Narcissus 'Mary Gay Lirette' is a split-cupped daffodil that brings an unusual and striking form to spring gardens across zones 3 through 8. Unlike traditional daffodils with their neat trumpet or cup centers, this variety features petals that have split and reflexed backward, creating an almost exotic appearance. Growing 12 to 18 inches tall with blooms in April, this showy flower emerges from bulbs planted in fall and thrives in moderate conditions with minimal fuss.
Partial Sun
Moderate
3-8
18in H x 12in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
The split-cupped form sets this daffodil apart, with petals that peel back dramatically from the corona to create a distinctive, almost alien-looking bloom. It handles both drought during dormancy and moderate moisture during growth, making it adaptable to various garden conditions. Deer and rabbits leave it untouched, a genuine asset in gardens plagued by hungry wildlife. Low maintenance and hardy from zone 3, this is a bulb that establishes itself and returns year after year without demanding attention.
Split-cupped daffodils serve as striking spring cut flowers and garden accents, valued for their unusual form in borders, naturalized plantings, and containers. The showy blooms appear early in the season, offering one of spring's first bursts of color.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Plant bulbs directly in the ground in early to mid-fall. Set each bulb 2 to 3 times as deep as its height, with at least 3 inches of soil covering the top. Space bulbs 4 to 10 inches apart, depending on bulb size; larger bulbs are planted further apart.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.