Largest among Narcissus species, the daffodil carries an endearing, slightly whimsical charm.
In the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, a humble yet captivating flower known as Narcissus bulbocodium or the 'petticoat daffodil' blooms with an enchanting allure. This species, native to both Spain and Portugal, showcases some regional variation, but no explicitly named subspecies or formal regional varieties specific to Spain have been identified.
The most notable form of Narcissus bulbocodium is the 'White Petticoat' cultivar, which boasts cream to white flowers instead of the common yellow. This charming variant is celebrated for its early spring flowering and is widely cultivated and recognized in garden centres.
The primary form of Narcissus bulbocodium typically features yellow flowers, with local wild populations in Portugal and Spain displaying subtle differences in flower shade and plant habit, though these variations do not warrant formal subspecies distinctions.
The history of Narcissus bulbocodium is as fascinating as its appearance. The RHS refers to certain daffodils with wide funnel-shaped trumpets and narrow perianth segments as 'Hoop-petticoatdaffodils,' a nod to the fashionable Victorian accessories of the same name.
Despite the natural habitat for Narcissus bulbocodium types varying enormously, this species has proven to be a popular garden plant. It thrives in hot Hispanic summers if imitated in the garden and can be found as common in parts of Spain as dandelions are at home. In the south of Spain and Morocco, a pure-white form of the flower is even more prevalent.
The genetic makeup of the Narcissus genus has undergone reorganization due to DNA testing, but hybridization between species that are only distantly related continues. This has led to the creation of new hybrids and occasionally new species over hundreds of years. In central and southern Spain, hybrid forms of N. bulbocodium are often found within apparently uniform colonies.
Two hybrids of N. bulbocodium have been discovered in Spain: one is a cross with N. rupicola in the Sierra de Guadarrama, and the other is a cross with N. triandrus in León.
Spanish botanists continue to study Narcissus and publish learned papers about their findings, ensuring that our understanding of these charming flowers continues to grow.
It is essential to note that while Narcissus bulbocodium are known to produce flowers after they are bought, they may not always establish themselves as hoped. However, they can be moved or replanted to improve their chances of thriving.
The leaves of Narcissus bulbocodium are exiguous and often go unnoticed, but their impact on the Spanish landscape during the spring season cannot be overstated. Whether in the uplands or the coast, these humble flowers add a touch of magic to the Iberian Peninsula.
The charming 'White Petticoat' cultivar of Narcissus bulbocodium, characterized by cream to white flowers, has become a popular addition to garden centers and backyard gardens in Spain due to its early blooming nature. In certain Spanish regions, such as the south and parts of Morocco, pure-white forms of these flowers are more prevalent in home-and-garden settings, reflecting the influence of the local lifestyle on its cultivation.
