Narcissus Lobularis

Although one of the common names for Narcissus lobularis is the wild daffodil (in addition to the Lent lily), it is far superior than almost any wild plant we can think of! Narcissus lobularis has dainty flowers comprising a beautiful deep yellow trumpet and twisted, cream-yellow tapering outer petals (perianth segments). In early spring, the nodding flowers may be as much as 7cm across.

It is believed that this is the narcissus that inspired one of the most famous poems in the English language: Wordsworth’s I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, whilst he was walking along the shores of Ullswater in the Lake District. Garden forms of this plant are generally more upright than those seen growing in the wild. All have grey-green leaves, up to 50cm long.  

Narcissus lobularis is wonderful when planted in borders, flowerbeds, rockeries and woodlands. However, it is also the perfect narcissus for naturalising—the flowers produce seeds, and it self-sows readily; in a wild area of the garden, you will end up with gorgeous clumps of them. The bulbs of this narcissus are small—but the plants that grow from them pack a punch!