Taylors Bulbs Narcissus Elka (8)

A dainty little miniature trumpet daffodil, 'Elka' is another Cornish creation from breeder Alec Gray, holding an RHS Award of Garden Merit for its quiet, understated charm. Milky-white petals surround a slender, pale lemon trumpet that gradually softens to cream as the flower matures, giving each bloom a gently changing, watercolour quality.

Reaching just 20-26cm tall, it's ideally suited to pots, rockeries, and the front of borders, or mass planted for a naturalised effect, and has a faint, subtle fragrance best appreciated close up. Plant the bulbs in autumn at one and a half to two times their own depth, in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; the bulbs and sap can irritate skin, so gloves are worth wearing at planting time. Deadhead as the flowers fade and leave the foliage to die back naturally to build strength for next year's display.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.