bulb corm tuber

Bicolor Daffodil

The Story

Plant Bio

Narcissus bicolor is an erect, clumping, bulbous perennial native to Western and Central Europe, producing narrow, strap-shaped basal foliage that emerges blue-green. In early to midspring, solitary flowers rise on leafless scapes, displaying a two-toned structure of white or pale yellow petals surrounding a golden-yellow trumpet.

This species is distinguished by its pronounced two-toned floral coloration and high frost tolerance, allowing it to naturalize reliably across cold-winter regions. The bulbs contain toxic alkaloids that render the entire plant unpalatable to deer, rabbits, and other browsing wildlife.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking two-toned yellow and white blooms in early spring, ideal for naturalizing in lawns and borders.

Resists browsing by deer and rabbits due to toxic alkaloids present in all plant parts.

Offers early-season nectar for generalist pollinators like bumblebees and honeybees.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

18"

Width

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Toxic to human and animal ingestion; sap causes skin irritation

Bloom period

Early spring – Midspring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with organically rich, well-draining loam that receives full sun to partial shade.
Plant bulbs in the fall at a depth of three times the bulb's height, pointing the nose upward.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and initiate root development before winter.
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer in early spring as new green shoots emerge.

Pro Tip

Leave the green foliage completely intact after flowering until it yellows and withers naturally in late spring; cutting or braiding the leaves starves the bulb of photosynthetic energy and reduces future blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Deadhead spent flowers immediately after blooming to prevent energy loss to seed production.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent basal rot and bulb decay.
Allow foliage to yellow and die back completely before removing it.

Don't

Do not plant bulbs in heavy, compacted clay soils or waterlogged areas.
Never cut, tie, or braid green leaves after the flowering period ends.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote excessive foliage at the expense of blooms.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersRock GardensNaturalized DriftsCottage Gardens

Companion Plants

Allium canadense Iris cristata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bicolor Daffodil questions

What zones can Bicolor Daffodil grow in?

Bicolor Daffodil is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bicolor Daffodil deer resistant?

Yes — Bicolor Daffodil is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bicolor Daffodil bloom?

Bicolor Daffodil typically blooms in early spring through midspring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bicolor Daffodil need full sun?

Bicolor Daffodil does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bicolor Daffodil drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bicolor Daffodil handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.