Quick Guide: spring, hardy, semi-shade, height: 20cm/8in, width: 20cm/8in

Species of wild daffodils are generally smaller than the cultivated hybrids and the flower form is very varied. Most do well in the open, left alone to flower for many years. Some are good for rock gardens. Varieties suitable for naturalizing in grass, for which narcissi are perhaps the ideal subject, are described below.

GROWING Naturalized narcissi do best in rich soil, protected by the shade of larger plants such as trees and shrubs. Soil should not be waterlogged or too dry. Plant in late summer with random spacing; scatter the bulbs on the ground and plant them where they fall, in holes three times the depth of the bulb.

PROPAGATION If necessary, lift and divide the bulbs after flowering and replant immediately.

SPECIES Narcissus cyclamineus 'February Gold' (above), early-flowering species with rich yellow, swept-back flowers; in moist soil it will seed and increase freely; best in fine grass. N. pseudonarcissus, the wild daffodil or lent lily, up to 30cm/12in high, creamy petals with lemon trumpets; the better choice for tall grass.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Given suitable conditions, naturalized narcissi are relatively trouble-free.