It’s at this time of year, deep in the winter, that I find I need a bit of cheering up. Paperwhite narcissus bulbs are just the ticket for that cheer. Paperwhites have a very distinctive scent and there are two schools of thought that: the people who hate the smell, thinking that it is akin to the scent of cat pee, and those, like me, who love the peppery scent.
Their white flowers, long green leaves and saffron-coloured stamens brighten these long and cold winter days.
Paperwhites are simple to grow. All you need are some stones or glass pebbles, a container of pretty much any sort, and a couple of bulbs, which are widely available for a dollar or so apiece.
I use single teacups, small bowls, pitchers and jugs, and about anything that can hold the bulbs and water – probably three inches or taller.
I usually get a dozen or so bulbs in December and plant a few at a time, waiting until each bulb has bloomed and then starting new ones. I keep them in the office and at home – anywhere that I will see them frequently.
To me, this is the perfect juxtaposition – cheery white flowers against the cold white snow!
As a veteran of growing paperwhites, I have learned over the years that if you add a couple of tablespoons of gin to the water you add once they begin to bloom, the stems will be sturdier. A little bit of gin doesn’t hurt the gardener either….