Narcissus bulbocodium ‘White Petticoat’

Amaryllidaceae. Petticoat daffodil cultivar, selected for the very pale color of its flowers. Its origin is horticultural; it is derived from the wild Iberian and North African species, and is among the most sought-after cultivars in collections of miniature and rock garden bulbs.

The plant reaches 10 to 15 cm in height. Its foliage is filiform, upright to slightly arched, medium green. The flower, solitary on a slender stem, features the flared funnel-shaped corona characteristic of the bulbocodium group, here in a very pale yellow, almost creamy white, which gradually lightens towards the edge. The tepals, narrow and spread out, are a very diluted sulfur yellow, close to white but not quite. The stamens, clearly visible at the bottom of the corona, add a touch of bright orange that enlivens the whole. The flowering is abundant and the clumps are covered with flowers for several weeks.

In its natural habitat, the flowering of the type species extends from February to April; in cultivation, 'White Petticoat' generally blooms from March to April depending on the climate.

It requires well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral, poor in nutrients, in full sun or very light partial shade. It appreciates a dry summer rest and is advantageously cultivated in pots or troughs, where the delicacy of its flower can be appreciated up close.