Jonquilla daffodil (Narcissus 'Stratosphere')
Narcissus 'Stratosphere' is a fragrant Jonquilla daffodil providing golden-yellow spring color. Low maintenance and deer resistant.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Jonquilla daffodil, specifically the cultivar Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’, stands out as a classic, highly rewarding choice for the early spring garden. This hybrid is valued for its typically fragrant blooms and slender, rush-like foliage, distinguishing it within the broad Narcissus genus. Gardeners appreciate Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ for reliably delivering vibrant color as winter transitions to spring.
As a Division VII daffodil, this Jonquilla daffodil variant produces multiple flowers per stem, offering excellent visual impact in drifts. It thrives with relatively low maintenance once established, fitting perfectly into naturalized settings or structured perennial borders. Planting Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ ensures an annual return of golden-yellow beauty.
Its upright growth habit and good pest resistance make planting Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ a confident choice for adding reliable structure and fragrance to the landscape. Ensure good drainage, and these bulbs will perform for years.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Golden yellow with gold to orange-gold cup
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For successful establishment, plant Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ bulbs in early to mid-fall before the ground freezes. Select a location offering full sun to light part shade; note that flowers tend to face the sun, so place any potential afternoon shade sources behind the planting area. Good soil drainage is absolutely essential to prevent bulb rot; organically rich loams with medium moisture levels are ideal.
When planting, position each bulb two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall, ensuring at least three inches of soil covers the tip. Space the bulbs between 4 and 10 inches apart, adjusting spacing based on the final desired effect; wider spacing takes longer to fill out but reduces the need for future division. Keep the soil uniformly moist during active spring growth but tolerate drought once the foliage begins to yellow and dormancy approaches.
After the golden blooms fade in spring, resist the urge to cut back the foliage immediately. Allow the leaves to fully yellow naturally—this process replenishes the energy reserves in the bulb for next year’s flowers. Only remove the flower stem down to the foliage if desired to prevent seed set. Deadheading ensures energy goes back into the bulb, maximizing performance of your Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’.
Landscape Uses
Daffodils, including this Jonquilla daffodil hybrid, are superior to many spring bulbs because they reliably return year after year, offering long-term value. Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ works effectively when planted en masse, creating sweeping drifts of color that mimic a naturalized setting. They are excellent for defining the edge of woodland areas or massing under deciduous trees where they receive full sun before the canopy develops.
Consider integrating these blooms into mixed beds and borders, pairing the golden tones with early-blooming blue or white companions like Scilla or Muscari for classic spring contrast. Because the foliage dies back, plan companion plantings whose spring or summer leaves will effectively screen the yellowing daffodil leaves. They perform well in front of shrubs or used as naturalized accents across lawns, provided mowing is avoided until the foliage yellows.
Planting in small groupings of at least six bulbs minimizes the sparse appearance in early years, allowing the clumps of Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ to fill in and expand over time, reducing the frequency of necessary division.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Narcissus is a genus of about 50 species of bulbous perennials from Europe and North Africa. They are a mainstay of the spring garden. ‘Stratosphere’ is specifically a jonquilla daffodil (Division VII), characterized by 1-5 usually fragrant flowers per stem with spreading petals and a small cup (corona). Its narrow, reed-like, dark green leaves appear in upright clumps. This striking cultivar rises mid-season, usually producing 2-3 flowers per stem, each featuring golden yellow petals and a deep gold to orange-gold cup.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
Potential Problems
Daffodils are generally robust and pest-free when planted in appropriate, well-drained locations. The most significant cultural issue arises from bulb rot, which occurs exclusively in soggy or poorly draining soils; amending heavy clay with organic matter before planting is the best preventative measure. Infrequently, narcissus bulb fly or nematode pests can be problematic, though proper culture minimizes incidence. Deer and rabbits typically find the foliage unpalatable, offering good protection against common garden browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Jonquilla daffodil suitable for?
Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ is reliably hardy when grown in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ grow?
This variety typically reaches a mature height between 1.5 to 2 feet tall, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ need?
For optimal performance and best blooming of the golden yellow flowers, plant this daffodil variety in locations receiving full sun to light part shade.
When does Jonquilla daffodil bloom?
Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ is a mid-season bloomer, typically flowering from April through May, showing off its golden yellow petals and gold to orange-gold cup.
Conclusion
The Jonquilla daffodil Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ offers gardeners a reliably low-maintenance addition to the spring landscape, boasting beautiful, fragrant golden blooms atop slender foliage. Its resistance to common pests like deer and rabbits adds significant practical value. Before planting, ensure your soil profile offers excellent drainage, and install these bulbs in early fall for an explosion of color next April.
Companion Planting
Pairing Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ effectively leverages its early blooming season and subsequent foliage dieback. Combine it with summer bloomers whose emergence will mask the fading daffodil leaves. Consider planting near later spring/early summer bloomers like Siberian Iris or Peonies, which will take over the structure after the Jonquilla daffodil finishes. For a layered effect, plant the bulbs beneath early-blooming perennial Geraniums.
Design Ideas for Drifts and Massing
Creating naturalized drifts is the ideal way to showcase the clustered flowers of the Jonquilla daffodil. Scatter bulbs randomly over the intended area rather than planting in rigid, straight lines; this loose dispersal encourages the natural look that gardeners seek in these spring classics. For borders, use Narcissus ‘Stratosphere’ in the front or middle ground, ensuring drifts contain at least 15-20 bulbs to achieve that desired sweeping effect that defines the spring transition.
