Narcissus Minnow
Contents
Description
Narcissus Minnow, also known as Dwarf Narcissus, is a beautiful flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is a popular choice for gardeners due to its small size, delicate appearance, and early blooming time. Narcissus Minnow typically grows to be 6-8 inches tall and produces small white flowers with yellow centers. It is a perennial plant that blooms in early spring and requires minimal care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Narcissus |
Appearance
Narcissus Minnow has narrow, grass-like leaves that are a light green color. The flowers grow in clusters of 2-5 and have a white perianth with a yellow cup-shaped corona in the center. The cup is slightly flared and has a slightly frilly edge. The flowers are approximately 2.5 cm in diameter and have a lovely, delicate fragrance.
Care Guide
Narcissus Minnow is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this beautiful plant:
- Water: Narcissus Minnow prefers well-drained soil and does not require excessive watering. Water the plant thoroughly once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to the soil in early spring before the plant blooms.
- Soil: Narcissus Minnow prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types but does best in a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
- Sunlight: Narcissus Minnow prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not bloom as well in low light conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: Narcissus Minnow is hardy in USDA Zones 4-8 and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Narcissus Minnow is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:
- Narcissus Bulb Fly: This pest lays its eggs on the bulbs, and the larvae burrow into the bulbs, causing damage. Inspect bulbs before planting and discard any that show signs of infestation.
- Narcissus Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow-orange spots on the leaves and stems. Remove infected leaves and stems and dispose of them in the trash to prevent spreading the disease.
Habitat
Narcissus Minnow is native to Europe and Asia and grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Narcissus Minnow be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Narcissus Minnow can be grown in containers as long as the container has drainage holes and the soil is well-draining.
Q: When should I plant Narcissus Minnow bulbs?
A: Narcissus Minnow bulbs should be planted in the fall, 4-6 weeks before the first frost.
Q: How often should I fertilize Narcissus Minnow?
A: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to the soil in early spring before the plant blooms. Do not fertilize again until the following spring.
Q: Can Narcissus Minnow be grown from seed?
A: Yes, Narcissus Minnow can be grown from seed, but it may take several years for the plant to reach maturity and bloom.
Related Plants
- Narcissus Tête-à-Tête
- Narcissus February Gold
- Narcissus Hawera
- Narcissus Thalia
References
- “Narcissus ‘Minnow’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277838.
- “Narcissus ‘Minnow’.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12144/Narcissus-Minnow-(6)/Details.
- “Narcissus ‘Minnow’.” The Spruce. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/narcissus-minnow-2132281.
