Thinking small … the little daffodils

ONCE YOU'VE PUT THE bigger-is-better notion out of your head, the sheer charm of smaller daffodils will win you over. Some are fragrant, many are multi-flowered, and all can add a priceless warmth to a spring garden.

Here we describe two fine yellows and a pair of bicolors. Most kinds naturalize well throughout the West, especially in cooler climates. They're available now at well-stocked nurseries and garden centers, and from mail-order suppliers (but act fast). Also check the garden events listings on page 104.

'Hawera' may be the most floriferous of the lot, with one bulb growing several flower spikes, and each spkie producing up to six lemon yellow blooms. Expect 'Hawera' to grow to about 8 inches tall.

In Holland, it grows with grass in places that are seldom mowed, as in the garden pictured far left.

'Jack Snipe', less than 8 inches tall, ranks among the sturdiest of small bicolored daffodils. It takes harsh weather well and blooms freely in part shade. Blooms are one to a stem.

'Minnow' combines the multiple small flowers of 'Hawera' with the color combinations of 'Jack Snipe'. It grows about 7 inches tall. Try it mixed with species tulips. It can be forced.

'Tete a Tete', named for its paired yellow flowers, stands up well to foul weather and can be forced for indoor bloom. Blooms can also appear singly or in triples; a larger bulb and warmer weather seem to work in favor of multiple blooms.

To force early indoor bloom, pack a shallow flower pot with 'Tete a Tete' bulbs and put it outside for about eight weeks. When the first shoots emerge, move the pot to a bright spot indoors.

COPYRIGHT 1991 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group