Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’ is a fantastic sunshine yellow dwarf daffodil variety that has the RHS Award of Garden Merit. It produces abundant flowers, as they are multi headed. It is easy to grow and excellent for all bright situations, even those that are too exposed for other taller spring bulbs.
Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’ Factfile
Sun Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Any good, well-drained soil |
Hardiness | Fully hardy in all of the UK, often down to -20°C. |
Size | Grows to 20cm height x 15cm spread |
Flowering time | Beautiful yellow flowers from late February to April |
Toxicity warning: eating the plant may cause severe discomfort
Growing Guide
You can plant Narcissus ‘Tête-á-tête’ bulbs directly into the ground in autumn, preferably by the end of September to avoid the risk of frost. If you miss this slot, you can also see them as a potted bulb in early spring. With the bulbs already rooted in compost, simply plant them straight into either pots or borders and they will flower within weeks.
Planting
First, choose a suitable location with well drained soil and adequate sunlight. Dig a hole about three times the depth of the bulb typically 6-8 inches and ensure the pointed end faces upwards. Space each bulb approximately 4-6 inches apart. Incorporate organic matter into the soil for improved drainage and nutrients.
Watering
Keep well watered when first planted and throughout the flowering period.
Pruning
Dead head as the first flowers fade to keep it tidy. After flowering, feed, dead head and allow the leaves to die back naturally.
Complementary Planting Ideas
Narcissus ‘Tête-á-tête’ is ideal to plant in borders, containers on a sunny windowsill and in rockeries. If your planting style is more natural, plant together in large drifts for a naturalised look. For an area of the garden that heralds the spring Narcissi are ideal to plant with other spring flowering bulbs. Flowers like crocus or Galanthus nivalis (snowdrops) under deciduous trees with colourful stems and bark can provide contrasting colours of interest.
Fact
Daffodils (the official common name for any plant within the Narcissus genus) are the official flower to associate with 10th wedding anniversaries.