Narcissus x bulbocodium cantabricus

Narcissus x bulbocodium cantabricus is a small daffodil, rarely offered in commerce. It bears unusual white flowers, composed of a swollen central corona in the shape of a crinoline. This hoop emerges from a discreet crown of 6 very thin sepals. This bulbous plant sometimes blooms as early as November in mild climates, and in February-March in cooler climates. It is not very hardy (-10°C (14°F)), but adapts to heat and summer drought. To successfully grow it, provide it with sun and well-drained soil that is moist to dry in summer. It often self-sows in light soil or in rock gardens. This hooped-petticoat daffodil is ideal for potted displays in the heart of winter.

Narcissus bulbocodium, also known as crinoline daffodil or medusa's trumpet, belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is a common species in the western Mediterranean, from Morocco to Spain, and south of France, particularly in Languedoc Roussillon and Gironde. It is often found in limestone soil. Narcissus x bulbocodium cantabricus is sometimes suspected to be a crossbreed with N. cantabricus. It is drought-resistant and prolific. It does not exceed 10cm (4in) in height when in bloom. Its flowers, measuring 2.8 to 4.5cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, are composed of a corolla of modest, very thin petals, on which a wide and swollen corona is inserted, almost completely eclipsing the small crown of petals. It is an early-flowering plant, capable of blooming as early as the second half of February when well-established, and even in autumn in favourable climates. The delicate foliage, which can be mistaken for tender grass, is deciduous in summer. In mild climates, it develops with the first rains in September and persists in winter. This variety easily multiplies through spontaneous sowing and production of bulblets, from an ovoid bulb the size of a hazelnut.

Narcissus x bulbocodium cantabricus grows in any well-drained and loosened, humus-rich soil, but results are less satisfactory in excessively moist or acidic soils. 

There are so many daffodil cultivars that one can enjoy them for three months in spring without ever getting tired. They all have in common the ability to naturalise easily, to offer an infinite range of yellow and white shades, and to often emit sweet fragrances. Grow them in large clumps in lawns or at the edge of flower beds (at least 20 bulbs) for an enhanced effect. Pair it with squills, hyacinths, early-blooming botanical tulips, botanical crocuses, forget-me-nots, pansies, or liverworts. This daffodil is also perfect in pots.