Double daffodil (Narcissus 'Acropolis')
Narcissus 'Acropolis' is a showy, low-maintenance Double daffodil blooming white with orange-yellow centers in spring.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ stands out as a magnificent Division 4, or double daffodil, offering substantial, multi-layered blooms in the peak of spring. This hybrid is highly valued for contrasting pure white perianth segments that surround a densely ruffled center, richly colored with deep orange-yellow tones. As a true spring stalwart, the Double daffodil provides reliable color in zones 3 through 8 with minimal effort, making it an indispensable choice for adding structure and cheer early in the growing season.
Growing as a dependable perennial bulb, Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ thrives when planted in bulk, creating impressive drifts of color that return reliably year after year. These robust flowers typically reach 1 to 1.5 feet tall, held on sturdy stems that handle spring weather well. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance associated with daffodils, as they require little more than good drainage and an annual dose of spring sun.
For the best visual impact, plan mass plantings of Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ or use them to anchor beds and borders where their mid-to-late season fragrance can be enjoyed. Their resilience against common garden pests, combined with excellent naturalizing habits, secures the Double daffodil’s place as a foundational element in classic spring landscape designs.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: White with orange-yellow (double)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ bulbs should occur in early to mid-fall before the ground freezes hard. Select a location that receives full sun to part shade and ensures the soil is average, medium moisture, and most critically, well-drained; these bulbs readily suffer from rot in soggy conditions. For depth, plant each bulb two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall, ensuring at least 3 inches of soil covers the top. Spacing generally ranges from 4 to 10 inches apart, depending on the bulb size, though wider spacing allows clumps to persist longer before division is necessary.
During the active growing season in spring and early summer, keep the soil uniformly moist. Once the flowers have faded, resist cutting the foliage back; allow the leaves to yellow naturally, as this process recharges the bulb for next year’s display. You may snip the spent flower stem just below the bloom to prevent seed production if desired.
Daffodils are celebrated for needing little attention once established. Leave established clumps of Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ undisturbed for many years. If blooms begin to diminish in quality or quantity, divide the clumps during the short window immediately after the foliage completely dies back. Because the flowers tend to face toward the strongest light source, position the planting area so that any accompanying shade areas are behind the bulbs.
Landscape Uses
The recommended use for Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ is to naturalize, meaning they are excellent for creating sweeping, informal drifts of color rather than rigid, formal rows. Unlike tulips, these daffodils reliably return each spring, increasing in mass over time. They are ideally sited in beds, borders, open woodland areas, or massed beneath deciduous trees where they receive full sun before the canopy leafs out.
Planting in quantity is key; utilize groupings of at least six bulbs, or scale up to large sweeps for the most dramatic effect in wild gardens or along walkways flanking flowering shrubs. Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ mixes beautifully with other early spring-flowering bulbs like early tulips or grape hyacinths, providing continuous color interest as the garden awakens. Their ability to naturalize means they require little intervention once settled into an appropriate, sunny, well-drained spot.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus Narcissus includes about 50 species of bulbous perennials known for being a mainstay of the spring garden. Cultivated daffodils are categorized into 13 divisions based on bloom structure, and ‘Acropolis’ is a Division 4 (double) hybrid. This specific daffodil features large, approximately 4.5-inch double flowers composed of white petals surrounding a dense core blushed with deep orange-yellow hues. These striking blooms emerge mid to late-season atop strong, 13-18 inch tall stalks, ensuring a vibrant display.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
Potential Problems
Daffodils, including the Narcissus ‘Acropolis’, generally remain pest and disease-free when planted in conditions with proper soil and culture, noted for being almost pest-free. The primary cultural pitfall is bulb rot, which occurs if drainage is insufficient, leading to standing water or overly saturated soil. Less common issues include slugs and snails damaging emerging foliage, or diseases like Narcissus yellow stripe virus. To maintain the health of your Double daffodil display, always ensure excellent soil aeration and drainage before planting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Double daffodil suitable for?
Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ is robust across a wide range, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ grow?
This Double daffodil typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, with a spread of 0.75 to 1 foot at maturity.
What sun exposure does Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ need?
For the strongest bloom production, Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ prefers a location receiving full sun, though it tolerates partial shade well.
When does Double daffodil bloom?
You can expect the brilliant double blooms of Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ to appear from April into May.
Conclusion
Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ offers exceptional value to the spring landscape, delivering low-maintenance beauty and dependable perennial performance with its showy, bicolored double flowers. The resilience of this Double daffodil ensures an impressive repeat performance year after year. Check your garden’s drainage and plan your fall planting schedule now to enjoy this spectacular specimen next spring.
Companion Planting
When designing spring bulb displays, consider companions that emerge slightly earlier or slightly later than Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ to extend the bloom period. Early tulips, muscari (grape hyacinths), and scilla are excellent companions as they share similar soil, water (medium), and sun requirements (full sun to part shade). Plant them slightly closer to the surface or at the front of borders, as these smaller bulbs will occupy the space near the soil line while the daffodils mature above.
Design Ideas
The striking white and orange-yellow pattern of Narcissus ‘Acropolis’ works wonderfully as a focal point in dedicated mixed perennial borders. For a more traditional cottage garden feel, allow them to naturalize freely among emerging perennials like late-blooming peonies or early irises, which will provide foliage cover after the daffodil foliage yellows. Because they tolerate drought once dormant, planting them under the high canopy of established trees is also effective, provided the dry soil area receives enough sun during their spring growing phase.
