Narcissus papyraceus Paperwhite

Narcissus 'Paperwhite' (Paper White) is the name under which N. papyraceus is sold, or sometimes N. tazetta. It is a Mediterranean botanical species. This bulbous plant boasts a remarkably fragrant white winter flowering. It is characterised by its ability to be forced and grown indoors: potted plants often decorate our tables during the end-of-year holidays. In the Mediterranean region, this charming narcissus is cultivated in open ground where it blooms in February and naturalises over time.

Narcissus belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. The Narcissus genus includes about 50 species mainly found in Western Mediterranean, but also in Africa and Asia. Narcissus papyraceus is native to the Mediterranean region (Greece, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria, south-east France). In nature, this narcissus grows seasonally in wet meadows, dry lawns, and scrubland. The plant should be kept dry in summer. It starts growing again with the return of autumn rains. It produces upright, linear leaves of a bright green colour. Then it develops a sturdy flowering stem measuring 35 to 40cm (14 to 16in) in height. Each stem bears 6 to 8, or even 12 small-sized flowers with 6 white petals, not exceeding 3.5cm (1in) in diameter. The flowers are highly fragrant. The foliage is deciduous, disappearing a few weeks after flowering, while the bulb goes into dormancy. During this period, the bulbs should remain dry.

There is such a variety of narcissus species that one can enjoy them for three months in spring without ever getting bored. They all have in common the ability to naturalize easily, a love for yellow and white, and often emit sweet fragrances. So many reasons to grow them in large clumps (at least 20 bulbs) for a multiplied effect. In a Mediterranean garden without irrigation, combine 'Paperwhite Narcissus' in natural flower beds or rockeries with anemones blanda, accompany them with , as well as forget-me-nots and small grasses like Stipa. A group of Tazetta Narcissus in a pot placed near the house or even in a poorly heated room will diffuse an exceptional fragrance. They are simply perfect in bouquets.

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. In a warm climate with a dry garden, plant Narcissus 'Paperwhite' in natural flower beds or rockeries with Anemone blanda, botanical tulips, forget-me-nots, and small grasses like stipa. For a dazzling and fragrant display, plant a group of 'Paperwhite' daffodils in a pot near the house or even in a poorly heated room. Plant 5 bulbs in an 18cm (7in) diameter pot. They are also perfect in bouquets.

Daffodil or Narcissus? Botanically speaking, daffodils are part of the narcissus family. They bear flowers grouped in pairs or more, and their corona forms a longer campanulate trumpet than the corolla is wide. The botanical species have the charm of wild plants and thrive in rockeries: N. bulbocodium, N. canaliculatus, N. juncifolius, N. pseudonarcissus are among the prettiest.

For bouquets, we advise against mixing narcissus with other flowers, especially tulips, as daffodil stems contain a substance that causes other flowers to wilt quickly. This detrimental effect on other flower species can be reduced by dipping the ends of narcissus stems in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes.