Narcissus papyraceus, widely known as Paperwhites, are popular indoor decorations during winter. These bulbous plants are prized for their clusters of delicate, fragrant white flowers that bloom reliably without a chilling period. This ease of “forcing” them makes them a holiday favorite, often grown in shallow containers with water and pebbles. After the indoor bloom cycle finishes, gardeners often wonder if these bulbs can be saved by planting them outside. The answer depends heavily on the local climate and the steps taken to transition the bulb outdoors.
Climate Suitability for Outdoor Planting
Paperwhites originate from the Mediterranean Basin, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Consequently, N. papyraceus can only reliably survive the winter and function as a perennial in the warmest regions of North America. These bulbs thrive year-round in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11, where the ground does not freeze solid. In these areas, they can be planted directly into the garden soil in the fall and will bloom naturally in late winter or early spring. Gardeners in colder zones must treat Paperwhites as annuals because the bulbs cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
The Process of Transplanting Forced Bulbs
Transitioning a forced bulb into the garden requires careful steps to promote recovery. After the indoor flowers have faded, cut the spent flower stalks down to the base of the plant using a clean tool. It is important to leave the green foliage completely intact, as the leaves are necessary for photosynthesis to replenish the energy stores depleted by the forced bloom. If the bulb was grown in water and pebbles, gently rinse away sediment and transfer it to a pot filled with well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a sunny location indoors or a sheltered outdoor spot if temperatures permit.
Once the threat of frost has passed, the bulb can be transplanted into a sunny garden bed with excellent drainage. Dig a hole and plant the bulb approximately six inches deep, handling the roots gently to keep them intact. Place the bulbs a few inches apart to allow for future growth and multiplication, and water thoroughly immediately after planting.
Ensuring Future Blooms and Dormancy
The long-term success of reblooming a forced Paperwhite bulb relies on supporting its natural life cycle. The foliage must be allowed to yellow and die back naturally, a process that can take several weeks or months. This period of leaf retention allows the bulb to accumulate the necessary energy for the next season’s flowers. Cutting the leaves prematurely will prevent the bulb from recharging and will likely result in no flowers the following year. Once the leaves are completely dry and yellow, they can be trimmed off at the soil line. The bulb will then enter a natural dormancy period over the summer months.
Unlike many other Narcissus varieties, Paperwhites do not require an extended cold period, or chilling, to initiate flower buds. They do require a hot, dry summer dormancy in the soil to properly set the next season’s blooms, which is why they perform best in warmer climates. Even in ideal zones, it can take two to three years for a highly depleted forced bulb to fully recover and bloom again.