Scientific Name
Narcissus (Paperwhites) - Tender III
Common Name
Paperwhite Narcissus, Tazettas
NARCISSUS (PAPERWHITES) - Tender III
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A. Flowering Characteristics
Narcissus (Paperwhites) flowers in early winter (Dec/Jan) for up to 100 days (depends on occurrence of frost) and plants are 12-18 inches tall. All are very fragrant.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Southern Europe
2. Common names: Paperwhite Narcissus, Tazettas
3. Geophyte organ: Tunicated bulb
4. Hardiness type: Tender III - Injured at temperatures below 35 degrees F , (2C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by offset bulblets and requires a warm (70 to 85F) - cool (40 to 55F) - warm (70 to 85F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, rock gardens, fresh cut flowers, and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 12/13, 13/14, 14/15, 15/16, 16/up cm, in circumference.
2. Planting density: 1-3 inches, 10-15 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to base of the bulb
4. Planting time: October-November.
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zones 9 to 11 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight to PM only or AM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Tolerates (prefers) summer drought, but requires moisture during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not susceptible.
D. Companion Plants:
Chaenomeles japonica, Forsythia, Jasminum nudiflorum, Vinca minor, Hammamelis.

Paperwhites

Chinese Sacred Lily

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.