Small-cupped daffodil (Narcissus 'Copper Coin')

Overview

Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ offers excellent performance as a low-maintenance spring ephemeral, adding rich color before many other perennials emerge. This specific cultivar is classified as a Small-cupped daffodil (Division III), distinguished by its cup being no more than one-third the length of the perianth segments. Gardeners appreciate Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ for its striking coloration, combining bright yellow petals with a deep, richly colored orange-red cup.

As a reliably cold-hardy bulb, the Small-cupped daffodil flourishes across USDA Zones 3 through 8. It reaches a modest height, typically between 1 to 1.5 feet tall, presenting an impactful display in mid-to-late spring. Its ease of care and ability to naturalize make it perfect for mass plantings, filling borders and woodland margins with dependable, showy blooms year after year.

These perennials are highly valuable for establishing early-season interest in garden beds and borders where low maintenance is desired. Furthermore, these dependable spring bloomers are generally avoided by common garden pests like rabbits and deer, ensuring your displays remain intact. Integrating Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ into your spring plan guarantees vibrant color with minimal long-term effort.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
• Plant Type: Bulb
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.5-1 ft
• Bloom Time: April
• Bloom Description: Yellow petals and orange-red cup
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ bulbs should occur in the early to mid-fall, allowing adequate time for root development before the ground freezes. These bulbs prefer average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils, though they look best in organically rich loams. Adequate drainage is critical; poor drainage can lead to bulb rot. When planting, set each bulb two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall, ensuring at least 3 inches of soil covers the top. Space bulbs between 4-10 inches apart; wider spacing results in a sparser display initially but reduces the need for future division.

During the active growing season, maintain medium soil moisture consistently. While the bulbs tolerate drought once they go dormant, keeping the soil uniformly moist while the foliage is green supports strong performance next year. After the flowers fade in spring, remove the spent flower stem to prevent seed formation, but crucially, allow the foliage to remain uncut until it turns yellow naturally. This process replenishes the energy stores within the bulb.

Daffodils generally face the sun, so orient plantings so any nearby structures or trees cast shade toward the back of the display. Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ bulbs can be left undisturbed for many years. If clump size or bloom quality declines significantly over time, divide the clumps immediately after the foliage dies back in summer.

Landscape Uses

Daffodils, unlike tulips, are excellent perennials that return reliably, making them foundational plants for naturalizing landscapes. It is highly recommended to plant Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ in quantity—aim for groups of at least six bulbs to create an impactful sweep of early spring color. They excel when massed under deciduous trees, where they receive full spring sun before the canopy leafs out, or along woodland edges.

For structural effect, consider placing these Small-cupped daffodils in borders just in front of larger shrubs. Their foliage emerges relatively late compared to some spring bulbs, maturing before summer perennials hide them away. They mix beautifully with other spring-flowering bulbs like later tulips or Muscari, creating layered color interest. The vibrant tones of the yellow petals and orange-red cup of Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ mean they look fantastic when interspersed with pure white or contrasting dark purple varieties.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Narcissus is a genus of about 50 species of bulbous perennials from Europe and North Africa, serving as a staple of the spring garden with flowers appearing singly or in clusters atop stems. ‘Copper Coin’ is specifically a small-cupped daffodil (Division III), meaning its cup is short relative to the surrounding petals and it produces one flower per stem, rising about 14-16 inches tall. Its blooms feature broad, yellow petals with orange overtones contrasting sharply with a disc-shaped, tightly ribbed, orange-red cup, making this bulb a standout performer in late April.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought

Potential Problems

Daffodils are generally admired for being pest-free, provided they are established in well-drained soil where moisture is managed correctly. The primary cultural risk is bulb rot, which is directly caused by overly wet or poorly drained conditions. Infrequent pest concerns might include slugs and snails when young, or occasionally narcissus bulb fly or nematodes. To prevent virus issues, always ensure you purchase healthy bulbs and immediately remove any foliage showing signs of yellow striping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Small-cupped daffodil suitable for?

The excellent cold tolerance of Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ allows it to thrive across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ grow?

This bloom typically reaches a height between 1 to 1.5 feet, with a spread that slightly trails its height, usually forming clumps between 0.5 and 1 foot wide.

When does Small-cupped daffodil bloom?

Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ is a reliable late-spring bloomer, typically flowering in April, presenting distinctive yellow petals and an orange-red cup.

What sun exposure does Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ need?

For the best bloom production, plant this Small-cupped daffodil where it will receive full sun, although it will tolerate dappled or light part shade throughout the day.

Conclusion

Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’ offers gardeners a dependable, low-maintenance burst of vibrant color in the spring landscape. Its distinctive bloom cycle and attractive yellow and orange-red cup ensure it will become a repeated highlight in your garden plans. Check your local hardiness zone compatibility and plan to plant your bulbs this fall to secure brilliant displays of this Small-cupped daffodil next season.

Companion Planting for Daffodils

When designing beds featuring Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’, consider companions that bloom later or have different foliage habits to extend visual interest. Plant them near emerging perennials like Siberian Iris or Peonies; by the time narcissus foliage yellows and needs removal, the emerging perennials will begin to fill the gaps. Also, ensure companions share the preference for well-drained soil and medium moisture, as poor drainage is the Achilles’ heel of all daffodils.

Designing with Color Contrast

The specific coloring of Narcissus ‘Copper Coin’—yellow petals contrasting with an orange-red cup—makes it visually exciting but requires thoughtful placement. For high impact, mass plant this cultivar near cultivars with stark white trumpets to maximize the perceived brightness of both types. Alternatively, plant it slightly behind dark purple or deep blue early bloomers, such as Scilla or Muscari, allowing the darker base color to make the yellow and orange hues pop forward visually.