Narcissus Apricot Whirl

Narcissus 'Apricot Whirl' is a recently introduced variety of split-corona daffodil with perfumed orchid-like flowers, a pure white corolla, and a large split and pleated apricot crown. They bloom on top of a sturdy 40cm (16in) stem, which is perfect for bouquets. Flowering takes place in March-April, at the same time as tulips. The bulbs are easy to grow in a bright location and well-drained soil.

Like all daffodils, Narcissus 'Apricot Whirl' belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is classified more precisely in division 11a of the large narcissus family, which has 13 divisions. 'Apricot Whirl' reaches about 40cm (16in) in height when in bloom and 15cm (6in) in width. Its solitary flowers are composed of a pure white corolla onto which a split apricot crown is inserted, almost entirely covering it. It is a mid-season flowering plant, in March-April, with yellow-green flower buds that open into large, highly fragrant flowers. Division 11 daffodils have a split crown of petals for at least one-third of their length, with the edge turned back towards the petals, slightly undulated. The flowers have six petaloid tepals. The six stamens are inserted into a cup-shaped crown or paracorolla. The linear foliage is deciduous, disappearing in summer. This variety multiplies easily by producing bulblets. It is the origin of 6 registered varieties, including 'Spring Diamond' and 'Boston'.

The 'Apricot Swirl' split-crown daffodil is undemanding and grows well in any well-drained and loosened soil, although results are slightly poorer in excessively wet or acidic soils.

There are so many daffodil cultivars that one can enjoy them for three months in spring without ever getting tired. They all have in common the ability to naturalise easily, to offer an infinite range of yellow and white shades, and to often emit sweet fragrances. Grow them in large clumps in lawns or at the edge of flower beds (at least 20 bulbs) for an enhanced effect. Pair 'Apricot Swirl' with squills and hyacinths. Plant the bulbs with double tulips, forget-me-nots, daisies, chamomiles, or liverworts. A group of 'Apricot Swirl' daffodils in a vase creates a sensational effect. This daffodil is also perfect in pots alongside blue muscari, for example.

For bouquets: we advise against mixing narcissus with other flowers, especially tulips, as daffodil stems contain a substance that causes other flowers to wilt quickly. This detrimental effect on other flower species can be attenuated by dipping the ends of narcissus stems in hot water for 1 to 2 minutes.

The Narcissus genus includes about 50 species found mainly in Western Mediterranean, but also in Africa and Asia. Daffodils are a type of narcissus, belonging to division 7 of the group. Native to Southern Europe and North Africa, they have flowers grouped in pairs or more. There is also the botanical species that has retained the charm of wild plants and thrives in rockeries: N. bulbocodium, N. canaliculatus, N. juncifolius, N. pseudonarcissus are among the prettiest.