Barone: Tiny but mighty Jonquils take the heat and keep on blooming

Published 4:40 am Sunday, September 22, 2024

Narcissus jonquilla are the smallest of the species and known for their clusters of dainty butter-yellow blooms and intense fragrance. These jewels emerge mid-season which for East Texas is generally around mid to late February.

Light, cheery and highly dependable in their blooming, jonquils are native to Spain, Portugal and France where they grow wild in open areas and along streams and riverbanks. Reliably hardy, these diminutive flowers enjoy slightly acidic, sandy loam and well-drained soils common to East Texas and the Deep South.

Tested tough, they are well suited to USDA Zones 8 and higher. They endure long periods without rain or irrigation, preferring hot, dry summers which makes them an excellent choice for East Texas landscapes. This article highlights two of these mighty tykes: Narcissus fernandicii and Narcissus wilkommii.

Narcissus fernandicii: This true-blue bloomer is characterized by 8-12 inch stalks accented by slender, dark green foliage, 4-6 inches high, drifting up from the base. Stems are topped with dainty clusters of 3-4 buttery side-facing flowers with golden cups surrounded by gently back sweeping yellow petals; the stuff that fairy tales are made of. N. fernandicii is highly perfumed and excellent planted near the front of the bed, near a sidewalk or in a patio container where their beauty and fragrance can be enjoyed.

Vigorous and easy care, plant this jonquil in well-drained soil in a sunny location (at least 6 hours), offer it dry summers, and it will be a happy camper. Over time it will multiply, offering a delightful parade of endless spring joy.

Narcissus wilkommii: Can you say “fairy garden?” Narcissus willkommii is a miniature, the smallest of the jonquils. Seriously tiny, this tot bears graceful stems, 3-4 inches tall, topped with one to two dainty yellow flowers, accented with wafting blue-green grass-like foliage. Flowers resemble golden daffodils with a frilly central cup surrounded by pointed petals which can only be described as charming.

As it matures N. willkommii will freely naturalize over time, creating a sunny and heart-warming display. This small wonder is highly perfumed with a pleasantly intoxicating scent, so is best planted anywhere its fragrance can be appreciated. It prefers well-drained soil in a location with 6-8 hours of sunlight. Requiring minimal irrigation, it laughs at the summer heat and is often described as “tough-as-nails.” While it asks very little in the way of water and tending, gardeners can count on this sweet, but sassy jonquil to herald spring for years to come.

Beauty. Fragrance. Low maintenance. Drought tolerance. What more could a Texan ask for? N. fernandicii and N. wilkommii were made for East Texas landscapes!

Look for these cheery, easy care gems at the Smith County Master Gardener From Bulbs to Blooms Sale and Conference (free event) Oct. 19 at Pollard United Methodist Church, 3030 New Copeland Road, Tyler from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Our web store opens for online orders on Oct. 7 and closes oct. 16, so order as early quantities are limited. Check it out at www.txmg.org/smith/events.