Narcissus tazetta Geranium

Narcissus tazetta 'Geranium' is an ancient variety close to a botanical species of Mediterranean origin, also known as bouquet narcissus or Constantinople narcissus. In mid-spring, this variety boasts an abundance of small white flowers with an orange centre. This multi-flowered narcissus will be perfect in a spring bouquet, where its delicious fragrance will fill the whole house. It prefers sunny exposures and dry soils in summer, which help it to naturalise in the garden. In mild climates, it can be planted directly in the garden where it will look stunning when planted en masse. In climates with harsher winters (below -10°C (14°F)), it can brighten up balconies and patios when planted in a container or pot that can be brought indoors at the end of the growing season. This variety has received the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit. 

Narcissus tazetta 'Geranium' belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. The Narcissus genus includes around 50 species found mainly in Western Mediterranean, but also in Africa and Asia. The tazetta narcissus naturally grows in damp meadows, dry lawns, and scrubland. It belongs to division 8 of the large narcissus family, which includes 13 divisions. 'Geranium' is an ancient variety of N. Tazetta, created in 1930 by the Dutch breeder J.B. van der Schoot.

Narcissus tazetta 'Geranium' forms a clump that reaches about 40cm (16in) in height when in bloom. Its flowers form at the end of sturdy stems, in groups of 3 to 6. Its flowering in March-April starts with creamy-white flower buds that open into pretty flowers with white petals and a small light orange crown. These flowers are delightfully fragrant. The foliage is deciduous and disappears in summer. In mild climates, it multiplies easily by producing bulblets, forming large clumps over time.

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 'Geranium’ with squills , botanical tulips, forget-me-nots, and small grasses like stipa. A group of 'Geranium’ daffodils in a vase creates a sensational effect. This daffodil is also perfect in pots.

Daffodil or Narcissus? Botanically speaking, daffodils are part of the narcissus family. They bear flowers grouped in twos or more and their corona forms a campanulate trumpet that is longer than the corolla is wide. The botanical species have the charm of wild plants and thrive in rock gardens: 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 the stems of narcissus contain a substance that causes other flowers to wilt quickly. This detrimental effect on other flower varieties can be mitigated by dipping the ends of the narcissus stems in warm water for 1 to 2 minutes.