Position
- Ideally, a location in full sun or partial shade that receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight daily is vital for ensuring strong stems and abundant blooms
- Perfect for borders, rock gardens, or containers where their scent can be appreciated
Hardiness
Generally hardy in the UK climate, capable of withstanding winter temperatures down to approximately -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F), provided the ground does not become waterlogged
Soil
- Requires well-drained, fertile soil. It performs well in loam, sand, and chalky soils, but heavy clay should be managed to ensure free drainage
- This variety is unfussy and adaptable, growing successfully in acid, neutral, and alkaline soil conditions
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Typical flowering height: 35 cm (14 in) including flowers
- Clumps will broaden over time, forming larger drifts rather than gaining extra height
Seasons of Interest
Flowering: Blooms appear in mid-spring, typically during March and April, featuring clustered heads of creamy-white double flowers with saffron-yellow centres
- Foliage: The strap-shaped, grey-green leaves emerge in late winter and persist through the flowering period, naturally dying back by late spring. There is no variegation or significant autumn colour as the plant enters dormancy in summer
Additional Notes
Bridal Crown is celebrated for its intense, sweet fragrance, making it a superb choice for indoor forcing or planting near doorways
When planting in heavy ground, the addition of grit or well-rotted compost as a soil improvement is recommended to prevent bulb rot
Deadhead faded flowers to redirect energy back into the bulb, but allow the foliage to turn yellow and wither naturally before removal (usually around six weeks after flowering)
Bulbs should be planted at a depth of roughly two to three times their own height
The plant is deer and rabbit-resistant due to its alkaloid content
Why Bridal Crown Is a Must-Have Double Daffodil
Narcissus Bridal Crown fills the air with sweet perfume just as the growing season begins. This beautiful bulb produces clusters of creamy white flowers with a soft orange-yellow centre, creating a bright yet refined display. Each flower feels full and layered, and the fragrance carries gently on cool spring mornings.
Daffodil Bridal Crown stands out for both beauty and performance. It works indoors in a pot and outdoors in a sunny border. The scent, structure and reliability make it one of the most rewarding flower bulbs you can grow in the UK climate.
What Is Narcissus Bridal Crown and Why Do Gardeners Love It?
Narcissus Bridal Crown is a bulbous perennial that returns year after year. This heirloom variety dates back many decades and remains popular today. It blends strong performance with refined beauty.
Each bulb produces several stems that bear loose clusters of flowers. The plant stays compact, making it easy to position in a border or container. Many gardeners appreciate how dependable this perennial feels once established.
Narcissus bridal crown also adapts well to different settings. You can plant it in full sun or light shade. It suits both formal and relaxed planting styles, bringing creamy-white flowers into the garden with minimal effort.
What Does the Flower Look Like and How Fragrant Is It?
The flower carries creamy white petals arranged in double layers. At the centre sits a small corona with orange-yellow tones. Each bloom measures around 4cm wide, creating a neat yet striking presence.
These creamy white flowers appear in loose clusters along each stem. A single bulb often produces multiple blooms, which increases impact. The petals overlap gently, forming a soft segment pattern that feels full and balanced.
The scent defines this narcissus. It releases a sweet fragrance that fills the air on mild days between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F). That sweet scent makes it a fragrant double favourite for indoor displays and spring gatherings.
Is Bridal Crown a True Double Daffodil?
Yes, Bridal Crown qualifies as a fully double daffodil. Unlike single trumpet types, it carries double flowers with layered petals in both the outer and inner segments. The effect feels rich yet controlled.
Each flower displays creamy white petals surrounding a textured centre. The small double structure gives depth without heaviness. This double daffodil keeps its shape even in breezy weather.
Double daffodil bulbs like this variety offer more visual weight than simple forms. They provide structure in a border and contrast beautifully with the yellow early daffodil types. The balance between white flowers and orange-yellow highlights makes this variety especially appealing.
How and When Should You Plant the Bulb?
Plant bulbs in autumn while the soil remains workable. This timing allows roots to form before winter temperatures drop below 5°C (41°F). Choose firm, high-quality stock from a trusted supplier.
Set each bulb at a depth of around three times its height. Ensure the pointed end faces upwards. This placement encourages straight stem growth and stable development.
When you plant narcissus bulbs, space them a few centimetres apart for a strong cluster effect. Good planting information always stresses drainage. Avoid heavy, waterlogged areas and aim for well-drained soil to protect the bulb during colder months.
What Soil and Position Help This Daffodil Thrive?
Bridal Crown prefers moderately fertile soil that drains freely. Well-drained soil prevents rot and supports healthy root growth. Add compost to improve structure if needed.
Position the plant in full sun for best flowering. It also tolerates light shade, especially under deciduous trees. A sunny patio container works just as well as a garden bed.
Keep soil moist during the growing season but never saturated. This bulb performs reliably in typical UK conditions, where spring temperatures often range between 8°C and 18°C (46°F to 64°F). Consistent moisture supports strong bloom development.
Can You Grow Narcissus Bridal Crown Indoors in a Pot?
Yes, this variety thrives indoors during winter forcing. Plant bulbs in a pot filled with compost, leaving the top just below the surface. Place the container in a cool, dark space for several weeks.
Once shoots appear, move the pot to a bright indoor location. The indoor display will soon produce creamy white flowers with a sweet fragrance. Keep the compost moist but not wet.
Growing indoors allows you to enjoy perfume and colour before outdoor bloom begins. The compact height suits windowsills and sheltered spaces. A patio or conservatory display extends enjoyment through late winter.
Does It Make a Good Cut Flower?
This variety makes a wonderful cut flower. Each stem carries several buds that open gradually, extending vase life. The fragrance adds charm to any room.
Cut the stem just as the first bud opens. Place it in fresh water and avoid mixing with other flower types initially. The sap from daffodil stems can affect other blooms.
Because narcissus bridal crown bears loose clusters, it creates natural fullness in arrangements. Its creamy white petals and orange-yellow centre complement many spring flowers.
How Tall Does This Bulb Grow and What Can You Plant It With?
Bridal Crown reaches a modest height of around 30-40cm. This manageable height suits the front of a border or mixed container. It layers beautifully with early tulips.
Plant alongside grape hyacinths or low evergreen groundcover. The contrast between creamy white flowers and blue companions creates balance. You can also combine it with yellow varieties for added colour.
This bulb produces strong stems that support the bloom without staking. The foliage remains upright and tidy during spring. Once flowering ends, allow foliage to fade naturally to feed the bulb for next year.
How Do You Care for the Plant After Bloom?
After the bloom finishes, remove faded flowers but keep the leaves intact. The foliage feeds the bulb and supports future growth. Avoid cutting back too early.
Feed with a balanced fertiliser once flowering ends. This encourages energy storage in the bulb. Keep the soil lightly moist during this period.
Over time, clumps may thicken. Lift and divide in late summer if flowering declines. Replant at the correct depth in autumn to maintain performance. With simple care, this low-maintenance perennial returns reliably.
Why Has This Heirloom Narcissus Earned RHS Recognition?
Narcissus Bridal Crown has earned the RHS Award of Garden Merit. This recognition reflects consistent performance and reliability. It also confirms strong resistance to common issues.
The RHS values varieties that perform well across UK gardens. This heirloom narcissus meets that standard. It combines fragrance, beauty and dependable flowering.
Because it adapts to different settings, it suits a wide range of gardeners. Its fragrant double flowers, moderate height and perennial nature ensure lasting appeal. That combination explains why it remains widely recommended.
From Darren’s Patch
Narcissus Bridal Crown earns its place in my own garden every single spring. I value plants that deliver real returns with very little fuss, and this bulb delivers exactly that. The fragrance stops you in your tracks on a cool morning, and those creamy white, layered flowers look fresh and uplifting against emerging green growth. I often plant it near paths and seating areas so the scent drifts as you walk by. I also force a few bulbs indoors each year, simply because that early perfume lifts the whole house. For me, it strikes the perfect balance between beauty and reliability. If you want a spring bulb that performs consistently and feels special without demanding attention, this is one I confidently recommend.
Key Points to Remember
- Plant bulbs in autumn at three times the height of the bulb
- Choose well-drained soil in full sun or light shade
- Expect fragrant double flowers in creamy white with orange-yellow centre
- Water during the growing season and feed after flowering
- Allow foliage to fade naturally to strengthen the bulb
- Grow indoors in a pot for early perfume and colour
- Divide clumps in late summer to maintain a strong bloom
Narcissus Bridal Crown offers scent, structure and dependable performance in one elegant package. Plant this beautiful bulb once and enjoy years of fragrant spring displays.
Would you like to learn about other bulb varieties? Read about Narcisse tête bouclée here.
For more information on Spring Flowering Bulbs for your garden, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I plant Narcissus Bridal Crown bulbs for the best results?
A: Plant narcissus bulbs in autumn while the soil remains workable and moist. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position with well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Set each bulb at around three times its height, ensuring the pointed end faces upwards. This depth protects the bulb through winter and supports strong root growth. Space bulbs to allow air flow and encourage a neat cluster of stems in spring. Good planting information always includes drainage, as waterlogged ground can damage even high-quality flower bulbs.
Q: Can Narcissus Bridal Crown be grown indoors in a pot?
A: Yes, narcissus bridal crown performs beautifully indoors when planted in a pot. Use a free-draining compost and position the bulb just below the surface. Keep the container cool at first, then move it to a bright indoor space once growth appears. Maintain moist compost, but avoid overwatering. This method encourages early bloom, allowing you to enjoy creamy white flowers and a sweet fragrance before outdoor displays begin. Indoor planting works well for a patio room or a bright windowsill.
Q: What makes Bridal Crown different from other daffodil varieties?
A: Bridal Crown stands out as a fully double daffodil with layered petals and a detailed corona at the centre. Unlike single trumpet types, this double daffodil produces double flowers with depth and texture. The creamy white petals surround an orange-yellow centre, and each flower measures around 4cm wide. It also bears loose clusters on each stem rather than a single bloom. This heirloom variety combines structure, scent and reliability, which explains its lasting popularity across the UK garden scene.
Q: Does Narcissus Bridal Crown have a strong fragrance?
A: This narcissus is well known for its fragrant double character. Each bloom releases a sweet scent that carries clearly on mild spring days. The perfume feels rich yet fresh, making it ideal near paths or seating areas. Many gardeners choose it specifically for its sweet fragrance, which enhances both indoor and outdoor displays. Because the flowers grow in loose clusters, the scent multiplies across several blooms per stem. That fragrance adds another layer of enjoyment beyond visual appeal.
Q: Where is the best place to plant this daffodil in the garden?
A: Plant this daffodil in full sun for the most reliable flowering, although it tolerates light shade. A border works beautifully, especially near the front, where the moderate height can be appreciated. It also thrives in a container on a sunny patio. Choose moderately fertile soil that drains freely and stays lightly moist during the growing season. Good positioning ensures strong bloom performance and healthy foliage, helping this bulbous perennial return each spring with minimal effort.
Q: How do I care for the plant after it has flowered?
A: Once the bloom fades, remove the spent flower head, but keep the foliage intact. The leaves feed the bulb and support next year’s growth. Apply a balanced fertiliser or liquid feed during the growing season to strengthen the bulb. Allow the foliage to die back naturally before tidying. This low-maintenance approach keeps the plant vigorous and supports consistent performance. Over time, you may lift and divide crowded clumps in late summer to maintain strong flowering.
Q: Does Narcissus Bridal Crown make a good cut flower?
A: Yes, it makes a wonderful cut flower for spring arrangements. Each stem carries several buds that open gradually, extending vase life. Cut when the first bud shows colour for best results—the creamy-white flowers and yellow centre pair well with other seasonal blooms. Because the plant bears loose clusters, one stem provides natural fullness. The sweet scent also enhances indoor displays, making this narcissus both decorative and practical for home arrangements.
Q: How tall does this bulb grow, and what conditions suit it best?
A: Narcissus bridal crown reaches a height of around 30–40cm, making it ideal for borders or containers. Plant bulbs in autumn at a depth around three times the height of the bulb. The plant prefers well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position. Keep conditions moist but never saturated. This perennial performs reliably in the UK climate, where spring temperatures range between 8°C and 18°C (46°F to 64°F). Strong stems support each fragrant bloom without staking.
Q: Does the RHS recognise Narcissus Bridal Crown?
A: Yes, this daffodil bridal crown has received the RHS award of garden merit. That recognition confirms consistent performance, resilience and garden value. The RHS tests varieties under UK conditions, so this award signals reliability for home planting. As a bulbous perennial, it returns year after year with minimal input. Gardeners value its creamy white petals, its structured double form, and its dependable flowering. This endorsement reassures buyers seeking proven flower bulbs for long-term display.
Q: Where can I buy Narcissus Bridal Crown bulbs?
A: You can purchase narcissus bridal crown bulbs from reputable garden centres across the UK and through trusted online suppliers. Look for firm, high-quality double daffodil bulbs sold during autumn. Many specialist retailers stock daffodil bulbs in both small packs and larger quantities for mass planting. Buying from an established supplier helps ensure strong, healthy bulbs that establish quickly. Whether for border, container or indoor display, sourcing quality stock sets the foundation for excellent flowering results.