Jonquil Erlicheer (Pack of 16 Bulbs)

Jonquil Erlicheer (Pack of 16 Bulbs) (Narcissus tazetta) Please Note: These bulbs cannot be shipped to Western Australia or Tasmania due to biosecurity restrictions. Jonquil Erlicheer is one of Australia's most beloved spring bulbs, heralding the arrival of warmer days with clusters of sweetly fragrant, creamy white double blooms. True to its name, which translates loosely as "early cheer," Erlicheer is often among the first jonquils to flower each year, bringing a welcome burst of colour and perfume to the garden when it is needed most. Whether planted en masse in garden beds, tucked into pots on the patio, or cut for indoor arrangements, Erlicheer delivers reliable beauty and an intoxicating scent season after season. Erlicheer is a cherished Tazetta variety from the Amaryllidaceae family, celebrated for its fully double, medium-sized blooms in soft creamy white with gentle yellow centres. Each stem produces clusters of six to twelve flowers, creating a lush, bouquet-like display that looks stunning in the garden and in a vase. The slender, rich green foliage provides a striking contrast to the cascading blooms. As a Tazetta narcissus, Erlicheer performs exceptionally well in warmer Australian climates where standard daffodils can be unreliable, yet it is equally at home in cooler regions where frosty winters provide the natural chilling period that promotes vigorous flowering. Erlicheer is low-maintenance, naturalises easily over time, and is also an excellent choice for forcing indoors, allowing gardeners to enjoy its delightful blooms and fragrance ahead of the outdoor season. Product Highlights (16-Pack) • Bulb count: 16 per pack • Flower colours: Creamy white double petals with soft yellow centres • Plant height: 30 to 40 cm • Bloom time: June to August (late winter to early spring) • Naturalising: Yes • Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade • Soil type: Well-drained, organically rich, slightly acidic to neutral pH • Frost tolerance: Yes, fully frost hardy Planting Instructions Plant Jonquil Erlicheer bulbs from March onwards, once autumn temperatures have cooled the soil. Choose a position in full sun or partial shade that is sheltered from strong winds. Prepare the soil by digging through compost or aged organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Plant each bulb 12 to 15 cm deep with the pointed tip facing upward and space bulbs 10 to 15 cm apart. In warmer climates, planting at up to double the standard depth helps keep bulbs cool and reduces premature splitting into smaller offsets. Water thoroughly after planting to encourage root establishment, then withhold further watering until foliage emerges unless conditions are extremely dry. Watering and Care Once foliage appears, water Erlicheer regularly with a deep soak once a week during the growing and flowering period. Good drainage is critical, as bulbs sitting in waterlogged soil are prone to rot. After flowering has finished, continue watering while the foliage remains green, as this is the period when the bulb stores energy for the following year. Gradually reduce watering as the leaves begin to yellow and die back, and allow the soil to dry out during the bulb's summer dormancy. Overwatering during dormancy is the most common cause of bulb loss in Australian gardens. Pruning Advice Remove spent flower heads as soon as blooming finishes to prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Leave the foliage in place for at least six weeks after the last flower fades, allowing it to die back naturally. Do not cut, braid, or tie the leaves, as they are still photosynthesising and feeding the bulb below. Once the foliage has completely yellowed, gently remove it. Every three to four years, lift and divide congested clumps after the foliage has died back. Separate healthy bulbs, discard any that are soft or damaged, and replant in fresh, well-drained soil. Climate Zone Guide Cool and Alpine (ACT, VIC Highlands, NSW Tablelands): Excellent results. Cold winters provide the natural chilling period Erlicheer appreciates for vigorous, abundant flowering each spring. Temperate (Melbourne, Adelaide, coastal NSW): Outstanding performance. Erlicheer is a reliable naturaliser in temperate gardens and will reward gardeners with increasing displays year after year. Subtropical (Brisbane, coastal QLD): Very good results. As a Tazetta variety, Erlicheer adapts well to warmer climates. Plant deeper and provide a position with morning sun and afternoon shade for best performance. Important Warnings All parts of the Jonquil Erlicheer plant, including bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers, are toxic if ingested by humans, dogs, cats, and livestock. Keep bulbs stored safely away from children and pets. Wear gloves when handling bulbs, as the sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Do not plant near vegetable gardens where accidental ingestion is a risk. If ingestion occurs, seek medical or veterinary advice immediately. When cutting flowers for indoor display, place stems in their own vase for at least 12 hours before mixing with other cut flowers, as jonquils release a latex sap that can clog the stems of other blooms.