Home » Bulbs » Narcissus Pipit

Narcissus Pipit - The Two-Tone Daffodil of Lemon and Cream

Daffodil Pipit, Jonquil Pipit, Narcissus jonquilla Pipit

Narcissus Pipit
Position
  • Full sun to light shade; best flowering in a sunny spot
  • Prefers a sheltered site away from harsh, drying winds
  • Equally effective naturalised in grass, gravel beds, borders or containers
Hardiness
  • Withstands winter lows down to around –20 °C (–4 °F)
  • A light autumn mulch over the bulb bed aids establishment in exposed gardens
Soil
  • Thrives in fertile, well-drained soils such as loam or sandy loam
  • Benefits from soil improvement at planting with garden compost or leaf mould
  • Avoids heavy, waterlogged clay which can lead to bulb rot
  • Adaptable to acid, neutral or alkaline soils
  • Performs best where organic matter helps retain moisture without waterlogging
  • Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
    Height
    • Forms clumps that reach 15–20 cm (6–8 in) tall each spring
    Seasons of Interest
    • Flowering: Single, pale lemon-yellow blooms with a slightly darker cup appear in March–April
    • Foliage: Strap-shaped green leaves emerge with the flowers and persist until late spring before fading
    • Autumn Colour/Variegation: No autumn display or variegation; foliage dies back fully after flowering
      Additional Notes
      • Plant bulbs in autumn, 10–12 cm deep and 7–10 cm apart, in groups or drifts for best effect
      • Leave foliage until entirely yellow before cutting back to allow bulbs to replenish energy
      • Divide and re-plant congested clumps every 3–4 years once leaves have died down
      • Dead-head spent flowers to maintain a tidy display and direct energy back into the bulb
      • Suitable for naturalising under deciduous trees—lift and replace turf after flowering to avoid damage
      • Mildly toxic if ingested; wear gloves when handling bulbs and keep away from pets and children
      Some links earn iGardening a small affiliate commission. It won’t cost you extra.

      The Fragrant Beauty of Narcissus Pipit Flowers

      Narcissus Pipit is a cheerful jonquilla daffodil that brings brightness and fragrance to gardens and homes across the UK. This daffodil stands out for its lemon-yellow flowers, which fade to creamy white, adding a refreshing seasonal touch. Growing from bulbs, it is easy to plant, reliable in bloom, and ideal for naturalising.

      What makes Narcissus Pipit a special daffodil?

      Narcissus Pipit is a jonquilla daffodil known for its delightful lemon-yellow flowers with a unique two-tone effect. Each bloom has segments and a small cup, creating a striking look with yellow petals and a white trumpet that fades gracefully. Over time, the perianth transforms from lemon-yellow to creamy-white, giving the plant an ever-changing charm.

      This daffodil typically produces multiple flowers per stem, sometimes up to three, which enhances its seasonal display. The fragrance is sweet yet gentle, making it an excellent choice for an attractive indoor display in a vase or for enjoying in the garden. Compact and cheerful, it’s a daffodil pipit variety that offers a really natural effect when planted in borders, pots, or baskets.

      How to plant Narcissus bulbs for best results?

      To achieve the best display, it’s essential to plant narcissus bulbs at the correct depth and spacing. In autumn, choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole at a depth of about 10cm, and space the bulbs twice their width apart for strong growth.

      Bulbs benefit from being planted at a distance of 10cm to avoid overcrowding. This spacing helps them naturalise and return the following year with equal strength. For a really natural effect, scatter narcissus bulbs randomly before planting rather than setting them in strict lines.

      Pots, containers, or even a hanging basket can also be used for a portable display. Remember to relocate the containers to brighter spots during the growing season to encourage healthy blooms.

      Why is soil preparation important when planting Narcissus Pipit?

      Narcissus Pipit thrives in well-drained soil. If your garden soil is heavy, mix in grit or compost to improve drainage. Bulbs dislike sitting in waterlogged ground, as this can cause the tuber to rot before the growing season begins.

      A spot that remains moist but not soggy works best. While the plant will tolerate some shade, avoid growing in shady areas for extended periods, as this can reduce flowering. A sunny border or the centre of a mixed planting scheme works beautifully, highlighting the daffodil’s two-tone lemon colour.

      Good soil preparation ensures a strong root system, healthy leaves, and flowers that return with vigour the following year. It also supports the naturalisation process, allowing clusters to expand without becoming overcrowded.

      Narcissus Pipit

      When is the best time to plant narcissus bulbs?

      The ideal time to plant narcissus bulbs is autumn. Planting during this season allows the bulbs time to establish roots before winter arrives. By spring, they are ready to send up strong stems and flower reliably.

      Plant narcissus bulbs at the recommended depth and spacing. Place them with the pointed tip facing upwards, ensuring they sit firmly in the soil. Cover with soil, firm down lightly, and water well to settle them in place.

      Autumn planting sets the stage for mid- to late-spring flowering. With good care, you’ll see lemon-yellow flowers fading to creamy-white, with multiple blooms per stem to enjoy both outdoors and indoors.

      How tall does Narcissus Pipit grow?

      Narcissus Pipit grows to about 20cm in height, making it an ideal choice for the front of a border, a pot, or a container. Its compact growth habit also suits baskets, creating an uplifting seasonal feature near a doorway or patio.

      Each stem holds several blooms, with an average of two to three flowers per stem. This generous production gives a fuller look compared to taller daffodils. The height of 20cm also means it won’t overshadow smaller spring flowering bulbs, but will still stand out beautifully.

      The manageable size makes it versatile for both outdoor planting and indoor displays. Whether placed in a garden bed or cut for a vase, its scale feels just right.

      Can Narcissus Pipit be grown indoors?

      Yes, Narcissus Pipit makes an attractive indoor display when planted in pots or containers. Its fragrant scent brings freshness to any room, and the lemon-yellow flowers brighten windowsills or tabletops.

      To grow indoors, plant narcissus bulbs in a container with well-drained soil. Place in a bright, cool location, and water lightly. Move the containers if growth becomes too tall or leggy, ensuring they receive good light during the growing season.

      A basket or decorative pot works especially well for an indoor setting. This daffodil is easy to grow, rewarding you with seasonal cheer while also complementing spring décor.

      How fragrant are the flowers of Narcissus Pipit?

      One of the most appealing features of Narcissus Pipit is its fragrant flowers. The scent is light, sweet, and ideally suited for both outdoor gardens and indoor arrangements.

      The fragrance enhances its use as a cut flower, especially when placed in a vase for seasonal decoration. Outdoors, the scent carries gently through the garden without overwhelming other spring flowers.

      Combined with its changing colour from lemon-yellow to creamy-white, the fragrance ensures Narcissus Pipit feels fresh, cheerful, and uplifting throughout its bloom.

      How should you care for Narcissus Pipit after flowering?

      After the bloom finishes, allow the leaves to die back naturally. The foliage continues to gather energy for the following year’s flowers, so avoid cutting it too soon.

      Deadheading spent flowers prevents seed formation, diverting energy away from the bulb. Water during dry spells if the soil is not naturally moist, but avoid overwatering.

      Once the leaves die back naturally, you can lift and divide crowded bulbs if necessary. This helps maintain vigour, ensuring each tuber has room to grow and bloom vigorously in the following year.

      What makes Narcissus Pipit perfect for UK gardens?

      Narcissus Pipit is well-suited for UK gardens thanks to its adaptability and easy-to-grow nature. It flourishes in well-drained soil, whether in borders, pots, or baskets. Its mid height of 25cm fits neatly into many garden styles.

      The seasonal flowering, with a mid-to-late spring timing, and lemon-yellow flowers fading to creamy-white, ensures it always feels fresh and uplifting. Gardeners can easily purchase narcissus bulbs, making it simple to incorporate this variety into their planting schemes.

      From formal borders to cottage-style planting, Narcissus Pipit creates a really natural effect. Its fragrance and colour bring joy to gardens, patios, and even indoor spaces.

      How does Narcissus Pipit compare to other daffodils?

      Compared to larger daffodils, Narcissus Pipit is a miniature jonquilla daffodil that offers multiple flowers per stem. Its lemon-yellow flowers with creamy-white highlights set it apart from standard single-coloured daffodils.

      The jonquilla daffodil group is known for its fragrance, compact growth, and suitability for pots and borders. Narcissus Pipit shares these qualities but adds its own seasonal twist with two-tone petals.

      This variety is exceptionally versatile, offering both outdoor and indoor options, reliable flowering, and the ability to naturalise beautifully for years to come.

      From Darren’s Patch

      There’s something particularly uplifting about Narcissus Pipit in full bloom. For me, it’s the way the lemon-yellow petals soften to creamy-white, creating a gentle shift in colour that keeps the display looking fresh week after week. I like to tuck them into pots by the patio and scatter a few bulbs through the borders for a more natural effect – they never fail to lift the mood come spring. Their light fragrance is a real bonus too, subtle enough to enjoy indoors in a vase without overwhelming a room. If you’re after a daffodil that’s both cheerful and reliable, Pipit is one I’d always recommend. It’s a small bulb with a significant presence, bringing charm and brightness to almost any garden space.

      Darren Signature

      Key Points to Remember

      • Plant narcissus bulbs in autumn at a depth of 10cm
      • Space bulbs twice their width apart or a distance of 10cm
      • Choose well-drained soil in sunny or lightly shaded spots
      • Expect mid to late spring flowers, lemon-yellow fading to creamy-white
      • Enjoy multiple flowers per stem, fragrant and cheerful
      • Use in borders, pots, baskets, or for an attractive indoor display
      • Allow leaves to die back naturally to feed bulbs for the following year
      • Lift and divide crowded bulbs for continued strong growth
      • Move the containers for the best indoor or patio displays
      • Narcissus Pipit is easy to grow, reliable, and perfect for UK gardens

      Planting Narcissus Pipit is a simple yet rewarding way to bring fragrance, charm, and seasonal brightness to the garden. With their lemon-yellow flowers fading gracefully to creamy white, these miniature jonquilla daffodils offer enduring elegance, whether grown in borders, containers, or naturalised in grass. Easy to grow and reliably perennial, they return year after year with little effort, rewarding the gardener each spring. Whether admired in the garden, enjoyed as an attractive indoor display, or cut for a vase, Narcissus Pipit remains a timeless favourite. A well-chosen bulb that ensures beauty, fragrance, and a really natural effect.

      Would you like to learn about other bulb varieties? Read about Narcissus Sir Winston Churchill here.

      For more information on Spring Flowering Bulbs for your garden, please click here.

      Narcissus Pipit

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Q: What is Narcissus Pipit?

      A: Narcissus Pipit is a delightful jonquilla daffodil, admired for its compact habit and charming two-tone flowers. Each slender stem carries several blooms, with lemon-yellow petals surrounding a small creamy-white cup that gently fades as the flower matures. This miniature variety brings fragrance and elegance to both borders and pots, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or container planting. As a spring-flowering bulb, Narcissus Pipit brightens the garden from mid to late spring, offering a really natural effect when planted in drifts. Its easy to grow nature ensures lasting appeal in any setting.

      Q: When should I plant Narcissus Pipit bulbs?

      A: Narcissus Pipit bulbs are best planted in autumn, ideally before the first frosts. Place the bulbs at a depth of around 10cm, spacing them twice their width apart for a natural display. For optimal results, plant narcissus bulbs in well-drained soil that remains moist throughout the growing season but never becomes waterlogged. The bulbs appreciate a sunny or lightly shaded position, and planting at a distance of 25cm per stem groupings ensures a more impressive bloom. With proper preparation, you can enjoy lemon-yellow flowers fading to creamy-white the following year with minimal effort.

      Q: Where is the best place to plant Narcissus Pipit?

      A: Narcissus Pipit is a versatile daffodil that thrives in a variety of garden settings. It looks stunning when planted in borders, baskets, or containers, where its cheerful lemon-yellow flowers create a seasonal highlight. For naturalising, scatter bulbs across a lawn or under deciduous trees for a really natural effect. When growing in shady areas, ensure the soil is well-drained and not overly moist. These narcissus bulbs also make an attractive indoor display when potted, bringing both fragrance and colour to the home. Wherever you choose to plant, this daffodil rewards you with elegant flowers per stem.

      Q: How do I care for Narcissus Pipit after flowering?

      A: Once the flowers of Narcissus Pipit fade, it is essential to allow the leaves to die back naturally. This process returns energy to the tuber, ensuring an intense bloom the following year. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed formation, but leave the foliage intact until it yellows completely. During this period, continue to water if conditions are dry, and feed the plant lightly to support its growing season. Avoid tying or cutting the leaves too soon. With proper care, your jonquilla daffodil bulbs will naturalise beautifully, providing a reliable mid-to-late spring display for many years.

      Q: Can Narcissus Pipit be grown in pots or containers?

      A: Yes, Narcissus Pipit performs beautifully in pots, containers, or baskets, making it ideal for smaller gardens or patios. Plant narcissus bulbs at the recommended depth and distance of 10cm apart, ensuring they sit in well-drained soil or a quality compost mix. During the growing season, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the containers in a bright location for optimal results. Once in bloom, these daffodils create an attractive indoor display if brought inside temporarily. Their compact growth, fragrant flowers, and two-tone appeal make them an excellent choice for stylish, seasonal container planting.

      Q: What do the flowers of Narcissus Pipit look like?

      A: Narcissus Pipit produces charming two-tone blooms with soft yellow petals and a creamy-white centre. The lemon-yellow flowers fade to creamy white as they age, providing a delightful variation in tone. Each stem bears several flowers, typically with segments and a small cup that enhances their elegance. The blooms are fragrant, making them as pleasing to the nose as to the eye. Their perianth segments and white trumpet-like centre add further refinement. These mid-to-late spring-flowering bulbs are particularly admired for their fresh, lemon-yellow flowers, which bring light and fragrance to any garden setting.

      Q: Are Narcissus Pipit bulbs easy to grow?

      A: Narcissus Pipit is considered very easy to grow, making it suitable for both experienced gardeners and beginners. The bulbs thrive in well-drained soil, whether planted in the border, a basket, or a container. They are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, provided the soil is not overly wet. Simply plant narcissus bulbs in autumn, water lightly, and allow them to establish before winter sets in. In spring, the flowers appear with little intervention, and with the correct aftercare, they naturalise well. Their reliable bloom and elegant fragrance make them a popular choice across the UK.

      Q: Can Narcissus Pipit be used as cut flowers?

      A: Yes, Narcissus Pipit makes a delightful cut flower. Its slender stems bear several blooms per stem, creating a light, airy effect in arrangements. The two-tone flowers, featuring yellow petals and creamy white cups, are perfect for spring bouquets. For the best vase life, cut the flowers when the buds are just opening and place them in fresh water. Avoid mixing daffodils with other flowers immediately, as their sap can shorten the vase life. However, conditioning them first usually solves this issue. Their fragrance, fresh colour, and graceful form make them an excellent seasonal addition to the home.

      Q: Where can I buy Narcissus Pipit bulbs in the UK?

      A: Narcissus Pipit bulbs are widely available across the UK, both in garden centres and through reputable online retailers. During the autumn planting season, you can easily find these spring-flowering bulbs sold alongside other daffodil bulbs, often in pre-packed bags or bulk quantities for naturalising. Many specialist bulb suppliers also offer Narcissus Pipit online, allowing you to choose from a range of quantities to suit your garden design. Whether you prefer to browse locally or buy narcissus bulbs online, you will have no difficulty sourcing this attractive and fragrant daffodil Pipit for your seasonal displays.

      Pin It on Pinterest

      Share This