MINIATURE DAFFODILS

Evening Star, Issue 22881, 12 February 1938, Page 21

MINIATURE DAFFODILS

WORTHWHILE BLOOMS The varieties of large-flowered daffodils ax-e legion, and there are few gardeners who do not appreciate them for massing in the garden. Not often, however are the dainty miniature species cultivated to any extent, yet they are delightful subjects for filling up the nooks and crannies in the rock garden and places of limited area (writes “ Petunia,” in the ‘ Marlborough Express ! ). These graceful bulbs appreciate being iplanted eai'ly, so that orders should be placed without delay. Full advantage can then be taken of the weeks ahead to get them planted. These miniature narcissi are absolutely hardy and can be relied upon to flower regularly and increase in number. They are best left undisturbed for three or four seasons after planting; then it may be necessary to lift and separate the bulbs. These should be replanted at an early date, as there is nothing to be gained by keeping them out of the ground. In the form of their blooms, miniatures are remarkable. One with flowers similar to those of the typical trumpet daffodils is Narcissus Minor; the leaves do not exceed Sin or 4in in height, and the flowers, about IJin long, have twisted, pale yellow segments and deeper yellow trumpet. Even more attractive is the variety called Minimus. The flowers, on stems no more than Sin high, with a perfectly formed trumpet only lin long, are of a deeper yellow than N. Minor. This is one of the first to flower in spring if planted early. HOOP PETTICOAT. The quaint flowers of the hoop petticoat daffodil, N. Bulbicodium, are quite distinct from any of the others. The perianth segments are narrow and the trumpet is a long, open-mouthed funnel of bright yellow. This is a dainty, free-flowering narcissi, not particular as. to position. There aie several varieties of bulbicodium, all of which are well worth growing. N. Cyclamineus is also distinct. As the name denotes, the flowers are shaped like a cyclamen, the perianth being reflexed. It is an ideal plant for the rock garden, where it can overhang a rocky ledge at will. There are several hybrids of this interesting species, and in most cases this reflexing of the petals is’ very apparent. ANGELS’ TEARS. The beautiful Triandrus, or Angels’ Tears, is one of the most popular of the miniatures, bearing several tear-drop-like flowers on 9in stems. These are somewhat later than the rest, being usually the last to flower. A smallerleaved type, though equally attractive, is N. Junoifolius, the rush-leaved daffodil. The leaves are narrow, like the rush, about 6in long; the flower stems are taller and bear a cluster of bright yellow flowers. These narcissi form a group of beautiful plants worthy of a place in any garden. Nowadays, when most attention is centred on largeflowered kinds, this race has been somewhat neglected in the popular taste.