Narcissus White Lion - Double Blooms for Elegant Borders and Pots

Daffodil White Lion

Narcissus White Lion is a stunning double daffodil that brings a touch of timeless beauty to any garden. With its double white flowers and pale yellow centres, this variety adds a luxurious spring display, bursting into bloom when most gardens need a lift. Its deliciously sweet fragrance fills the air, making it a favourite for borders, containers, and indoor cut flower arrangements. Easy to grow from a bulb, the Narcissus White Lion is a perfect choice for gardeners seeking dependable charm and breathtaking spring colour.

Narcissus White Lion stands out among spring bulbs for its double blooms and sophisticated colour palette. Each flower opens with layers of cream petals surrounding a pale yellow centre, creating a soft, elegant contrast that brightens any garden border. These double white flowers look beautiful planted in groups, where their dense, frilly texture creates a full and abundant effect.

This daffodil offers more than just beauty. Its deliciously sweet fragrance gives it real appeal for gardeners who enjoy scented spring displays. The upright stems hold their blooms proudly, and their long-lasting flowers bring weeks of colour as the season unfolds. Whether used as cut flowers indoors or grown outdoors, this narcissus never fails to impress.

The best time to plant the bulbs is in autumn, typically between September and November, before the first hard frost. Planting during this season allows roots to establish before winter arrives, ensuring a strong display of blooms in spring. Choose a site with plenty of sunlight, as this helps the narcissus produce healthy foliage and abundant flowers.

When planting, aim for a depth of about three times the height of the bulb. This gives protection against frost and prevents bulbs from drying out. If the soil tends to stay wet, add grit or sand to improve drainage. Well-drained soil is vital, as narcissus bulbs dislike sitting in soggy conditions.

To grow vigorous, healthy plants, start with good-quality daffodil bulbs. If you plan to buy narcissus bulbs, choose firm, plump ones free from mould or soft spots. Avoid damaged bulbs, as they may struggle to establish. Once ready, dig holes or trenches deep enough to cover each bulb with twice its height of soil.

Space the bulbs around 10–15 cm apart to give each plant room to grow. The pointed end should face upwards, with the rounded base sitting firmly in the soil. Cover gently and water well to settle them in. For containers, use a pot with drainage holes and a gritty, moist compost mix. The bulbs will remain dormant through winter and emerge with lush green leaves as spring begins.

A light, well-drained soil suits narcissus bulbs best. They tolerate a range of soil types, but heavy clay can cause rot if drainage is poor. Mix in organic matter or sand to loosen the texture and create ideal growing conditions. A sunny or lightly shaded spot will encourage taller stems and more flowers.

Keep the soil moist during growth, but avoid overwatering. Once the leaves start to yellow after flowering, reduce watering to allow the bulbs to rest. Narcissus thrive in soils enriched with compost, which supports both healthy foliage and abundant blooms.

Narcissus White Lion typically reaches a height of around 35 to 40 cm, with upright stems supporting its double blooms. This moderate height makes it an ideal plant for the middle of a border or mixed spring display. The strong stems help the flowers stand tall, even in breezy weather.

In containers, the height may be slightly less, but the flowers remain complete and impressive. The foliage, a soft green colour, adds structure and balance, complementing other spring bulbs such as tulips or hyacinths. Grouping several plants creates a breathtaking display that brightens even small spaces.

Yes, Narcissus White Lion grows beautifully in pots or containers, offering flexibility for patios, balconies, or small gardens. Choose a container with good drainage holes and fill it with a mix of compost and grit for a well-drained base. Space the bulbs evenly, placing them close together for a full, colourful display.

Containers should be kept outdoors in a bright, cool position through winter. Water occasionally to keep the compost moist but not wet. As spring arrives, the shoots will appear, soon followed by clusters of double blooms. When flowering finishes, allow the leaves to die back naturally so the bulbs can store energy for next year’s season.

After flowering, allow the leaves to remain until they turn yellow and die back naturally. This process feeds the bulb and prepares it for the next season. Cutting the foliage too early can weaken future blooms. Deadheading spent flowers to prevent seed formation can drain the plant’s energy.

Once the leaves have entirely faded, the bulbs can stay in the ground or be lifted for storage. If lifting, let them dry in a cool, airy space before storing in a paper bag. Replant them in autumn for another beautiful spring display. Regular care ensures these narcissus bulbs return stronger each year.

Narcissus White Lion is perfect for cut flowers thanks to its long stems and richly layered blooms. Each flower has an exquisite structure that holds well in vases. The double blooms and cream petals add softness and texture, while the pale yellow centres catch the light beautifully.

Their deliciously sweet fragrance fills the room, creating a warm, spring-like atmosphere indoors. To enjoy them as cut flowers, harvest the stems when the buds just begin to open. Place them in cool water and keep them away from direct sunlight. The blooms will last for several days, offering lasting spring joy.

To create a breathtaking display, plant narcissus bulbs in generous groups rather than single rows. Mass planting produces a more natural, flowing effect and enhances its impact in borders or lawns. Mix them with other spring bulbs like crocus, tulips, or muscari for layers of colour and texture.

Narcissus White Lion’s white and pale yellow tones blend beautifully with pastel or deep hues. In shaded corners, their luminous blooms bring light and warmth. Adding them to garden borders, near pathways, or beneath deciduous trees brings early-season interest when other plants are still dormant.

If you’re planning to refresh your spring garden, it’s a great idea to buy narcissus bulbs, especially Narcissus White Lion. They offer reliable, rewarding growth and a spectacular floral display. Their resilience and ability to thrive in many conditions make them ideal for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Whether grown in a border, container, or naturalised area, these daffodils will return each spring with vigour. Their double blooms, cream petals, and pale yellow centres ensure every season begins with elegance and colour. As the RHS recommends, choosing quality bulbs guarantees vigorous plants and consistent flowering year after year.

Yes, narcissus bulbs are harmful if eaten. Like all daffodils, they contain alkaloids that can cause stomach upset and irritation if ingested. Always keep bulbs and flowers away from pets and young children. When handling bulbs, especially when cutting or dividing, it’s sensible to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.

Despite this, there’s no need for concern when growing them in the garden or indoors. With regular care and awareness, they’re entirely safe and provide years of enjoyment. Their beautiful blooms and deliciously sweet fragrance make them a rewarding part of any spring display.

There’s something truly special about seeing Narcissus White Lion open its first blooms on a cool spring morning. I grow these in clusters near my garden path so I can enjoy their sweet fragrance up close — it’s that lovely mix of cream petals and soft yellow centres that feels both classic and indulgent. They’re remarkably easy to grow, too, which is one reason I often recommend them to newer gardeners. A good bulb planted in autumn will reward you with reliable flowers year after year, brightening borders just when the garden needs a lift. I find they pair beautifully with pale tulips or forget-me-nots for a soft, romantic look. Whether in pots, borders, or cut for a vase indoors, White Lion brings a touch of quiet luxury to spring — and that’s precisely why it’s one of my go-to daffodils.

Q: What is Narcissus White Lion?

A: Narcissus White Lion is a double daffodil variety prized for its double white flowers with pale yellow centres and a deliciously sweet fragrance. Each bulb produces upright stems topped with large, double blooms, making a beautiful spring display. It’s ideal for borders, pots, and cut flowers, adding elegance and charm to any garden. The Narcissus White Lion is easy to grow, hardy in the UK climate, and returns reliably year after year.

Q: When is the best time to plant Narcissus White Lion bulbs?

A: The best time to plant Narcissus White Lion bulbs is in autumn, typically from September to November. Plant the bulbs before the first frost, when the soil is still moist and workable. This allows strong root development before winter, ensuring healthy growth and beautiful flowers in spring—plant bulbs about twice their own depth in well-drained soil, in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Proper autumn planting guarantees a breathtaking display when the season turns.

Q: How deep should I plant Narcissus White Lion bulbs?

A: Always plant the bulbs at a depth roughly two to three times the bulb’s height—around 10–15cm deep. Place each bulb with the pointed end facing upwards and space them 10–12cm apart. This gives enough room for healthy foliage and stems to develop. Planting at the correct depth also protects the bulb from frost and improves flower quality. Use well-drained soil mixed with grit if needed, especially in heavy clay conditions.

Q: Can Narcissus White Lion be grown in pots or containers?

A: Yes, Narcissus White Lion grows beautifully in pots and containers, perfect for patios or small spaces. Choose a deep container with good drainage and fill it with a mix of moist, well-drained soil and compost. Plant the bulbs close together for a full spring display. Keep pots watered but not soggy over winter. In spring, the double white flowers emerge on upright stems, creating a stunning focal point. Once flowering finishes, allow the leaves to die back naturally before tidying.

Q: How tall do Narcissus White Lion plants grow?

A: Narcissus White Lion typically reaches a height of around 30–40cm. The sturdy stems hold the double blooms upright, even in breezy conditions. This makes them excellent for the front or middle of borders, or for grouping in pots for cut flowers. Their compact height also suits container gardens, where their cream petals and pale yellow centres stand out beautifully against spring foliage.

Q: How should I care for Narcissus White Lion after flowering?

A: After the flowers fade, remove any spent heads to prevent seed formation, but let the leaves die back naturally. This process allows the bulb to store energy for the next season. A light feed of liquid seaweed or general-purpose plant food will help bulbs recover. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the foliage yellows and collapses, you can tidy it away. With this simple care, Narcissus White Lion will return year after year with strong, double blooms.

Q: Is Narcissus White Lion safe for pets and children?

A: Like all narcissus and daffodil bulbs, Narcissus White Lion is harmful if eaten. All parts of the plant, especially the bulb, can cause stomach upset if ingested by pets or children. Wear gloves when handling bulbs if you have sensitive skin, and always wash your hands afterwards. When planting, make sure pets don’t dig them up. Once established, they pose minimal risk when left undisturbed in the garden.

Q: Where can I buy Narcissus White Lion bulbs?

A: You can buy Narcissus White Lion bulbs from most reputable garden centres or online bulb suppliers in the UK. Look for healthy, firm bulbs that are free from mould or damage. Purchasing early in the autumn gives you the best selection and ensures bulbs are fresh for planting. Many RHS-recognised suppliers offer Narcissus White Lion among their daffodil bulb collections so that you can enjoy these exquisite, double white flowers in your garden every spring.