Plant of the Month for May 2025

Narcissus bulbocodium

Description and General Information:

This Narcissus species is amongst the smallest in the genus, reaching just 12-15 cm in height.  Arising from small bulbs, this species has narrow, terete, grass-like foliage.  The flowers are solitary with a relatively large, funnel-shaped trumpet and small, narrow tepals. In the wild, it inhabits meadows and rocky hillsides of SW France, Portugal and Spain.

Blooming Season:

March in the south to late May in the north.

Cultivation:

This species prefers soil that is moist but well-drained.  It can tolerate some drought during the dormant, summer season.  It prefers soil that is acidic to neutral. Grow it in full sun to part shade. It may be naturalized in lawns but due to its small stature, it is an ideal bulb for rock gardens, crevice gardens and even larger troughs. It is hardy to zone 5.

Propagation:

Large clumps may be dug and divided once the foliage has died back.  It may also be grown from seed but may take 3 years to reach flowering size.