Wild Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus lobularis)

Wild Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus lobularis)

The Wild daffodil, also known in times past as the Lent Lily, is more delicate and unassuming than most cultivars. It seems to be one of two native daffodils - the other is the 'Tenby' daffodil, subsp. obvallaris.

Narcissus pseudonarcissus lobularis is the plant that Wordsworth knew. It's a relatively short plant, growing to a foot at most, and its flower has pale yellow petals and a deeper yellow corona.

It seems to have been in decline since the 1930s, although why no-one seems sure. Like the Common Bluebell, as a woodland plant they require shade in the summer, and naturalise freely in damp spots. Daffodils don't seem to be much visited by honey bees when they flower in early spring, but are more usually pollinated by early bumblebees. All parts of the daffodil are poisonous.

Bulbs For Sale

We offer packages of 50 or 100 Narcissus pseudonarcissus 'Lobularis' bulbs, available from August to November. We are now having to source our bulbs from Holland, as Wild daffodil bulbs from native UK populations aren't available commercially. The grower we use has the Milieukeur label of environmental quality, however, which includes a ban on the use of neonicotinoids, for example.

Please note, these aren't going to be as big as the cultivate varieties of daffodil bulbs you're used to! Lobularis just doesn't grow that big. Like many naturalising bulbs they will also take a year to settle in, so some will be blind in the first season after planting. 

Bulb Planting

Advice on planting densities seems to vary greatly. For larger sites, perhaps reckon on 20 bulbs per square metre. Plant up to 100 in smaller areas. For a natural effect, just pick up a handful of bulbs and thow them on the ground, to plant them where they fall. plant in drifts, rather than in uniform blocks.

The bulbs are relatively small and easy to plant, to a depth of twice the size of the bulb. If the ground is dry and hard give it a good water before you start.

Flowers: March

Supplier: RV Roger