A Bit of Cheer Early in the Year

by Lydia Holley March 4, 2024

One of my favorite daffodils is the narcissus ‘Erlicheer.’ Just as its name implies, it blooms early and is one of the cheeriest blooms during late winter/early spring.

Erlicheer is easy to identify because it is a double-flowered cluster daffodil. Unlike the regular trumpet form of most daffodil flowers, it looks like an entire bouquet of tiny blooms. It is also a creamy white instead of bright yellow. Erlicheer is not picky and will grow in soil pH that is mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. It will also grow in either sand or clay as long as the soil does not retain so much water the bulb rots.

They are perfect for using anywhere since they can withstand a summer drought. They appreciate watering during their growing period in early spring, which is when we usually get rain. They do not require fertilizers and are deer resistant. They will reliably return and even multiply from year to year if, as with all daffodils, you do not cut them back too soon. Let their leaves brown before cutting back the foliage.

Erlicheer grows from 12 to 18 inches tall and will bloom in full or part sun. I have placed some under a group of deciduous trees and a drift of others in the lawn. Just the sight of their bright blooms is enough to make me smile. They would look picture-perfect planted under a spring-blooming camellia.

If you prefer, Erlicheer can be grown in containers. They also do well as a forced bulb and since they have a lovely perfume scent, you can enjoy spring indoors as well.

Introduced in 1934, Erlicheer is considered an heirloom bulb even though their unusual bloom form makes they look like a much more modern take on daffodils.

If you do not currently grow Erlicheer, you may wish to put it on your list to plant this coming fall. Then next spring, you can enjoy a bit of cheer early in the year.

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