Narcissus 'Maximus'
Jim McKenney (Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:45:25 PDT)

I've just acquired some bulbs of the ancient (> 400 year old) daffodil hybrid 'Maximus', a plant known in the older literature as Narcissus hispanicus var. maximus among other names. This plant is evidently a triploid clone and is presumed to be derived in some way from Narcissus hispanicus. I would cite it as another example of the way the triploid condition, when it works at all, seems to impart virtual immortality in plants.

I went back and read the account of this plant in Bowles and was astonished to read that he records a height of 30" and more for the flowering scapes. I don't think I've ever seen a daffodil that tall.

Are there any daffodil enthusiasts out there who can corroborate that height?

Jim McKenney