Narcissus ‘Falconet’ is a popular daffodil cultivar, valued for its cheerful spring blooms and multi-headed display. It adds vibrant color and fragrance to landscapes, making it a favored choice for gardeners due to its reliability and appealing aesthetics.
Unique Characteristics
Narcissus ‘Falconet’ is a Tazetta daffodil, distinguished by its multi-flowered stems, often bearing 3 to 8 individual blooms per stem. The flowers feature deep yellow, overlapping petals, and bright orange-red cups, creating a striking contrast. These miniature flowers are intensely fragrant, emitting a sweet, musky perfume that can scent a garden space. The plant typically reaches a height of 12 to 16 inches (30 to 41 cm), with sturdy stems supporting the clusters of blooms.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Plant Narcissus ‘Falconet’ bulbs in autumn, ideally from September to October, for proper root development before winter. These daffodils thrive in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight for optimal blooming. Well-drained soil is important, as waterlogged conditions can cause bulb rot. While they tolerate various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, incorporating organic matter can enhance drainage and soil structure.
When planting, place bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep, or about two to three times the bulb’s height, with the pointed end facing upwards. Space bulbs 3 to 6 inches apart for adequate growth and a visually impactful display. Narcissus ‘Falconet’ is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, though some sources indicate hardiness from Zone 3. In colder regions, a 2-inch layer of mulch can provide additional protection.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
After planting, maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods and as plants establish. Reduce watering once foliage begins to yellow and die back naturally. Fertilization can be applied once per year, typically in early spring when shoots emerge, using a general-purpose fertilizer or a low-nitrogen, high-potassium formula after flowering if needed.
Allowing foliage to yellow and die back naturally is important for the plant’s health, as leaves photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the following year’s blooms. Deadheading spent flowers redirects the plant’s energy towards bulb development rather than seed production. Narcissus ‘Falconet’ is generally low-maintenance and exhibits resistance to common pests like deer and rodents.
Garden Applications
Narcissus ‘Falconet’ is a versatile plant that can enhance various garden settings. Its ability to naturalize makes it suitable for mass plantings in beds, borders, or under deciduous trees, creating vibrant drifts of color. The plant’s compact height, typically 12-16 inches, makes it a good choice for the front of borders. It also performs well in containers, bringing its cheerful blooms and sweet fragrance to patios and balconies. Additionally, the strong stems and sweet scent of ‘Falconet’ make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.