Narcissus Parabole

Narcissus ‘Parabole’ is a variety that is recognised by its large white flowers adorned with a broad tangerine-orange crown, flattened, pleated and edged with strong undulations. This unusual shape is similar to butterfly daffodils, although its crown is not split. It is rather late flowering for a daffodil and enlivens borders, flower beds and large spring containers. Hardy and undemanding, it returns faithfully every year.

This daffodil belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is a perennial bulbous plant: all its above-ground growth disappears after flowering, while the bulb remains dormant underground in summer. The Narcissus genus has its main centre of diversity in the Iberian Peninsula and around the Mediterranean basin. 'Parabole' is a Dutch horticultural hybrid, introduced in 1999 by W.F. Leenen & Sons. It is registered in division 2, that of daffodils bearing one flower per stem and a crown whose length exceeds one-third of that of the tepals without reaching their full length. The very flared cup of ‘Parabole’ spreads out almost like a disc. In spring, the bulb produces a narrow clump of medium green, strap-shaped, upright leaves. Naked flower stems rise to 40cm, each bearing a large, 10 cm diameter flower facing outward. It displays six tepals, at first slightly cream or very pale yellow, which lighten as they open. At the centre of this corolla sits the bright orange crown, deeply channelled and frilled around its edge. It normally flowers in April, depending on the climate. After flowering, the foliage continues to develop and replenishes the bulb's reserves, then yellows and dries at the end of spring. Bulbils form over the years around the mother bulb, allowing the clump to thicken. The plant withstands severe frosts (-20°C at least) and tolerates clay or chalky soil.

‘Parabole’ can be planted in groups in a border, among deciduous perennials, under shrubs that have not yet leafed out in early spring, or in a lawn that is not mown too closely. Its flower can be admired in a wide container visible from the house. It can be paired with the deep blue of Muscari latifolium, the greenish-white of tulip ‘Spring Green’, or the dark foliage of ’Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’. In partial shade, a few white hellebores and blue forget-me-nots make up a fresh, springtime display. The cut flowers of this daffodil last well in a vase and allow you to enjoy their beauty indoors.