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Narcissus ‘Winter Sun’

BY Kevin Lee Jacobs | November 27, 2011 11 Comments

Last updated on October 10th, 2012

TALK ABOUT IMPECCABLE TIMING. Narcissus ‘Winter Sun’ bloomed in my window garden this week, just when my soul cried out for something uplifting. And what could be more hopeful than a bulb which produces, only 4-6 weeks after planting, a bevy of brilliant buttery cups, snow-white petals, and a soothing April perfume?

Furthermore, this tropical traveler is a great decorative asset. How cheerful its flowers look in a winter window which features mostly ferns and vines. They are stunning, too, when used as temporary ornament for the dining or occasional table.

Placed in the dining room, you can be certain that Winter-Sun’s scent will not clash with the aroma of the food you serve. For its air is not strong and musky like the ‘Ziva’ paperwhite. Rather, it has a soft, sweet, and close breath which is detectable only when the nose is upon the flowers.

Culture: Like all paperwhites, Winter Sun’s beauty is easily achieved. Plant 3 bulbs in a 6-inch bowl of pebbles and water (I planted mine in the blue and white china bowl pictured above). Then, one week later, pour the water off and replace it with 5 parts water to 1 part gin. The gin will restrict the height of the flowering stalks, and keep them from falling over.

If you set the bulbs in a fairly sunny window — south and east exposures are ideal — flowers will emerge in just 4-6 weeks. And each stem will produce a complete bouquet, with some 6 to 15 blossoms. You can count on these to last for weeks if house heat does not exceed 65 degrees.

Need a giant dose of winter cheer? Get this tropical bulb. It is the most dazzling and unusual member of the Paper-white clan.

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Related Posts:
Davallia fejeensis: The Rabbits-foot Fern
Pickled Paperwhites
Photo Gallery: Dutch Bulbs for Winter Windows

How to Remove Tarnish & Wax from Silver
Venus Gets a New Look

Comments

  1. 1

    Pam says

    November 27, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Beautiful. Always something to appreciate and enjoy. Just have to
    be careful about what we focus our attention to- your column
    is always a nice break- like the flowers! Thank you
    for your contribution to making the world a nicer place.

  2. 2

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    November 27, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    Pam – What pleasant words to read this morning. Thank you.

  3. 3

    Adele says

    November 28, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    The flowers are beautiful. Where did you get the bulbs?

    I know what you mean about feeling “glum” after watching the evening news. Flowers, especially the fragrant ones, are a terrific antidote!

  4. 4

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    November 29, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    Adele – Yes, fragrant flowers in the house do wonders for the soul! I ordered the bulbs of Winter Sun from this place.

  5. 5

    price of stamps says

    December 2, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    i love your blog, i have it in my rss reader and always like new things coming up from it.

  6. 6

    Kevin says

    December 3, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    Price of stamps – What kind words to read this morning! Glad you enjoy this site.

  7. 7

    patti says

    October 14, 2012 at 10:15 pm

    Kevin Lee, What might I use in place of gin? Don’t drink. I have had them grow so tall, they had to be staked. Love them. Thanks for all that you do.

  8. 8

    Carolyn Boll says

    December 18, 2012 at 9:55 am

    Hi Kevin,

    I came across your lovely blog and just want to let you know

    I am leading a Solstice event and giving out Winter Sun bulbs and I have included a link to your blog on my website for people to learn about the Winter Sun narcissus and how to get it to bloom.

    Here’s the event: http://www.facebook.com/events/444661978932187/

    Cool Yule to you!

  9. 9

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    December 18, 2012 at 6:49 pm

    Oh, does your event sound like fun. Wish I could be there!

    For me (and I guess for you, too), the Winter Solstice marks the first day of spring.

  10. 10

    midsummer says

    July 15, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    Thanks for finally talking about >Narcissus

Trackbacks

  1. When Bulb Forcing Goes Wrong: Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day January 2016 says:
    January 15, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    […] I wasn’t expecting problems. If you want to see well-grown ‘Winter Sun,’ go visit A Garden For The House. You will notice Kevin Lee Jacobs describes them as easy, too. […]

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