Narcissus Tazetta: Winter Flower of North Texas

On a list of the winter flowers of North Texas, Narcissus Tazettas rank number 10. Also known as Paperwhites or white lilies, these late winter and early spring bulb flowers stand out in the snow. Texas gardeners typically start planting their winter bulb flowers near the beginning of October. Some like to wait near the end of October so that their bluebonnets grow in around the same time frame. To see a garden of narcissus tazettas and bluebonnets in mid-spring is an amazing sight in North Texas.

Since freezing temperatures can affect most any flower, the bulbs of narcissus are best to be planted no less than six inches from the surface of the ground. A good two to six inches of mulch will keep the ground nice and warm for them. Many landscapers tend to place a layer of mulch no thicker than four inches. The further north you are you will need more, as further south will need less. Narcissus' soil needs are mild since they can also easily revert to being wild, as do poppies. A regiment of watering and plant food will refrain them from crossing that line.

Older generations are more familiar with paperwhites, as they grew up with them and other flowers they were fond of back in the day. Paperwhites are also given as flowers to those who are in hospitals because the fragrance is very uplifting. Not all narcissus tazetta have such a potent fragrance. You may come across some that do not have a scent at all. The potency of the fragrance comes from the acidity of the soil. Do be careful in getting to high of an acidic soil as this can harm them, too. You parents or grandparents could probably tell you where they first saw this fragrant flower when they were younger.

Growing narcissus indoors is much easier than doing so outside. They do not need to be planted as deep in the soil, and can be grown closer together. Once the blooms have faded, you will need to divide the bulbs and plant them into other containers. Over-crowding causes root-rot and the flowers can become root-bound, which neither is good for these flowers. Be careful in separating the bulbs as to not break them. You may end up with many containers of these paperwhites in your home.

You will most likely find narcissus tazettas in garden centers under the name of white daffodils. This worldwide popular flower has a long history among flowers.

Sources:

http://www.plantanswers.com/arcadia_pages/narcissus.htm

http://www.flowersinisrael.com/Narcissustazetta_page.htm

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Narcissus+tazetta