The mountains of Spain and Portugal provide numerous species of miniature daffodils, which are charming little Spring subjects for the rockery of easy culture.
The dainty flowers have a variety of interesting and pleasing forms and show the best advantage when height is no hindrance.
The blooms stand stately on 3” to 6” inch stems.
Some species are not easily grown and are of interest only to collectors.
Growing Under Excellent Growing Conditions
The difficulties of growing these varieties do not warrant the results for the amateur gardener.
Species do well in soil comprised of 2/3 good loam and 1/3 equal parts of sand and peat.
Peat moss or leaf mold may be substituted if domestic peat is unavailable.
Sand is essential as it is for all daffodil bulbs. The same mixture should be used whether bulbs are planted in the rockery, pots, or naturalized planting.
The depth of planting is best at about 6” inches. This may seem deep because bulbs are usually planted to a depth of 2 or 3 times their height.
However, I have found that the species do best when planted at the same depth as non-species.
Different Miniature Daffodil Varieties
Minimus
Minimus is the smallest trumpet daffodil, being only 3” inches tall. It is elegant in form and a deep, rich yellow.
It likes peaty soil. In the more temperate sections of the United States, minimus comes into flower in February, but in central New England, it blooms about the middle of March.
Minimus does well in pots and can be brought into bloom in January.
I like to put 5 bulbs in a four-inch pot. When forced, the flowers usually grow taller, to a height of 4” or 5” inches.
Minor
This miniature is much like the minimus but stands about 6” inches higher.
Its flowers are dainty, with the trumpet about 1” inch in length. The color is a soft primrose.
Minus
Similar to minor, the flowers of this species are carried on approximately 6” inch stems.
Like minimus and minor, it does well in the rockery, in pots, or when naturalized in the grass.
All three give loveliness when planted in front of a border. But, minus need a little sun and like a gritty soil.
Cyclamineus
Cyclamineus is a charming little plant that resembles cyclamen. It has a straight tube-like, deep yellow trumpet of a very distinct form.
The mouth of the trumpet is elegantly serrated, and the perianth is extremely reflexed.
It is one of the earliest of the miniatures doing well in dampish soil. It thrives in small pots.
The flowers are in drooping clusters of 2 or 3.
Bulbocodium
Bulbocodium variety is popularly known as the hooped or petticoat daffodil because of the hooped shape of the corona.
The petals are thin and inconspicuous, but the flower is a striking bright yellow.
There are several varieties of this species. They show up well in pots but are inconspicuous in a naturalized planting.
Like cyclamineus, it likes moist soil and does best in a rockery when planted near the base.
Triandrus Albus
Triandrus albus is an exquisite, artistic little species named angel’s tears because of its white flowers, 1 to 6 on a stem.
Its flowers are arranged in a drooping curve with petals sharply reflexed.
It requires more than average care and thrives best in well-drained, gritty soil in some shade. Moreover, it does well in pots.
Queen Of Spain
Queen of Spain variety is somewhat taller, growing to 8” to 10” inches.
It is one of the most beautiful as well as graceful. I have several clumps in my naturalized planting that have thrived well over 20 years. It blooms late.
I have often exhibited them in daffodil shows in May. The flowers vary slightly in size.
They are a soft, delicate, canary yellow, with a graceful reflexing perianth.
Tazetta
Tazetta is the only dwarf polyanthus species. It carries a delightful fragrance, and its flowers grow in clusters like a miniature paper white.
My experience has been limited to the indoor culture, where they have done very well.
Juncifolius
Juncifolius miniature is the smallest daffodil in existence. It carries 1 or 2 small yellow flowers with flaring cups of the same shade.
The flowers are fragrant, and the plants do well in pots.
They are too small to make a showing outdoors, but they can be used in small rockeries.
Simplex
Simplex is the original wild jonquil species. It requires little care.
The flowers are borne in graceful clusters and carry a fragrance that will fill a room. Unfortunately, it is a late bloomer.
Planting Clusters Of Miniature Daffodils For Enhanced Color Garden Display
Miniature daffodils fill the assignment more than adequately when a dainty, artistic touch of color is needed in a rockery or a small garden.
Because the flowers are small, the color effect can be enhanced greatly by planting clumps of 6 to 12 bulbs.
Clumps of at least 25 are necessary for naturalized plantings to give an eye-catching effect.
Miniature daffodils are easy to grow, and where they can be used, they give more satisfaction than might be expected of these little mountain dwellers.