Narcissus ‘Bell Song’ is a charming and popular spring bulb, celebrated for its delicate beauty and gentle fragrance. It brings a soft, elegant touch to early season landscapes, making it a favored choice for a graceful garden addition.
Identifying Narcissus Bell Song
Narcissus ‘Bell Song’ is a distinct Jonquil daffodil, recognized by its unique flower structure and color. Each sturdy stem typically produces multiple blooms, often two to three, measuring approximately 2.5 inches across. The flowers feature creamy white to ivory outer petals that gently encircle a delicate, small cup, which displays shades of pale yellowish-pink, apricot, or baby pink. This cup color can deepen as the flower matures, offering a subtle shift in its pastel hues. The overall height of the plant ranges from 8 to 16 inches, making it a somewhat shorter variety compared to many other daffodils. A notable characteristic is its sweet, sometimes jasmine-like fragrance, which adds to its appeal.
Planting Narcissus Bell Song
Plant Narcissus ‘Bell Song’ in the fall, ideally when daytime temperatures consistently remain in the 60s Fahrenheit or lower, and before the ground freezes. These bulbs thrive in full sun to partial shade; they flower best with more sun exposure. Well-draining soil is essential, as excess moisture causes bulb rot. If your soil is heavy clay, amending it with organic matter like compost, manure, or peat moss improves drainage and texture.
When planting, aim for a depth of 6 to 8 inches, or roughly three times the height of the bulb, with the pointed end facing upwards. Spacing individual bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart allows for adequate growth and air circulation. For mass plantings or container arrangements, bulbs can be planted closer, about 2 to 4 inches apart. After placing the bulbs, backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Caring for Narcissus Bell Song
After initial planting, Narcissus ‘Bell Song’ bulbs do not require additional watering during the fall and winter months, as they prefer dry conditions when dormant. During the active growing season in spring, maintain moderate soil moisture, particularly during dry periods. Increase watering frequency as leaves and buds develop, aiming for about an inch of water per week. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Fertilize established plants with a low-nitrogen formula that emphasizes phosphorus and potassium. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 4-10-6 granular organic formula, three times a year: in the fall to promote root growth, in spring as sprouts emerge to support foliage and flower development, and after flowering to nourish the bulb for the next season. After the blooms fade, allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally; this process is important as the leaves photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the following year’s blooms. Narcissus ‘Bell Song’ is resilient to common garden pests and diseases, and its bulbs are deer and rabbit resistant due to their toxicity.
Enjoying Your Bell Song Narcissus
Narcissus ‘Bell Song’ blooms from mid to late spring, providing a burst of color and fragrance after the winter months. Its delicate appearance and pleasant scent make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. When harvesting for vases, wear gloves as the sap can cause skin irritation and may affect the vase life of other flowers.
In the landscape, these daffodils are well-suited for various settings, including borders, rock gardens, and containers. They naturalize effectively, forming clusters that return year after year, especially when planted in groups. Their ability to naturalize makes them a long-lived, low-maintenance addition, perfect for creating drifts of color in garden beds or under deciduous trees.