Winter daffodil (Sternbergia lutea)
Care, watering, light and tips for Winter daffodil on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Winter daffodil
Sternbergia lutea, also known as 'Winter Daffodil' or 'Autumn Crocus', is a perennial bulbous plant that bursts forth with bright, cup-shaped yellow flowers in late summer and early autumn. Its crocus-like leaves emerge just before or simultaneously with the blooms, creating a vibrant contrast. It is ideal for rockeries, path edges, or naturalized in lawns, adding a splash of color when most plants begin their seasonal decline.
Native range
Mediterranean region, from the Balearic Islands to Central Asia
Care tips
Plant the bulbs in a sunny location with well-drained soil, preferably sandy or loamy. It requires moderate watering during its active growth period (autumn-winter) and should be kept drier in summer when dormant. A common mistake is planting it in excessive shade or waterlogged soils, which can lead to bulb rot. Avoid frequent transplanting, as it prefers to establish and naturalize.
How to save a dying Winter daffodil
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or soft leaves, no flowering, soft or moldy bulb.
- First aid
- Remove bulb, inspect for rot. Cut damaged parts, dip in fungicide, replant in dry, well-draining soil.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in summer. It needs a summer dormancy period.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the bulb isn't completely rotted. Act quickly when issues appear.