Narcissus Double Campernelle

Narcissus Double Campernelle is a very ancient narcissus, closely related to the botanical species Narcissus jonquilla and N. pseudonarcissus from which it directly descends. 'Campernelle' is a highly fragrant narcissus that generally flowers at the end of March, with pretty small double flowers that are egg yolk yellow, perched on short stems supporting 1 to 4 flowers. It is a reliable and robust variety that will easily naturalise in the sun, in well-drained soil, even limestone and dry in summer.

Narcissus Campernelle, the result of spontaneous hybridization, was discovered in an eastern region of the Mediterranean before 1650. Sometimes considered a botanical species, it is also known as Narcissus Rugulosus or even N. campernelli. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and to division 13 of narcissus, the one including wild and botanical species. Its first parent is Narcissus jonquilla, the second, N. pseudonarcissus, the wood daffodil, is a sturdy and highly fragrant plant. The 'Double Campernelle' form (Narcissus x odorus 'Plenus'), a natural mutation of this spontaneous hybrid, appears in populations with single flowers.

Fresh green foliage grows from the bulb in spring, composed of thin and elongated leaves measuring 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20in) in length and taller than the floral stem, which does not exceed 35 cm (14in) high. The double flowers of Narcissus Campernelle last about 6 weeks. They somewhat resemble small yellow roses with slightly twisted narrow petals. Their pendulous corolla, 4 to 6 cm (2in) in diameter, forms a cup composed of star-shaped outer petals surrounding a shorter, flared and ruffled 'trumpet'. The subtle fragrance of the flowers is sweet and powerful, not overwhelming and well-suited for cut flowers. The foliage disappears after flowering, as the plant enters its summer rest period.

Narcissus Double Campernelle is one of the most resistant autumn bulbs. It is a faithful plant that returns every year and multiplies very easily in the sun and well-drained soils. There is such a choice of varieties among daffodils that you can enjoy them for three months in spring without getting bored. They all naturalise easily, favour yellow and white, and they often have a sweet fragrance. So many reasons to grow them in big clumps (at least 20 bulbs) for a mass effect. Combine 'Double Campernelle', in natural beds, with scillas and anemones blanda, botanical tulips, forget-me-nots and small grasses like Stipa. A group of these daffodils in a pot placed near the house or even in a slightly heated room will diffuse a very pleasant fragrance. It is perfect as a cut flower.

Daffodil or Narcissus? Botanically speaking, daffodils are part of the narcissus family. They have flowers grouped in pairs or more, and their corolla forms a trumpet longer than it is wide. Botanical species have the charm of wild plants and thrive in rock gardens: N.bulbocodium, N. canaliculatus, N.juncifolius, N.pseudonarcissus and the simple wood daffodil, are among the prettiest. In vases, we advise you not to mix daffodils with other flowers like tulips, for example, as the stems of daffodils contain a substance that makes other flowers wilt quickly. This detrimental effect on other flower types can be mitigated by dipping the ends of daffodil stems in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes.