Great Plant Pick: Mount Hood daffodil

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 13, 2024

What: Nothing trumpets the arrival of spring like the early blooming daffodils. Narcissus Mount Hood, commonly called Mount Hood daffodil, positively glows in the late winter garden. Its 4-inch white trumpet flowers nod atop a sturdy, 18- to 20-inch stem in the awakening boarder. Planting Mount Hood bulbs in groups makes for a natural look in the landscape. Hostas and deciduous ornamental grasses are a good combination because they will cover/disguise the foliage of the narcissus as it dies back by early June.

Where: Narcissus grows best in full sun, although light shade is acceptable. Plant the bulbs in well-drained soil, although they will tolerate sand and clay.

Size: Reaches 1 foot, 9 inches high by 6 inches wide in 10 years.

Care: Once established, narcissus is drought tolerant. Faded flowers can be removed, but do not cut the foliage back until it yellows in early June. New bulbs can be planted in the fall, large clumps can be divided and replanted once the foliage starts to yellow. Narcissus generally does not need to be divided and old clumps can give a spectacular show in the spring.

— greatplantpicks.org