WHAT: Nothing trumpets the arrival of spring like early blooming daffodils.
Narcissus Mount Hood is a vigorous, early blooming cultivar.
WHY PLANT IT: Its all-white, 4-inch trumpet flowers atop sturdy, 20-inch stems glow in the early spring garden.
The straplike deep green foliage complements the pure white blooms. The plant goes dormant in early summer.
WHERE: Like most daffodils, Mount Hood grows best in full to part sun in well-drained, fertile soil with average moisture while in leaf.
HOW: Hostas and deciduous ornamental grasses are a good combination because they will cover the foliage of the narcissus as it dies back.
Old flowers can be removed once they have faded, but do not cut the foliage back until it yellows in early June.
Summer dormancy makes daffodils quite tolerant of dry Northwest summers. When the autumn rains arrive, they start growing roots for next year’s blooms.
Mount Hood can be best propagated by division once the leaves start to yellow, but keep in mind that large clumps put on the best show.
LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
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