Cold Hardy Narcissus species

Submitted by RickR on

The Daffodil Society here in zone 4 Minnesota claims that there are no Narcissus species that are hardy here, at least for very long. I wonder how true this really is. Any comments?

Comments


Submitted by Lori S. on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 20:37

That's something I'm keenly interesting in hearing more about.

I can say that Narcissus poeticus seems to be hardy here over the long term.  (I have to admit I've seen better clumps of it in other people's yards than I grow myself, but I don't think hardiness is a problem.)  EDIT: Hmm, maybe I should ask if this really is pure N. poeticus in the photo.

That seems to be the only species I grow.  I did try N. canaliculatus on a few occasions with no success.  One factor is availability - pure species tend not to be readily available, especially not as bulbs, for trial.
Given the number of hybrids (especially the so-called "rock garden" types) that are hardy here, it would seem odd if some of the constituent species were not hardy, though I have not tried them.   For example, the ever-present 'Tête à Tête' is said to be a hybrid of N. cyclamineus with N. tazetta


Submitted by deesen on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 13:13

Skulski wrote:

.....................For example, the ever-present 'Tête à Tête' is said to be a hybrid of N. cyclamineus with N. tazetta

The seed parent was 'Cyclataz' and pollen was open pollinated, One of 'Cyclataz's parents was Narcissus cyclamineus


Submitted by Lori S. on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 18:49

Thanks for the info, David!  (I was just (loosely) quoting Phillips and Rix, Bulbs... in full, they say: "The result of crossing N. cyclamineus with N. tazetta 'Soleil d'Or' was the doubtfully hardy N. 'Cyclataz', and 'Tête à Tête' is an improved and hardy form."  I have no personal insight into this whatsoever.  :) )