What does paperwhite narcissus smell like?
Enter the paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceus), a Texas tough member of the amaryllis family known for its clusters of pure white blossoms. But here’s the twist that has puzzled garden enthusiasts for generations—the enchanting blooms of this Mediterranean native emit a scent often likened to (at least for some) feces. Paperwhite narcissus are the cilantro of the flower world. While some people can’t get enough of their heady fragrance, to others they smell like a cross between dirty socks and cat pee. Like daffodils, paperwhites are a type of narcissus. But these are tender bulbs, native to frost-free regions of the Mediterranean.Paperwhites. Indoor Narcissus Paperwhites (Ziva) is a highly fragranced daffodil with large clusters of pure white flowers that exude a gorgeous, spicy scent.Paperwhite narcissus can cause vomiting, salivation, or diarrhea. The bulb is the most poisonous part of the plant, and if they eat enough, it can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.
What is the difference between paperwhite and Narcissus?
Like daffodils, paperwhites are a type of narcissus. But these are tender bulbs, native to frost-free regions of the Mediterranean. Here in the US, paperwhite narcissus are winter hardy only in growing zones 8-11. In colder areas, the bulbs are grown indoors during the winter months. Paperwhites bloom four to eight weeks after potting. For a continuous show of color, start new pots of bulbs every couple of weeks throughout fall and winter. They bloom only once, so discard bulbs after they have flowered.To force paperwhites to bloom in the winter, place the bulbs, root side down, in a pot filled with potting soil and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place your pot near a sunny window, and then go about your holidays.Plant paperwhites every two weeks through the holiday season, ensuring spritely flowers through deep winter. Store bulbs in a dark place at room temperature until planting. Once the blooms are done and the flowers faded, simply shake out the gravel and save for reuse.Paperwhites can be planted outdoors anytime from fall through winter in zones 8 to 10, with flowers arriving in the spring. However, those in cooler climates can also enjoy the blossoms by forcing indoors! We recommend planting a new batch every 2 to 3 weeks from October to January for continuous indoor blooms.Even in warm climates, paperwhites are usually treated as annuals. The bulbs require hot, dry summers in order to produce a good show of flowers the following year. For this reason, they are considered perennials only in Southern California and parts of Texas.
How do you care for a paperwhite narcissus?
PAPERWHITE CARE If your paperwhites are planted in a container with stones or pebbles, keep the water level just under the bulb base. If they are planted in soil, water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can cause the bulbs to rot and prevent blooming. Place your pot in a sunny, warm location. Paperwhites are tropical bulbs and prefer temperatures around 70°F. If you place your Paperwhites for 3 to 4 weeks in a cooler place (45-55° F) directly after planting, they generally stay shorter which prevents them from falling over when in full bloom.Deadheading Paperwhite Flowers There’s no need to deadhead forced paperwhites, but if the flowers on some stalks begin to fade before others, you can cut them back at the base of the plant to keep it looking tidy. Spent flowers on outdoor paperwhites can be removed for the same reason.Once the blooms are spent, you can cut the stalks down at the base of the plant and leave the foliage. Maintain your paperwhite greens like you would a houseplant until the foliage dies back, usually around mid-July.Answer: Paperwhite narcissus bulbs should be discarded after flowering. Paperwhites cannot be successfully forced again and are not winter hardy outdoors.The bulbs may be grown outdoors in warm climates (zones 8-11), but are also incredibly easy to grow indoors. There’s no need to pre-chill paperwhites. Just give them a little water and a bright window.
How do you care for a narcissus flower indoors?
Place it in a cool, brightly lit location, ideally no more than 2 to 3 feet from a window or under bright, artificial light. Temperatures between 50 to 60 degrees F are best. Place it in a cool, brightly lit location, ideally no more than 2 to 3 feet from a window or under bright, artificial light. Temperatures between 50 to 60 degrees F are best. Plants grow more compactly and blooms last longer in cool temperatures.