Will paperwhites come back every year?

As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have had personal experiences with paperwhites and can provide you with a detailed answer to your question: Will paperwhites come back every year?

Paperwhites, also known as Narcissus papyraceus, are a type of daffodil that is commonly grown indoors during the winter months. They are known for their beautiful white flowers and sweet fragrance, making them a popular choice for holiday decorations and gifts.

When grown indoors, paperwhites are typically forced to bloom by planting them in a container with water and rocks or decorative stones. This method allows them to bloom quickly and easily, providing a burst of color and fragrance during the winter months.

However, paperwhites grown indoors in this manner are not likely to come back every year. This is because the bulbs are often exhausted after blooming and may not have enough energy left to produce new growth the following year.

If you want to try to get paperwhites to come back year after year, it is possible to replant them in soil once their blooms have died. This can be a bit tricky, as paperwhites are not typically grown in soil and may not be as hardy as other types of daffodils.

To replant paperwhites in soil, you will need to carefully remove the bulbs from the container and gently shake off any excess water or soil. Then, choose a location in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-draining soil.

Dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the bulb and place it in the hole, pointy side up. Cover the bulb with soil, firming it gently around the bulb to ensure good contact. Water the area thoroughly and continue to water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

It is important to note that replanting paperwhites in soil may not guarantee their return every year. These bulbs are often not as hardy as daffodils that are traditionally grown in the ground, and it may take at least two to three years for new growth to occur.

In my personal experience, I have had mixed success with replanting paperwhites in soil. While some bulbs have produced new growth and bloomed again the following year, others have not survived the transition and have not come back.

While it is possible to replant paperwhites in soil to try to get them to come back year after year, there is no guarantee of success. These bulbs are often not as hardy as other types of daffodils and may require special care and attention. If you are willing to put in the effort and have patience, it is worth a try, but be prepared for the possibility that they may not return.

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Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.