Contents
Description
Narcissus Serotinus, also known as the autumn daffodil, is a beautiful spring-flowering bulbous plant that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly found in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. It is a small plant that grows up to 30 cm tall and produces a beautiful cluster of 2-6 white or pale pink flowers with a prominent yellow cup.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Narcissus |
Appearance
The Narcissus Serotinus has narrow, strap-like leaves that are about 1 cm wide and grow up to 20 cm tall. The flowers are borne on a thin, wiry stem that grows up to 30 cm tall. Each flower measures about 3-5 cm in diameter and has six tepals that are white or pale pink with a prominent yellow cup. The cup is frilly and has a slightly crinkled edge. The flowers bloom in early spring and last for about 2-3 weeks.
Care Guide
Narcissus Serotinus is an easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you grow it successfully:
Water: Narcissus Serotinus prefers well-drained soil that is kept slightly moist during the growing season. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Soil: Narcissus Serotinus prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Plant the bulbs in a mixture of equal parts sand, peat moss, and garden soil.
Sunlight: Narcissus Serotinus prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant the bulbs in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Narcissus Serotinus is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Narcissus Serotinus is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by bulb rot, which is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent bulb rot, make sure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. The plant can also be affected by narcissus bulb fly, which lays its eggs on the bulbs in the fall. To prevent narcissus bulb fly, cover the bulbs with a layer of sand or soil after planting.
Habitat
Narcissus Serotinus is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly found in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodland edges, and rocky hillsides. The plant prefers well-drained soil and is often found growing on limestone or other alkaline soils.
Question and Answer
Q: When does Narcissus Serotinus bloom?
A: Narcissus Serotinus blooms in early spring, usually in March or April.
Q: How tall does Narcissus Serotinus grow?
A: Narcissus Serotinus grows up to 30 cm tall.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Narcissus Serotinus?
A: Narcissus Serotinus is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Q: Does Narcissus Serotinus prefer full sun or partial shade?
A: Narcissus Serotinus prefers full sun to partial shade.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the same genus as Narcissus Serotinus:
- Narcissus pseudonarcissus
- Narcissus poeticus
- Narcissus tazetta
- Narcissus triandrus
References
- Blanchard, M. (2018). The Plant Lover’s Guide to Narcissus. Timber Press.
- Preston, C. D., Pearman, D. A., & Dines, T. D. (2002). New atlas of the British and Irish flora. Oxford University Press.
- Raven, P. H., Evert, R. F., & Eichhorn, S. E. (1999). Biology of Plants (6th ed.). W.H. Freeman and Company.
