Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) are a popular variety of the Narcissus genus, known for their intensely fragrant, pure white blossoms. Native to the warm Mediterranean region, these bulbs are unique because they do not require a period of cold dormancy, known as chilling, to initiate flowering. This characteristic makes them a favorite for “forcing” indoors, allowing enjoyment of springtime scent and color during winter. The ease with which these bulbs sprout and bloom in simple containers of water and pebbles or soil has cemented their status as a staple for holiday decorating.
The Duration of the Blooming Period
The immediate lifespan of a Paperwhite is the duration of its flowers. Typically, a single bulb provides a display that lasts for approximately two to three weeks under average indoor conditions. The bloom period begins once the clusters of small, star-like flowers fully emerge from their protective sheaths and open.
The bulb contains all the stored energy required for flowering, meaning the growing medium does not significantly alter the overall bloom time. The total length of the display depends on how quickly the individual florets mature and fade. Once the flowers on the scape have finished their cycle, the display is over, though the foliage may persist briefly.
Environmental Factors That Extend Bloom Life
Controlling the immediate environment is the most effective way to maximize the weeks of enjoyment from the flowers. Temperature is a significant factor in extending the bloom period, as cooler air slows down the plant’s metabolic processes. Keeping the flowering plant in a cool location, ideally between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, can help stretch the bloom time, sometimes up to four weeks.
The location should receive bright, indirect light to support the foliage without causing the flowers to wilt prematurely. Direct, intense sunlight, especially through a window, can quickly scorch the delicate white petals and shorten the lifespan of the blooms. Consistent moisture in the growing medium is necessary, but careful watering avoids the primary threat of bulb rot, which would prematurely end the display.
A specific technique to improve the longevity and appearance of the flowers is the use of a diluted alcohol solution in place of pure water. Research has shown that watering the bulbs with a solution of approximately 4-6% alcohol, such as diluted vodka or gin, stunts the growth of the stem. This controlled growth results in shorter, sturdier flower stalks that are less likely to flop over under the weight of the blooms. Preventing the stems from bending or breaking maintains the structural integrity of the display, indirectly preserving the flowers.
Reblooming Possibilities
While the Paperwhite bulb is botanically a perennial plant, the context of indoor forcing significantly impacts its long-term viability. The process of forcing an early bloom indoors requires the bulb to expend nearly all its stored carbohydrate energy to produce the flowers and foliage. After the initial bloom, the bulb is largely exhausted and lacks the resources to flower again soon.
For this reason, Paperwhites that have been forced in water or soil indoors are typically treated as annuals and discarded once the flowers fade. Though some experienced gardeners attempt to save the bulbs, the energy reserves are insufficient to guarantee a successful rebloom indoors the following winter. The bulb would require an extended period of active growth and fertilization to replenish its stores, which is difficult to achieve in a typical indoor setting.
The only reliable way to achieve future blooms is to plant the bulbs outdoors in a suitable, mild climate. Paperwhites are hardy only in USDA Zones 8 through 10, where they can be planted in the ground to naturalize. Even when planted in these ideal conditions after being forced, it often takes two to three years for the bulb to regain enough energy from the soil and sun to resume its natural perennial flowering cycle.