Jonquilla daffodil (Narcissus 'Sundial')
Narcissus 'Sundial' is a charming Jonquilla daffodil, offering showy, lemon-yellow blooms in April. Low maintenance and deer resistant.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Jonquilla daffodil, specifically the cultivar Narcissus ‘Sundial’, presents a delightful miniature option for brightening the early spring landscape. Valued for its vibrant lemon yellow flowers that feature slightly deeper yellow cups, this bulb is a robust addition to any garden design. As a Jonquilla narcissus, Narcissus ‘Sundial’ typically produces one to two blooms per scape, offering intense color in a compact form.
This variety stands out due to its easy-going nature and relatively small stature, reaching less than a foot tall. It is an enduring favorite because it naturalizes well, meaning clumps multiply satisfactorily over time if left undisturbed. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance required by this particular Jonquilla daffodil, especially since it proves naturally resistant to common pests like deer and rabbits.
Narcissus ‘Sundial’ is perfect for areas where a more delicate spring color is desired, such as along pathways or at the front of perennial borders. Its bright coloration provides excellent contrast against emerging green foliage. Plan your planting early, as these resilient bulbs are best established in the fall for a spectacular springtime return.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-0.75 ft
- Spread: 0.25-0.5 ft
- Bloom Time: April
- Bloom Description: Lemon yellow with deeper yellow cups
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Narcissus ‘Sundial’ bulbs should occur from early to mid-fall before the ground freezes solid. Choose a location offering good drainage, as this is crucial for bulb health; Narcissus ‘Sundial’ thrives in average, medium-moisture soil, though organically rich loams are preferred. For correct depth, plant the bulb two to three times as deep as the bulb itself, ensuring there are at least 3 inches of soil covering the top. Spacing distances range from 4 to 10 inches apart, determined by bulb size.
During the active growing season in spring, soils should be kept uniformly moist. However, this Jonquilla daffodil tolerates drought once the foliage begins to die back, as the bulb enters dormancy. After blooming concludes in April, you may pinch off the spent flower heads to prevent seed production, but absolutely avoid cutting back the foliage until it yellows naturally.
These bulbs naturalize well and can remain untouched for several years. If you notice a decline in bloom quantity or quality, divide the clumps right after the foliage has completely died back. Since the flowers naturally tend to face the brightest light source, strategically position plantings so any screening shade is located behind the daffodil clumps.
Landscape Uses
The compact size of this Jonquilla daffodil makes Narcissus ‘Sundial’ incredibly versatile across the landscape. It excels when planted in intimate groupings, perfect for filling in rock gardens or edging borders along walkways where larger flowers would overwhelm the space. Mass plantings near established trees or shrubs also work well, utilizing the dappled light found below their canopies during early spring before leaf-out.
Because of their tendency to multiply and fill in spaces, these miniature daffodils are excellent for naturalistic plantings contrasted with later-blooming perennials. They integrate seamlessly into containers or window boxes, providing crucial early-season color near entryways. Consider planting them alongside early spring bulbs like snowdrops or scilla for layered spring interest.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Narcissus ‘Sundial’ belongs to Division VII, the jonquilla narcissus group. This miniature variety only rises 4–8 inches tall, featuring one or two beautiful lemon-yellow flowers per stem, contrasting slightly with its deeper yellow cups. Being part of the larger Narcissus genus—named for the myth of the youth entranced by his reflection—this bulb is known for being easily grown, multiplying quickly, and establishing long-lived clumps.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
Potential Problems
This genus is famously trouble-free, as daffodils are noted for being almost pest-free when provided with suitable soil and culture. The main potential issue involves fungus or rot, which occurs if the soil drainage is poor, leading to bulb rot. Infrequently, garden pests like slugs, snails, or the narcissus bulb fly may appear. A viral concern, Narcissus yellow stripe virus, can occasionally affect the foliage. Management focuses primarily on ensuring excellent soil drainage to prevent rot and protecting new bulbs from slugs until established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Jonquilla daffodil suitable for?
This Jonquilla daffodil, Narcissus ‘Sundial’, performs best when grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Narcissus ‘Sundial’ grow?
This miniature variety typically reaches a height between 0.25 and 0.75 feet tall, with a spread of 0.25 to 0.5 feet wide.
When does Jonquilla daffodil bloom?
Narcissus ‘Sundial’ reliably blooms in April, presenting its showy, lemon yellow flowers with deeper yellow cups.
What sun exposure does Narcissus ‘Sundial’ need?
This bulb is flexible and thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to many locations.
Conclusion
The Narcissus ‘Sundial’ Jonquilla daffodil provides reliable, pest-free structure and vibrant early color with minimal effort from the gardener. Its compact size and drought tolerance make it a standout choice for mixed borders and intimate groupings. Ensure you plant these bulbs in well-draining soil during the fall to best enjoy the enchanting yellow display of Narcissus ‘Sundial’ next spring.
Companion Planting
When planning spring displays, pair Narcissus ‘Sundial’ with later-blooming spring ephemerals to maintain visual interest after the daffodils fade. Consider low-growing creeping phlox or aubrieta, whose mats of color emerge as the Narcissus foliage yellows. For contrast in height and texture, plant them near emerging hostas or early-flowering spring bulbs like specialty tulips that emerge slightly later in May.
Propagation Tips
The robust nature of this Jonquilla daffodil means propagation is straightforward via division. After several years, when blooms thin out, the bulbs will have multiplied beneath the soil surface. Wait until the foliage of Narcissus ‘Sundial’ has completely died back—usually by early summer—then carefully dig up the entire clump. Gently separate the offsets from the main bulb, ensuring each division has a healthy root base and basal plate attached. Replant the separated bulbs promptly at the correct depth (3-6 inches deep) in their desired location for future seasons.
