Autumn daffodil (Sternbergia lutea)
Discover Sternbergia lutea, the vibrant Autumn daffodil, prized for its brilliant yellow, crocus-like flowers emerging in early fall.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Sternbergia lutea, widely known as the Autumn daffodil or lily of the field, provides a spectacular burst of color when most gardens are transitioning toward repose. This short, bulbous perennial is highly valued for its brilliant, sunny yellow flowers which appear boldly in early fall, often before the foliage fully develops. Its unexpected bloom time offers a final flourish of warmth to the late-season landscape.
Native to Southern Europe and western temperate Asia, this Sternbergia lutea cultivar thrives best when its cultural needs for dry summers and sharp drainage are met. Gardeners appreciate its relatively easy care and its ability to naturalize slowly beneath trees or in sunny borders, creating drifts of bright yellow stars.
When successfully established, the Autumn daffodil forms endearing clumps of crocus-like blooms atop short stems, accompanied shortly by attractive, dark green, narrow leaves. These leaves often persist through milder winters, rewarding the gardener even during the dormant season, making Sternbergia lutea a reliable and cheerful addition.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Native Range: Southern Europe, western temperate Asia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
- Spread: 0.25-0.5 ft
- Bloom Time: September to October
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Sternbergia lutea should ideally occur in mid-summer, allowing the bulbs time to establish roots before the autumn bloom commences. Ensure a depth of 5 to 6 inches for the bulbs, spaced about 4 to 6 inches apart. The ideal location requires full sun, though part shade is tolerated.
Soil conditions are critical for the success of the Autumn daffodil. Best results are achieved in moderately fertile, gritty soils that drain exceptionally well. Sharp drainage is non-negotiable, especially heading into winter. Gardeners in areas with heavy clay should strongly consider planting bulbs in raised beds to mitigate winter moisture retention.
Water requirements are dry to medium; these bulbs decidedly prefer hot, dry summer conditions when they are dormant, mimicking their native climate. While they appreciate medium moisture during their active growth and bloom period, avoid soggy conditions at all costs, particularly in winter. In colder zones, USDA Zone 6 necessitates planting near structures, such as the south side of a house or a sunny wall, for necessary winter protection. If left undisturbed, your bed of Sternbergia lutea will slowly increase into substantial, attractive clumps.
Landscape Uses
The suggested use for this plant is to naturalize, meaning it looks best when allowed to spread and colonize naturally over time. This quality makes it perfect for interplanting in grass or spreading sparsely beneath deciduous trees where the ground receives full sun before the canopy fills in. For a more formal or controlled setting, Autumn daffodil excels near border fronts, acting as a sparkling low accent piece.
Due to their modest size of less than half a foot tall, they are excellent for defining the edges of walkways or foundations, providing a clean, bright line in the fall garden. They also perform beautifully when brought forward in rock gardens, where the gritty soil conditions they prefer are easily replicated.
Consider planting Sternbergia lutea in containers. Grouping several bulbs together enhances their visual impact, and containers allow you to easily move them to the sunniest, driest location for optimal winter protection, especially if you are gardening near the borderline of Zone 6.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Sternbergia lutea, commonly called autumn daffodil, winter daffodil or lily-of-the-field, is a bulbous perennial that is noted for its crocus-like, goblet-shaped yellow flowers (1.5” wide) that bloom in early fall. Flowers appear singly atop stems rising to 6” tall. Narrow, lance-shaped, deep green leaves appear in autumn at about the same time as the flowers.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
This species generally exhibits no serious insect or disease problems when grown in appropriate conditions, which eases its maintenance level. Gardeners should remain aware of the potential for Narcissus viruses, as bulbs from this family can sometimes be susceptible to common viral issues affecting daffodils. Proper sourcing of healthy, virus-free bulbs during planting in mid-summer helps prevent introduction diseases into your garden area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Autumn daffodil suitable for?
The Sternbergia lutea is suitable for USDA Zones 6 through 9, though extra winter protection is advised in Zone 6 climates.
How large does Sternbergia lutea grow?
This bulb typically matures to a height between 0.25 and 0.5 feet, with a similar spread of 0.25 to 0.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Autumn daffodil need?
The ideal requirement for Sternbergia lutea is full sun to ensure the most prolific bloom display in the fall.
When does Sternbergia lutea bloom?
This plant produces its cheerful yellow flowers from September into October.
Conclusion
The Autumn daffodil is an exceptional, low-maintenance choice for bringing late-season sunshine into the landscape. Its reliability in producing glowing yellow blooms when the garden expects dormancy makes Sternbergia lutea a prized perennial. Before purchasing, ensure your site promotes sharp drainage and confirm that your location falls within USDA Zones 6-9, planning your mid-summer planting now for next fall’s spectacular show.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for the Sternbergia lutea, focus on plants that share its need for dry summer dormancy and work well visually with low-growing autumn color. Hardy ornamental grasses that allow good sun penetration during early fall are excellent partners, providing textural contrast to the smooth yellow flowers. Low-growing, drought-tolerant thyme varieties can cascade nicely around the clumps, mimicking the gritty soil aesthetics of its native Mediterranean regions.
Avoid planting moisture-loving perennials too closely, as these will compete for nutrients and potentially hold moisture around the bulbs during summer dormancy, leading to rot. Since the foliage of the Autumn daffodil emerges with the flowers and persists through winter, select companions whose spring foliage dies back early, preventing them from smothering the emerging Sternbergia lutea bulbs in the heat of summer.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For the best performance from your Sternbergia lutea, adhere to a seasonal care schedule calibrated to dry summer needs. In the heat of summer (July/August), this is the crucial time for planting new bulbs or moving existing clumps; ensure soil is dry during this period.
As September approaches, monitor soil moisture and water moderately if significant rainfall is absent, encouraging strong flower development. Once blooming subsides, allow the foliage to remain intact through the winter until it naturally yellows in late spring, as the leaves replenish the bulb reserves needed for next year’s bloom. Refrain from heavy fertilization; a yearly light application of gritty, low-nitrogen fertilizer in fall is often sufficient if the soil is very poor.
