Narcissus ‘Actaea’

Narcissus 'Actaea' is a fragrant Poeticus daffodil with white petals and a small yellow cup edged in red. It is a cold-hardy, bulbous perennial that typically reaches about 15–18 inches tall.

Yes, Narcissus 'Actaea' is generally easy to grow and low maintenance once established. Good drainage, moderate moisture, and allowing the foliage to mature naturally after flowering are the main requirements.

Yes, Narcissus 'Actaea' is a perennial bulb that can flower for many years. Leave the bulbs undisturbed unless flowering declines or the clump becomes overcrowded.

Narcissus 'Actaea' grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate light shade, although brighter conditions generally support stronger flowering.

Narcissus 'Actaea' can grow in light or partial shade, especially beneath deciduous trees. Avoid dense, dry shade because it can reduce flowering and weaken growth.

Narcissus 'Actaea' is commonly listed as hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. In warmer regions, plant it where winter temperatures provide adequate chilling and avoid excessively hot, dry sites.

Yes, Narcissus 'Actaea' can tolerate clay soil if drainage is adequate. Improve heavy clay with organic matter and avoid locations where water remains stagnant around the bulbs.

Narcissus 'Actaea' tolerates consistently moist soil better than many daffodils, but the soil should still drain reasonably well. Waterlogged conditions can encourage bulb rot.

Yes, Narcissus 'Actaea' produces strongly fragrant flowers with a sweet, spicy scent. The fragrance is most noticeable in still air and during mild spring weather.

Water Narcissus 'Actaea' when the soil begins to dry, keeping it moderately and evenly moist during active growth. Reduce watering after the foliage turns yellow and the bulb becomes dormant.

Narcissus 'Actaea' may fail to bloom because of insufficient light, immature or crowded bulbs, premature leaf removal, or excessive fertilizer. Allow the foliage to remain after flowering and divide congested clumps when bloom quality declines.

Yellowing leaves after flowering are usually normal as Narcissus 'Actaea' enters dormancy. If leaves yellow early or the bulbs are soft, poor drainage, bulb rot, pests, or disease may be involved.

Narcissus 'Actaea' can be affected by slugs, narcissus bulb fly, nematodes, and bulb scale mites. Healthy bulbs in well-drained soil usually have few serious pest problems.

Potential problems include basal rot, leaf scorch, and daffodil viruses. Plant healthy bulbs, provide good drainage, and remove severely diseased plants to reduce the risk of spreading problems.

Plant Narcissus 'Actaea' bulbs in early to mid-fall, before the ground freezes. Fall planting allows roots to develop before winter and supports spring flowering.

Plant Narcissus 'Actaea' bulbs about 4–6 inches deep, or roughly two to three times the bulb’s height, with the pointed end facing upward. Plant deeper in loose, sandy soil and slightly shallower in heavy soil.

Space Narcissus 'Actaea' bulbs about 4–8 inches apart, depending on bulb size and the desired effect. Wider spacing reduces the need for division, while closer groupings create a fuller display sooner.

Yes, Narcissus 'Actaea' grows well in containers with drainage holes and a free-draining potting mix. Protect containers from extreme temperature swings and keep the mix moderately moist during active growth.

Propagate Narcissus 'Actaea' by separating offsets after the foliage fades in early summer. Replant healthy offsets promptly or store them briefly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.

Yes, remove the faded flower heads from Narcissus 'Actaea' to prevent unnecessary seed production. Leave the flower stem and foliage intact until the leaves naturally yellow.

Do not cut back Narcissus 'Actaea' foliage while it is green. The leaves replenish the bulb for next year’s flowers, so remove them only after they have yellowed and loosened naturally.

Divide Narcissus 'Actaea' just after the foliage dies back if the clump is overcrowded or flowering has declined. Lift the bulbs carefully, separate healthy offsets, and replant them in well-drained soil.

Yes, Narcissus 'Actaea' is moderately toxic if eaten, particularly the bulbs. Keep bulbs and plant material away from children and pets, and contact a poison-control or veterinary professional if ingestion occurs.

Yes, the sap of Narcissus 'Actaea' may irritate skin. Wear gloves when handling bulbs or damaged plant material, and wash exposed skin after gardening.

Yes, Narcissus 'Actaea' can be harmful to dogs and cats if eaten, with bulbs posing the greatest risk. Keep stored and planted bulbs inaccessible and seek veterinary advice after suspected ingestion.

Narcissus 'Actaea' usually blooms in mid to late spring, often around April in temperate parts of the United States. Exact timing varies with climate, winter temperatures, and planting location.

Narcissus 'Actaea' has pure white petals surrounding a small yellow cup with a red rim. The flowers are usually solitary, fragrant, and about 3 inches wide.

Yes, Narcissus 'Actaea' is a good cut flower because its blooms are attractive and fragrant. Keep daffodil stems in a separate container initially, since their sap can shorten the vase life of other flowers.

Yes, Narcissus 'Actaea' can naturalize in lawns, meadows, and open woodland settings where the soil is suitable. Do not mow until the foliage has yellowed and begun to die back.