When most of nature is sleeping and taking a break- those beautiful flowers that bloom during those chilly winter months are such a wonderful thing. Today we are talking about some favorite dainty winter blooms- Paperwhites.
Winter Blooms – Paperwhites
Pretty doesn’t quite describe these beautiful delicate flowers. They grow tall and stately and add so much charm to even the simplest of settings.
Paperwhite Narcissus are commonly referred to as just ‘paperwhites’ and are members of the daffodil family. They are dainty and tall happy blooms. Generally, you might think of them used for Christmas- on a table or sideboard or a sunny windowsill. But I like to enjoy them all winter long. Today we are talking about paperwhites and covering a few basics- where to get them, how to plant them, where to watch them grow.
Winter Bulbs
I ordered a couple of bags of paperwhite bulbs a couple of months ago- believe it or not- I found them on amazon. haha. I mean- amazon does seem to have pretty much everything right? I usually would pick them up at a garden center but this year, I wasn’t out and about at the garden centers when they were in stock. So, I ordered online. I have purchased bulbs from specialty garden websites before-they are growing but as you can see have not bloomed yet so will keep you posted.
We planted them in several clay pots in the greenhouse – simply placed 3-4 bulbs in each pot and watered them and set them on the shelf to soak up some sun. We had a bit of a hiccup when a creature made it’s way into the greenhouse and made off with several bulbs from the pots. Thinking likely a squirrel to be able to take such large bulbs and there are quite a few living in the oak tree just next to the greenhouse. So, we have a few less than we started out with but 8 pots full even so.
How to plant
Basically, I plant them in good soil and create a small hole to pop them into with fingers or a trowel. Then place the bulb into the hole leaving just a bit of the bulb sticking out at the top. You can also plant them in pebbles, or something more fancy and modern- I am a bit more simple and prefer a clay pot- the more moss covered the better.
Water and set in a sunny light filled area- by a window is perfect.
How they Grow
Paperwhites are leggy- Long and lean and leggy. They grow tall before flowering and when they bloom- they flowers almost seem to be dancing at the top of the dainty green stem. They are not wide plants- meaning they will not take over a pot and fill it up. They are very proper in growing just from the top of the bulb- but carrying those pretty blooms on top- they do like to fall over.
Something you may need to do is to tie them with a piece of twine to keep them from falling over. Because they are long and lean- they are often top heavy. Simply wrap a piece of twine around them to keep them upright.
Scent
Something you might have heard about paperwhites is about their scent. It is one that some folks do not like at all. They don’t bother me- I don’t actually smell it that strongly and even so, I don’t find it offensive. For example Ziva Narcissus is a strongly scented one- so if you are concerned- you can look for a variety to grow that has less scent like Inbal.
Enjoy
As you can see from photos above, I am waiting for this years paperwhites to bloom just yet- but when they do, I will share some ideas for enjoying them in your home this winter. This table setting centerpiece with narcissus in clay pots was a favorite from 2020. You can see more HERE
Shop the Look
Paperwhite bulbs 10 pack | Paperwhite Bulbs 5 pack | 6″ Clay pots
*some affiliate links
A few Tips
Start with a good potting soil- or choose something unique to plant the bulbs in.
Choose several different varieties of paperwhites for variations on what they blooms look like. Some are larger, some are smaller.
Be mindful in choosing flowers with less scent if the smell of narcissus bothers you.
Plant larger containers for a bigger display or keep it small with little pots.
Find a warm window in the house for your paperwhites to soak up the sun and grow tall.
More coming soon. Happy Monday all.
franki Parde says
That’s how I feel about amaryllis…Just fascinate me. Currently, my mini orchids are “hatching”…28 buds do I spy. franki
Nan, Odessa, DE says
I buy to have 3 PLANTING over a season.
I need these plantings to get over the winter . A pleasure for winter! I use a tall glass jar with stones. I don’t plant until after Christmas and hope to have bulbs to get me to Valentines Day. Then I will move on to forcing flowering branches. Give us more suggestions for winter garding, please.
DEBBIE says
An idea I HAVE USED WITH SOME SUCCESS IS TO PUT ROCKS IN THE BOTTOM OF A GOOD-SIZED CLEAR/COLORED GLASS VASE AND NESTLE THE PAPERWHITE BULBS DOWN INTO THE ROCKS. AS THEY GROW, REACHING FOR LIGHT, THE VASE SUPPORTS THE STEMS. I DID THIS ONE TIME IN A COBALT BLUE VASE – IT WAS BEAUTIFUL.
I ASKED MY HUSBAND TO RIG A SUPPORT FOR MY PAPERWHITES ONE TIME. CAME BACK TO FIND THE JOB DONE, QUITE WELL. HE’D SET A “PLUMBER’S FRIEND” (TOILET PLUNGER) ON THE COUNTER BESIDE THE PRETTY (ANTIQUE) CAST IRON CONTAINER, AND TIED THE STEMS TO THE HANDLE OF THE PLUNGER. IT WASN’T QUITE WHAT I HAD IN MIND, BUT IT DID WORK!!
aussie jo says
So many lovely photos, i enjoyed the post
Mary L Helser says
Your home is so beautiful A friend gave me one of these and it bloomed beautfuly. It is in a glass jar filled with water. My question is what do I do with it now that it is done blooming. Thank you.
Sharon IN nAPA, ca says
i’VE READ THAT WATERING WITH A SOLUTION OF VODKA AND WATER WILL KEEP PAPERWHIES FROM GROWING TOO TALL. i HAVE NOT TRIED IT MYSELF. hERE’S SOMETHING i FOUND WHEN i GOOLED “PAPERWHITES AND VODKA” … To get a 5% solution from a 40% distilled spirit such as the aforementioned, add 1 part liquor to 7 parts water. Do not use beer or wine, as the sugars will cause problems for the plant. And don’t exceed the 6% alcohol solution as any more may be toxic.