Narcissus Topolino

Narcissus 'Topolino' is a variety of early flowering Trumpet daffodil, whose success has never waned since its introduction in 1951 in the Netherlands. Awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society, this highly prolific variety bears radiant flowers combining a light white corolla with a beautiful flared lemon-yellow trumpet. 'Topolino' is suitable for forcing indoors in winter. It can be grown like the 'Paperwhite' daffodil, with which it forms a superb duo. It naturalises easily.

Narcissus 'Topolino' belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. More precisely, it belongs to division 1 (Trumpet Daffodils) of the large narcissus family, which comprises 13 divisions. In this horticultural category, there is only one flower per stem, with a trumpet or corolla that is as long or longer than the perianth segments, i.e., the petals of the corolla. The Narcissus genus includes about 50 species found mainly in the western Mediterranean, but also in Africa and Asia.

The 'Topolino' daffodil produces a sturdy stem that will not exceed 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) in height when in bloom. It is a relatively early flowering plant, in March, whose blooming can easily be advanced indoors by bringing in potted plants. It will then take about 6 weeks. The large yellow-green flower bud gives rise to beautiful flowers, 6cm (2in) wide. The flowers have six narrow and slightly twisted tepals, almost forming a spiral. They are pale-yellow and quickly turn white. A long cup-shaped corolla sits in the centre of the perianth. It is light-yellow, and flared and undulated at the edge. The linear foliage is deciduous, disappearing in summer.

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 'Topolino' with squills and hyacinths. Plant the bulbs with simple tulips, forget-me-nots, daisies, chamomiles, or liverworts. A group of 'Topolino' daffodils in a vase creates a sensational effect. This daffodil is also perfect in pots.

Daffodils are actually 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.

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.

Daffodils are among the most resistant autumn bulbs, if you choose species and varieties adapted to your climate. Most large-flowered hybrids grow without care and faithfully return year after year.