Jonquil Information

Taxonomy

• While common names generally make it easier for people to identify, sort and organize plants, there are times when overuse of a term or widespread, but incorrect, nicknames lead to confusion. Many people use the term "jonquil" to refer to any type of daffodil, but this is incorrect. Narcissus is the scientific name for the family of flowers that jonquils are a member of. Daffodil is the common name for this same group. In short, jonquils are a specific type of daffodil.

Features

• It can be difficult to differentiate between jonquils and other types of daffodils. This is because many members of this flower family bear similar, yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms. Jonquils are smaller in stature than other types of daffodils, reaching only 12 inches in height. They produce thin, rushlike leaves and slender stalks that bear up to six delicate, golden yellow, 1-inch blossoms, rather than single blooms. Additionally, jonquils are much more fragrant than other daffodils and masses of them emit a sweet aroma that can perfume an entire yard.

Cultivation

• Jonquils can grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 9, a range that encompasses the majority of the continental United States. Jonquils flourish in hot summer weather and are, therefore, much more likely than other daffodils to thrive in the South. To grow jonquils, plant the bulbs in early fall, burying the rhizomes 6 to 8 inches deep and four to six inches apart. Cover the bulbs with a 3-inch layer of mulch and keep the soil moist both before and after flowering. Once the flowers fade, do not trim the foliage until it begins to yellow; the plant stores the energy gathered by the leaves in the bulb below and uses it to survive the winter.

Uses

• The diminutive jonquil is well-suited to container culture and can be used to add splashes of spring color to window boxes and planters. Jonquils also make excellent cut flowers, and their long-lasting, vibrant blossoms look attractive when used in sweetly fragrant spring bouquets. In the landscape, plant jonquils in groups of 12 or more and place in mixed borders, rock gardens or naturalized meadows. For the best overall effect, incorporate large, leafy perennials, such as hostas and day lilies, into the design as their eye-catching greenery will camouflage the jonquil foliage as the plant begins to fade.