Double daffodil (Narcissus 'Southern Hospitality')
Narcissus 'Southern Hospitality' is a captivating Double daffodil boasting brilliant yellow petals and an orange-red corona. A low-maintenance spring bloomer for zones 3-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ is a standout addition to the spring garden, celebrated for its vibrant, complex bloom structure characteristic of Division IV double daffodils. These showy flowers feature ovate, golden yellow petals contrasted beautifully by distinct orange-red corona segments, making Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ highly valued for its early-season color impact. As a traditional daffodil, this perennial bulb requires low maintenance once established, reliably returning year after year to brighten the landscape.
This specific cultivar generally reaches heights between 1 and 1.5 feet, blooming reliably in March through April. It thrives best when planted in organically rich, well-drained soils, tolerating conditions from full sun exposure to light afternoon shade. Gardeners appreciate the resilience of this Double daffodil, as it is disliked by common garden pests and can adapt well to periods of drought once dormant.
For maximum aesthetic effect, plant Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ in sweeping drifts rather than isolated groupings. Its dependable performance and pest resistance ensure that this Double daffodil remains a staple for gardeners looking for easy, colorful fanfare as winter transitions to spring.
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: March to April
- Bloom Description: Yellow petals and orange-red corona
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ bulbs should occur in the early to mid-fall season. Locate a spot receiving adequate sunlight—full sun to part shade is ideal, remembering that flowers tend to face the light source. Excellent soil drainage is non-negotiable; the soil should be organically rich and maintained at medium moisture during the active growing season, though the bulbs tolerate drought once they go dormant.
When planting, the general guideline is to set bulbs 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb height, ensuring at least 3 inches of soil covers the top. Space the bulbs between 4 and 10 inches apart, depending on the size of the individual bulbs; wider spacing allows clumps time to fill in naturally. Daffodils can be left undisturbed for many years, which reduces overall required maintenance.
After blooming ceases in the spring, prune the spent flower stems to prevent seed formation, but leave the foliage intact. Do not cut back the strap-shaped green leaves until they naturally turn yellow. This allows the foliage to photosynthesize and properly store energy for next year’s robust display of the Double daffodil blooms.
Landscape Uses
Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ excels when planted in naturalized settings, offering perennial reliability unmatched by many annual spring displays. Unlike tulips, these bulbs are excellent for long-term impact, making them perfect for borders, beds, or naturalizing under open woodland trees. Aim to plant them in large drifts—groups of six bulbs are the minimum recommended—to create sweeping visual impact against emerging spring growth.
These daffodils look stunning massed near foundation plantings or at the front of mixed perennial borders where their early bloom time contrasts nicely with emerging foliage of later-blooming plants. Because they reliably naturalize, they integrate beautifully into wild gardens. Consider pairing Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ with early-flowering grape hyacinths or contrasting the yellow and orange tones with deep blue scilla.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Narcissus is a genus encompassing about 50 species of bulbous perennials originating from Europe and North Africa, serving as a crucial element in the yearly spring garden display. The flowers, which bloom early in the season, typically feature a central cup or trumpet (the corona) surrounded by six petals, appearing in shades from white to orange, yellow, and pink. ‘Southern Hospitality’ is specifically a Double daffodil (Division IV), meaning its blooms feature doubled perianth segments or corona segments, and this cultivar rises about 14-16 inches tall with vibrant golden yellow petals and orange-red corona segments.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
Potential Problems
Daffodils, in general, are highly esteemed for being almost entirely free of serious insect or disease issues, provided they receive proper soil and cultural conditions. The primary risk comes from bulb rot, which is almost always caused by poorly-drained soil conditions leading to excessive moisture retention, especially in poorly prepared beds. Infrequent pests might include slugs, snails, or the narcissus bulb fly, though these are relatively minor concerns. Be vigilant for Narcissus yellow stripe virus, though it is infrequently documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ suitable for?
Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 8.
When does Double daffodil bloom?
This specific daffodil typically blooms early in the season, usually from March to April, offering yellow petals and an orange-red corona.
How large does Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ grow?
It matures to a height between 1 and 1.5 feet and spreads between 0.5 and 1 foot wide.
What sun exposure does Double daffodil need?
This plant performs best when sited where it receives full sun to part shade.
Conclusion
Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ endures as a garden favorite, providing reliable, low-maintenance beauty with its unique double blooms of yellow and orange-red tones. This resilient Double daffodil asks little beyond well-drained soil and proper dormancy care to deliver its spectacular early spring show year after year. Ensure you purchase and plant your bulbs in the fall compatibility for your USDA hardiness zone to guarantee a vibrant return.
Propagation Tips
Since Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ produces double flowers, propagation by seed is generally discouraged as the resulting plants may not breed true to the parent characteristics. The most effective method for increasing your stock of this excellent bulb is through natural division. Keep the bulbs undisturbed for several years until you notice the quantity and quality of blooms declining; this signals that the clump has become overcrowded.
Division should be executed immediately after the foliage has completely yellowed following spring bloom. Lift the entire clump carefully, ensuring the bulbs remain intact, and gently separate the offsets attached to the mother bulb. Replant the separated bulbs immediately into their new locations following the standard planting depth guidelines to ensure success the following spring.
Companion Planting
The successful culture of Narcissus ‘Southern Hospitality’ relies heavily on early spring moisture followed by dry dormancy, which influences ideal companion selections. Pair these daffodils with plants that emerge later in the season or those that do not mind their slowly fading foliage. Spring ephemeral companions, such as snowdrops or early species tulips, share similar cultural needs and bloom timing, making for layered beauty.
For perennials that fill the gap created after the daffodil foliage dies back, consider low-growing groundcovers that thrive in dappled shade later in the season. Hostas, Brunnera macrophylla, or Geraniums work well, provided their roots do not aggressively compete with the daffodil bulbs during their critical early growth period. Ensure the companions respect the low-maintenance nature of the Double daffodil.
