Bulbocodium daffodil (Narcissus triandrus) is a dwarf daffodil that is popular because of its delicate appearance and sweet scent. Its name, “Angel’s tears,” comes from the way its flowers droop downwards and its petals bend back towards the stem. The plant has received an Award of Garden Merit.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Narcissus triandrus, also known as the Angel’s Tears daffodil, Bulbocodium daffodil, is a species of flowering plant within the family Amaryllidaceae.
Native to France, Spain and Portugal, where it grows in woodlands, scrubland and exposed mountain habitats in acidic soils.
It has been observed to grow in scrublands, mesophilic grasslands, sandy soils, including some more rocky areas. In Europe, the plant has been spotted in the Iberian peninsula, the Iberian and Aracena Mountains, as well as the Baetic and Penibaetic mountain systems and the Serra de Monchique.
The popular cultivar ‘Hawera’, belonging to the Triandrus group, has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Narcissus triandrus is a bulbous perennial plant. The bulbs of this species are small and dark in color. Bulbs lay dormant in the soil for the majority of the year until emerging in the Spring. A single bulb usually produces two leaves each that can grow to a length of 20 cm long by 4–5 mm wide. Leaves are keeled, striated on their surface and sometimes coiled at the tip. Stems of the species are 30 cm tall, thick, tubular, and almost waxy on their outer side. Stems can hold from one to six cup shaped flowers, which are milk white or pale yellow in color.
While not a very popular species of the daffodil, these plants have similar care and blooming needs. They are low maintenance plants that require full sun, or part shade, medium water (meaning that the soil should be watered until damp, then left to dry and once dry, watered lightly again). The species is tolerant of rabbits, deer, and drought. This aversion towards disease and pests is known to be from the plant’s high alkaloid and lycorine content.
Flowering in late spring, April through May, it is best that these plants are planted above summer blooming buds, yet below early spring bloomers. It is suggested that these plants be potted or placed in soft, well drained ground in late fall. If planted deep enough (two to three times deeper than the bulbs original length) then it should retain its moisture and last through the winter. And, while these flowers do like shady areas, it is better for them to be placed in full sun or in an area that gets sun throughout most of the day, this is because of the flowers of like to point towards and be in the sun’s light as much as possible.
II. How to Grow and Care
Bulbocodium daffodil is generally regarded as an easy plant to care for, given its uncomplicated maintenance needs. One special care point is ensuring adequate sun exposure – bulbocodium daffodil thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is important to plant bulbocodium daffodil in well-draining soil and to provide moderate watering during the growing season, reducing frequency post-bloom to ensure bulb health. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, a specific concern for bulbocodium daffodil’s care.
Sunlight
Bulbocodium daffodil grows vigorously in sunny places. Insufficient light may cause excessive leaf growth. However, the plants can adapt to slightly shaded environments, such as under deciduous trees. Some varieties in the Cyclamineus and Triandrus groups are particularly suitable for moist and shaded environments.
Temperature
Most varieties of bulbocodium daffodil are hardy and can overwinter in hardiness zones 8-10. Bulbocodium daffodil needs 6-8 weeks of temperatures below 5 ℃ in winter to successfully complete flower initiation and flower. The best temperature for growth is 12 to 18 ℃, and for flowering about 20 ℃. Bulbocodium daffodil doesn’t have a high demand for water and can adapt well to both dry and humid climates.
Watering
Originating from damp meadows and woodlands, bulbocodium daffodil has adapted to environments with consistent moisture. This species is drought-sensitive, requiring a stable level of hydration to thrive. Regular watering every week maintains its delicate water balance. As an outdoor plant, bulbocodium daffodil flourishes in well-draining soil that mimics its native habitat’s moist conditions, making it ideal for gardeners who can provide attentive care and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
Bulbocodium daffodil prefers fertile, loose, well-drained, and slightly acidic or neutral soil. The suitable soil pH range is 6-7. It cannot be planted in clay soil with poor drainage, as accumulated water will cause the bulb to rot and fail to bloom. Add coarse sand and humus to improve the soil structure and ensure good drainage can avoid it.
Fertilizing
To promote bulbocodium daffodil’s growth and blooming, apply balanced nutrition fertilizers early in the growing season, shifting to high-phosphorus formulas pre-bloom for robust flowers. Seasonal changes dictate fertilization frequency; initiate at bi-weekly intervals during active growth, reducing as dormancy approaches. Use manufacturer’s recommended dosage to prevent over-fertilization harm. Incorporate practical tips: water soil before application and distribute evenly around the plant. For effective care, monitor bulbocodium daffodil’s response and adjust the regimen as needed, ensuring plant vigor and flowering success.
Planting Instructions
You can buy bulbs for planting in the fall. Plant bulbocodium daffodil at night, ideally when the temperature is below 10 ℃. Too high a temperature may cause new leaves to sprout prematurely. If the temperature drops, the new leaves will suffer frost damage.
When planting in your garden, choose a well-ventilated place to dig a pit. You can add some compost to the bottom of the pit, and then insert the bulb, taking care to face the tip upward. Gently cover with soil, press firmly, and water it well. The planting depth is generally 3-4 times the bulb height, and the spacing is twice the bulb diameter.
When planting in a flower pot, choose a pot that is 5 times wider than the diameter of the bulb. The bottom of the pot must also have drainage holes. If it is a large container, it is best to put a 3 cm layer of thick, coarse sand or broken brick at the bottom to help with drainage. The planting depth can be slightly shallower than planting on the ground, and at least 2.5 cm of soil under each bulb is required. Plant spacing can be slightly denser than planting directly in your garden. After planting, you can mulch the soil surface with a layer of gravel, which helps to retain moisture and adds beauty.
Pruning
Remove withered flowers from bulbocodium daffodil promptly to prevent it from consuming nutrients during fruit growth. Retaining bulb nutrients this way prolongs the blooming time of other flowers. After flowering, do not cut off the leaves until they turn yellow and wither so that the leaves can photosynthesize for as long as possible and store nutrients for the bulbs. This is conducive to the following year’s rebloom.
Propagation
Native to the Iberian Peninsula, bulbocodium daffodil thrives in woodland settings, showcasing pendant, cream to pale yellow flowers. It is commonly propagated through division, which involves separating offsets from the parent bulb. Gardeners should exercise care when detaching these offsets to avoid damaging the bulbs. It is important to plant the divisions at the correct depth, ensuring the top is just below the soil surface. Adequate spacing allows for sufficient room for the bulbs to mature and naturalize. Consistent moisture and well-draining soil will foster healthy growth post-planting.
Transplanting
Transplanting bulbocodium daffodil thrives when undertaken in the vitality of mid to late spring, leveraging optimal growth conditions. Ensure a sun-kissed site with well-draining soil to encourage robust health. A friendly tip: space for ample bloom expansion enhances garden charm.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Bulbocodium daffodil is very beautiful. When the flower buds are enlarged and the outer petals have just softened but not yet fully opened, you can cut them to enjoy in a vase. Use sharp garden shears to cut from the base of the flower stem and promptly put it in a vase filled with 2/3 clean water to avoid water loss. The vase life of these flowers is 7-15 days. If you want to extend their display period as much as possible, you can add some cut flower food and change the water every 3 days.