Narcissus, Canaliculatus
Quick Overview
NARCISSUS, Canaliculatus
Canaliculatis is a lovely, dainty daffodil that reaches a height of no more than 6-8 inches and can be shorter. It is said to be hardy in Zones 8-9, but I grow it in Zone 4 after planting it 6-8 inches deep. Each flower stem can contain up to 7 blossoms. The blossoms remind me of a bulbocodium hoop petticoat surrounded by large, white petals. Each blossom is no more than 2 inches in diameter. The blossoms produce a sweet scent – nowhere near as strong as Albus Plenus Odoratus. It shows best when planted in drifts of 25 bulbs or more. Bulbs should be planted 4-8 inches deep and no more than 2 inches apart. If you are planning to plant in pots or to force Canaliculatis, plant 8 bulbs in a 6-inch pot. HZ: 6-10 6” April.
Narcissus, Canaliculatus
Narcissus is the name given to the family of plants which includes jonquils. Daffodil is a common name used for all Narcissi. Narcissus are members of the Amaryllis family and are native to various parts of the world including China and Japan, the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, North Africa and western Asia.
The Latin name for the Daffodil, Narcissus, was believed to have been derived from the Greek myth about Narcissus. However, Pliny, the Roman naturalist, argues that the name, Narcissus, derives from the term narkao meaning to benumb and that it is a reference to the bulbs’ medicinal abilities to cause instant numbness.
It is believed that the Romans brought winter hardy Daffodil varieties to Britain in the early centuries AD. By the 17th century, Europeans had been cultivating daffodils for hundreds of years, and the first doubles were being developed.
The earliest European settlers to the New World brought daffodils. The town of Gloucester, VA reported large, naturalized areas of daffodils by 1651.
Along with tulips, daffodils are the most important spring bulbs in Europe and the United States. In many gardens, daffodils are the first flowers to emerge in the spring. Their joyous yellow flowers are eager to remind all of us that sunny days will soon return.
Species Miniature Narcissus are dainty plants, classic varieties, that represent narcissi as they were originally found in the wild. Most are good forcers(except N. bulbocodium). Plant 4-5” deep and 4-5” apart.
