Autumn Daffodil (Sternbergia lutea) is a bulbous perennial that defies expectations by blooming when most gardens are winding down. In September and October, it sends up delicate, crocus-like goblet-shaped yellow flowers just 1.5 inches wide, each one emerging singly atop stems reaching 6 inches tall. The narrow, lance-shaped deep green foliage appears at the same time as the blooms, creating an elegant autumn display. Hardy in zones 6 through 9, this species thrives in full sun and tolerates drought and dry soil with remarkable ease, making it a rare treasure for gardeners seeking something genuinely different.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-9
6in H x 6in W
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Moderate
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The magic of Autumn Daffodil is its timing: while spring bulbs fade and summer bloomers tire, this species awakens in early fall with charming yellow flowers that rise from fresh green foliage. Its compact size (3 to 6 inches tall and wide) allows it to slip into rock gardens, containers, and naturalized settings without overwhelming surrounding plants. The foliage persists through winter in warm zones, then vanishes entirely until the cycle repeats in autumn, offering a tidy growing cycle that requires minimal cleanup.
Autumn Daffodil is grown primarily for naturalizing in gardens, where its reliable fall bloom and drought tolerance allow it to establish colonies that require minimal intervention once established.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Plant bulbs directly into the garden in mid-summer, setting them 5 to 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart in well-drained soil.
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