Thanks A Bunch (Narcissus)

Member Name: Sarahjh

Product:	Narcissus
Date:	11/12/08 (54 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A superb spring flowering bulb

Disadvantages: none

Classical mythology states that a young man named Narcissus was vainly staring at his own reflection in a pond and he fell in and drowned, then legend says that the first narcissus plant came up where he had lost his life.
Narcissus is a spring flowering bulb, one of the best loved bulbs there are and a very popular flower in Germany.
When the narcissus flowers people often say that it is a sign that winter is over.
The name Narcissus covers many different species but Jonquils, Paperwhites and Daffodils are the most popular.
Jonquils are early flowering, rush type leaves and have bunches of fragrant yellow blossom.
Daffodils are the most popular of the narcissus family, the beautiful large yellow trumpets.
Paperwhites are early blooming with masses of white highly fragrant clusters and are my favourites.


Narcissus will grow almost anywhere, I have them planted in my banks and under the hedge and they thrive there. They take care of themselves and they multiply each year, so every spring brings a better show.
If you are thinking of planting some narcissus bulbs then plant them in August, they don't need to be planted too deeply. If you plant the bulbs in `clumps` then you will get a far better and much more natural show.
When they have finished flowering take time to deadhead them, if they are deadheaded it helps the bulb to grow . Don't be tempted to cut the yellowing leaves away too quickly, these leaves are `feeding`the bulbs, wait a few weeks before cutting them back.


Narcissus can survive happily on a small amount of water but if you get a chance to put a little bit of mulch around the base of them its very helpful, it stops them from getting too dry.
When you decide where you are going to plant your bulbs then just before you put the bulbs into the ground put a handful of organic fertiliser in to help them along.
Narcissus is a perennial and you will more than likely need to divide the clumps every few years to thin them out, do this early on in the summer.


All narcissus bulbs contain Lycorene (an alkaloid poisoning) in their bulbs and leaves.
Japanese medicine has used narcissus root and wheat-flour paste to treat wounds.
But many florists suffer from dry and scaly skin after handling too many Narcissus.


Narcissus and daffodil are the March birth flower and also the tenth wedding anniversary flower.
They symbolize birth and new beginnings.
If you are going to give anyone these flowers as a gift then always give them in a bunch, a bunch for good fortune, a single bloom isn't lucky.
The Victorians associated the flower with self esteem.
Those who follow Feng Shui believe that if the flower is `forced` to bloom in the New Year then 12 months good luck will follow.


Narcissus are one of my favourite spring flowers, attractive fragrant blooms that cut well and look good indoors.
Many will say that its a pity to cut any but I just cant resist them!

Summary: The perfume is second to none.