Hoop Petticoat Daffodil

A distinctive and charming dwarf daffodil, the Hoop Petticoat is easily recognised by its unique flower shape. The central corona (trumpet) is hugely flared and outsized, resembling an old-fashioned crinoline, while the petals are reduced to tiny, narrow points. The flowers are usually a bright, sunny yellow. It reaches about 10-15cm in height and has fine, grass-like foliage. In the UK, it is an excellent plant for a rock garden, a gritty raised bed, or for naturalising in short grass that stays moist in winter but dries out in summer. It is native to the mountains of Spain, Portugal, and North Africa. It is very hardy and often one of the earliest plants to herald spring. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil. Because of its small stature and elegant form, it is also a popular choice for planting in alpine pans for display in an unheated greenhouse. It can self-seed freely when happy, creating beautiful drifts of yellow.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr.