The Peruvian daffodil (Hymenocallis narcissiflora) is a plant that is not seen in this area very often; however, it is a beautiful, long-lived flower. It multiplies readily when given weekly water and fertilizer in the summer. It grows to one to two feet tall, with leaves that look much like the amaryllis.
Its spidery blooms have a light fragrance and are white, with a faint green stripe in its throat. It may put up two to five clusters. The blooms do not last very long; however, I have learned that if you stagger your planting times by a week or two in spring, you will be able to enjoy it for a longer time.
I have also been told that these bulbs can be forced into bloom indoors in the winter. Lift the bulb in the fall before the first frost, give it a couple months of dormancy in a cool, dry spot, then repot it, start watering again, and place it in a sunny window.
I hope you enjoy the Peruvian daffodil as much as I do.
Carol Hardin, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
Annual & Perennial Flowers Index
Gardening Tips For Northeast Texas Index
East Texas Piney Woods Gardening Home Page