The jonquil is a cheerful harbinger of spring, known for its bright color and sweet scent. This resilient flower often appears in gardens and flower shops. Understanding the jonquil requires a closer look at its specific identifying features and where it fits within the larger botanical family.
Where Jonquils Fit in the Narcissus Family
The common mix-up between jonquils and daffodils stems from the fact that both belong to the genus Narcissus. All jonquils are technically considered a type of narcissus, yet the term “jonquil” refers only to a specific group within the genus. Botanists place true jonquils and their hybrids into Division 7 of the horticultural classification, which is dedicated to Narcissus jonquilla and its characteristics.
The name “jonquil” originates from the Spanish word junquillo, which is the diminutive of juncus, meaning “rush” or “reed”. This etymology directly references the plant’s unique foliage, distinguishing it from other members of the Narcissus genus. The original species, Narcissus jonquilla, is native to the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain and Portugal.
Distinct Physical Traits and Fragrance
The most reliable way to identify a jonquil is by examining its leaves and flower structure. Unlike the broad, flat, and strap-like foliage of most daffodils, jonquils possess narrow, cylindrical, dark green leaves that are rush-like in appearance. These thin leaves typically grow in upright clumps, providing a distinct texture in the garden.
Jonquil flowers consistently appear in clusters, with each stem bearing between one and five flowers, and sometimes up to six. The individual blossoms feature a small cup, or corona, relative to the surrounding petals, which are typically a uniform golden yellow. This small cup structure differentiates them from the large, trumpet-like coronas found on many classic daffodil varieties.
The plant is known for its sweet and heady fragrance. This strong scent is a defining characteristic of the Narcissus jonquilla group, often described as more pronounced than the fragrance of other narcissus types. The plant has historically been cultivated in France for the production of narcissus oil, which is used as a component in modern perfumes.
Successful Cultivation and Common Uses
Jonquils are resilient and adaptable, making them easy to grow in a home garden. They thrive best in organically rich, well-drained soil, and require a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The bulbs should be planted in the autumn, generally three to five inches deep and spaced three to six inches apart.
This species tolerates warmer climates compared to many other types of narcissus. Jonquils are often the preferred choice for gardeners in USDA Zones 8 and higher, where they naturalize well and reliably return each spring. They are used in landscaping for naturalizing in lawns, planting along borders, or growing in containers.
The flowers are popular as cut flowers due to their long vase life and powerful scent. However, home gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain the toxic alkaloid lycorine. Ingesting the plant material can cause adverse symptoms, so caution should be exercised when planting around pets or young children.