcissus from 1919 and still flowers as reliably today as it did then. Pure white, rounded petals frame a tiny yellow cup with a red rim. Its strong scent and late flowering in April and May make it a favourite for meadows and the vase.

About this variety

Poeticus narcissi are the nostalgics among daffodils, and 'Actaea' is one of the best known. The flowers are about 7 cm across. The petals are rounded and snow white, with a flat yellow cup in the centre that has a scarlet rim and a yellow-green centre. More than 100 years after its introduction it has remained vigorous and healthy.

At about 35–45 cm tall it suits borders, rock gardens and above all meadows, where it forms dense colonies over the years. As it flowers late, it follows the yellow trumpet daffodils and extends the season. It looks lovely with cuckooflower, snake's head fritillaries or camassias. It likes soil that is moist in spring and well drained.

In the vase 'Actaea' spreads its fine scent throughout the room. It is one of the best daffodils for naturalising. Voles and deer generally avoid the bulbs. Bees visit it occasionally, but it is not an important source of food.

Planting

Plant the bulbs from September to November, 10–15 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart. Tip upwards. Sun or light partial shade is ideal; the soil can be moist in spring but must drain well. In a meadow, make individual holes with a dibber.

Care

Leave the foliage after flowering until it turns yellow. In a meadow, mow only after that, usually in June. Deadheading is possible in borders but not needed in a meadow. Dense clumps can be divided in summer after a few years. In the vase, daffodils release a slime that harms other flowers, so stand the stems in water on their own for a few hours first.

Specifications

Botanical name: Narcissus 'Actaea'
Genus: Daffodils
Class: Poeticus narcissi
Supplied as: Flower bulbs
Flower colour: White, Yellow
Flower size: 7 cm
Fragrant: Yes
Fragrance strength: Medium
Flowering time: April, May
Flowering season: Spring, Late spring
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 15 cm
Habit: Cushion- / clump-forming
Position: Sun, Partial shade
Suitable for: Bed, Bed edge and border, Pot and container, Wildlife garden and meadow, Rock garden, Woodland edge, Cutting garden
Soil type: Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Drainage: Well-drained
Soil moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
Planting time: September, October, November, December
Planting depth: 4–6 inches
Spacing: 4–6 inches
Number per m²: 60
Hardiness in Switzerland: Hardy in Switzerland
Hardiness by location: Hardy, also at higher altitudes
Hardiness zone (USDA): 3–8
Overwintering note: Generally hardy in garden soil in Switzerland. At high, windy sites and in containers, plan extra winter protection and avoid winter wet.
For containers: Well suited to containers
Container note: Suitable for sufficiently deep pots. Avoid waterlogging and let the foliage die back completely after flowering.
Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
Naturalising: Suitable
Naturalising note: Can return in a suitable spot and form larger groups over time.
For bees and butterflies: Not attractive to pollinators
Deer and rodent resistant: Yes
Edible: Not edible
Toxicity: Harmful if eaten; contact with the plant can irritate the skin. Keep away from children and pets and wear gloves when planting.
RHS hardiness: H6