Double daffodil (Narcissus 'Erlicheer')

Overview

Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’, a highly prized double daffodil, brings classic elegance to the early spring garden. This cultivar distinguishes itself with multi-layered, gardenia-like blooms featuring pure white outer petals contrasted by creamy centers, making it exceptionally showy and fragrant. As a low-maintenance bulb, it provides reliable seasonal color after the winter thaw.

Belonging to Division 4, the double daffodil types like ‘Erlicheer’ offer a unique texture compared to standard trumpet varieties. They are hardy across a broad range of climates, thriving from USDA Zone 5 through Zone 9 with minimal fuss once established. Their strong fragrance adds another sensory dimension to the emerging spring landscape.

Gardeners value Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ not just for its beauty but also for its resilience; it naturally repels deer and rabbits while tolerating moderate drought once dormant. Planting these bulbs in quantity ensures that the emerging foliage, which should be left intact after flowering, creates a unified green backdrop for years of reliable performance.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
• Plant Type: Bulb
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.5-0.75 ft
• Bloom Time: March to April
• Bloom Description: White w/cream centers
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The ideal time to plant Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ bulbs is in the early to mid-fall, allowing them sufficient time to establish roots before the ground freezes. These bulbs flourish in organically rich loams with medium moisture and excellent drainage; avoid poorly-drained sites to prevent bulb rot. Planting depth is crucial: bury the bulb 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall, ensuring at least 3 inches of soil covers the tip. Space individual bulbs 4 to 10 inches apart, understanding that larger spacing looks sparse initially but will fill in as the clumps naturalize.

Maintenance for this low-stress perennial is straightforward. Keep the soil uniformly moist during the active growing season in spring, though the bulbs tolerate drought during dormancy. Deadhead the spent flowers promptly by removing the top portion of the stem to prevent seed formation, but never cut the foliage back while it is still green. Allow the leaves to completely yellow, which is essential for replenishing the bulb’s energy reserves for next year’s display of the lovely double daffodil flowers.

For optimal visual effect, position plantings where afternoon shade will fall behind the flowers, as the blooms of Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ naturally tend to face the sun. These bulbs generally do not require yearly division; however, if the quantity or quality of blooms diminishes significantly after several years, divide the clumps immediately after the foliage has died back.

Landscape Uses

Daffodils like Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ are unparalleled for creating dependable, cheerful spring displays. Unlike annuals, these bulbs reliably return year after year, making them excellent investments for borders, beds, and naturalized woodland settings. For the best impact, plant them in large drifts of at least six bulbs, or hundreds for sweeping color patterns under deciduous trees or in front of evergreen shrubs.

The striking white and cream double daffodil looks wonderful when mingled with contrasting spring bulbs. Pair Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ with blue grape hyacinths (Muscari) or early tulips for layered color interest. Because they naturalize easily and have foliage that dies back relatively early, they serve as excellent foreground planting for later-emerging perennials, filling the gap as other spring elements fade.

This specific cultivar is also noted as an excellent fresh cut flower. Consider planting a dedicated patch of Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ near a kitchen door or window where you can easily harvest the fragrant stems for indoor enjoyment without compromising the main garden view.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ is classified as a Division 4 double daffodil, recognized for its unique, multi-layered bloom structure resembling a gardenia, standing 10 to 14 inches tall. The flowers exhibit pure white outer segments and creamy centers, emitting a powerful fragrance that enhances early spring days. Growers appreciate this variety as a superb bulb to force indoors for early blooming specimens.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought

Potential Problems

Daffodils are generally robust and rarely suffer from serious pests or diseases when situated in appropriate conditions. The primary cultural issue to avoid is planting in poorly-drained soil, which leads directly to bulb rot. While deer and rabbits typically leave Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ alone, vigilant gardeners should monitor for mollusks like slugs and snails, particularly when new growth first emerges. Infrequent issues include narcissus bulb fly or the Narcissus yellow stripe virus; ensuring you purchase healthy bulbs from reputable sources helps mitigate most disease risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Double daffodil suitable for?

Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.

How large does Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ grow?

This double daffodil typically reaches a height between 0.75 and 1.5 feet, with a spread of 0.5 to 0.75 feet.

What sun exposure does Double daffodil need?

This variety performs best when situated in locations receiving full sun to part shade.

When does Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ bloom?

This daffodil blooms relatively early, typically from March to April, showcasing its distinctive white w/cream centers.

Conclusion

The Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ double daffodil offers unparalleled fragrance and texture among early spring bloomers, establishing itself as a reliable, low-maintenance staple. Its deer resistance and beauty in the vase secure its place as a top choice for spring color accents. Before the fall season arrives, ensure you select a well-drained site to plant your bulbs and enjoy the rewards of this showy Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ next spring.

Companion Planting

When planning spring displays around Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’, select companions that complement its upright, early bloom time. Since daffodil foliage fades by late spring, companion plants that emerge later are ideal fillers. Consider pairing the white and cream blooms of this double daffodil with the deep blues of Muscari armeniacum or early flowering Scilla species to create excellent color contrast.

For perennial borders, late-blooming companions like Siberian Iris or Peonies can naturally screen the yellowing foliage of the dying daffodil leaves. Remember that daffodils require full sun or light shade, so ensure any companion planting adheres to these same light requirements for successful growth over many seasons.

Design Ideas for Drifts

Planting Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ in sweeping drifts rather than isolated spots maximizes its impact. For a naturalized look, scatter groups of 15 to 25 bulbs randomly across a lawn area or woodland edge, mimicking how they would occur naturally, and allow them to naturalize undisturbed. This planting style works perfectly under high-limbed mature trees where the spring sun penetrates before the canopy fully leafs out.

In formal settings, line paths or frame foundation plantings with uniform clumps of this fragrant double daffodil. Because the flowers face the sun, place taller shrubs or structures behind the planting area to ensure the blooms are prominently displayed toward viewing areas. Massing the white and cream of ‘Erlicheer’ creates a brilliant, cohesive statement early in the season.