Narcissus Salome

Narcissus 'Salome' is an elegant, vigorous, and reliable variety that easily establishes itself and faithfully reblooms in gardens. Its bi-coloured flowers are both spectacular and elegant. Their corolla of white petals supports a large trumpet-shaped crown, which changes colour from orange to soft salmon-pink over several days. They bloom in April-May, perched on short, sturdy stems. You can create lovely bouquets with this daffodil and compose charming potted flowers.

Narcissus 'Salome' was introduced in Ireland in 1958. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. Specifically, it belongs to division 2 of the large daffodil family, which includes 13 divisions. The Narcissus genus includes around 50 species found mainly in the western Mediterranean, as well as in Africa and Asia. Like most large-crowned daffodils, 'Salome' is the result of cross-breeding between N. poeticus and N. x pseudonarcissus, or even N. incomparabilis. It is an excellent award-winning variety for its garden performance and ornamental qualities. The plant produces a stout and strong stem measuring 35 to 40cm (14 to 16in) in height when in bloom. It is a mid-season flowering plant, blooming in April, with a large yellow-green floral bud that opens into magnificent flowers, 6 to 9cm (2 to 4in) wide. The flowers have six wide, white petal-like tepals. The six stamens are inserted into a cup-shaped, undulate paracorolla, ranging in colour from yellow-orange to salmon-pink bordered by yellow. The linear foliage is deciduous, disappearing in summer.

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 'Salome' with squills, hyacinths, forget-me-nots, daisies, chamomiles, or liverworts. A group of 'Salome' daffodils in a vase creates a sensational effect. This daffodil is also perfect in pots.

Native to southern Europe and North Africa, they have flowers grouped in pairs or more. There is also the botanical species that has retained the charm of wild plants and thrives 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 attenuated by dipping the ends of narcissus stems in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes.