Paperwhite NarcissusNarcissus papyraceus
(nar-SIS-us)
I didn’t force any bulbs this year but in the past Paperwhites have proved to be very easy. Some people don’t like the fragrance but to me it is a welcome botanical smell. Paperwhites are native to the Mediterranean area and are hardy to USDA Zone 8. They are part of Division 8 (Tazetta) Daffodils which includes the bunch flowering Daffodils. Division 8 Daffodils have a least 3 to 4 flowers per stem and as many as 20. Paperwhites fall into the higher category and usually have a lot of flowers per stem. If you are interested in learning more about the various Daffodil divisions try this link to the American Daffodil Society.
Photo showing the bunch flowering habit of Paperwhites.My blooms have lasted up to three or four weeks on Paperwhites before and I generally discard them after they flower. If you need instructions on forcing here is a link to White Flower Farm ‘s instruction page.
The last two photos were taken from the same group of plants. The top photo was at a local nursery.
