WINTER
DAFFODIL
Family AMARYLLIDACEAE
Sternbergia lutea
Perennial
A bulbous plants, native to the Mediterranean
region, Syria and Persia.
It is believed to be the Lily-of-the-Field referred
to in the New Testament, and has been in cultivation
in Britain for more than three centuries.
The tubular flowers are rather more than two inches
in length, bright yellow and in shape rather like
a crocus; they do not rise above the leaves, which
are narrow and strap-shaped, about a foot long
and half an inch wide.
There are various forms, comprising var. major,
with more substantial foliage and larger flowers,
var. sicula with large flowers and narrow-pointed
foliage and var. angustifolia with flowers smaller
than the type and narrow leaves.
Very effective when grown in bold masses in short
turf and at the front of shrubberies.
Easily grown in any well-drained, gritty soil.
Plant three inches deep.
Propagate by means of offsets or from seed.
Flowering season is in September and October.
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