Hoop-petticoat daffodil Narcissus bulbocodium
Hoop-petticoat daffodil (Narcissus bulbocodium) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Amaryllidaceae family, native to Damp grassland and heaths of Spain, Portugal, south-west France and Morocco. It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 5–10 cm (2–4 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 8 cm (3 in) apart.
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Hoop-petticoat daffodil at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 5–10 cm (2–4 in) |
| Spacing | 8 cm (3 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Damp grassland and heaths of Spain, Portugal, south-west France and Morocco |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Hoop-petticoat daffodil toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: bulbs
The bulbs contain lycorine and other alkaloids: eating them causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and they are easily mistaken for onions.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Hoop-petticoat daffodil
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Hoop-petticoat daffodil
- How far apart should I plant Hoop-petticoat daffodil?
- About 8 cm (3 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–10 cm (2–4 in).
- Does Hoop-petticoat daffodil need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Hoop-petticoat daffodil need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Hoop-petticoat daffodil?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Hoop-petticoat daffodil flower?
- From about March for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Hoop-petticoat daffodil poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The bulbs contain lycorine and other alkaloids: eating them causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and they are easily mistaken for onions.
- What grows well with Hoop-petticoat daffodil?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Hoop-petticoat daffodil. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A small spring bulb: plant in autumn, about three times its own depth, under deciduous trees, in grass or in pots; let the leaves die down naturally after flowering so the bulb can feed for next year.
- A tiny daffodil whose yellow trumpet is flared like a Victorian hooped skirt, with only thin, spidery petals behind. Naturalises in damp, acid turf (famously in the Alpine Meadow at RHS Wisley).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Onion Allium cepa
- Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus
- Garlic Allium sativum
- Leek Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum group)
- Chives Allium schoenoprasum
- Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox
- Ornamental allium Allium giganteum
- Shallot Allium cepa var. aggregatum