An educational awards program of the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden

NarcissusThalia

white orchid daffodil

Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks

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Outstanding Qualities Nothing trumpets the arrival of spring like blooming daffodils. Narcissus ‘Thalia’ positively glows in the early spring garden. Its multi-headed white flowers nod atop a sturdy, 12 to 14 inch stem in the awakening boarder. Planting ‘Thalia’ bulbs in groups makes for a natural look in the landscape. Hostas and deciduous ornamental grasses are a good combination because they will cover/disguise the foliage of the Narcissus as it dies back by early June.
Culture Like most daffodils ‘Thalia’ grows best in full to part sun, in well-drained fertile soil with average moisture while in leaf. Old flowers can be removed once they have faded but do not cut the foliage back until it yellows in early June. The dormancy makes them quite tolerant of our dry summers while they wait for the autumn rains to start growing roots again for next year’s bloom. Narcissus ‘Thalia’ can be best propagated by division once the leaves start to yellow, but keep in mind that large clumps put on the best show.
Growing Habit Narcissus ‘Thalia is a vigorous, herbaceous spring blooming cultivar. The 2 to 3 flowers per stem are held slightly angled on a sturdy 12 to 14 inch stem. ‘Thalia’ has petite, very fragrant, outward-facing, bell-like, pure white flowers, with slightly reflexed petals. The deep green foliage goes dormant in early summer.
Hardiness USDA zones 4 to 8