Narcissus tazetta 'Ziva'
This paperwhite is a tazetta selection grown mainly indoors for winter bloom. It bears clusters of small white flowers with a strong perfume on slender stems. Bulbs do not require chilling and are easy to force in pebbles or potting mix. Outdoors, it is hardy only in warm regions; elsewhere it is treated as an annual or houseplant. Stems can be staked for neater displays. All parts of Narcissus are toxic if eaten. Use it for holiday pots and windowsills with cool bright light.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Division 8 (Tazetta)
- Height × spread: 12–16 in × 4–6 in (30–40 cm × 10–15 cm)
- Bloom window: winter indoors; late winter to early spring outdoors in warm zones
- Color & flower form: clusters of pure white, starry flowers with small cups; many per stem
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: zones 8–11 outdoors; grown as annual or houseplant elsewhere
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown; Mediterranean origin
- Cut‑flower notes: stems slender; best as potted display; sap can shorten vase life of mixed bouquets
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- No cold period needed for flowering unlike most daffodils.
- Strong perfume compared with typical garden Narcissus.
- Best performance indoors or in frost‑free climates.
Strengths
- Very easy to force for winter bloom.
- Multiple flowers per stem for high impact.
- Performs in bright indoor conditions.
Care in one minute
- Forcing: set bulbs in pebbles or well‑drained mix; keep bases at water level; bright light.
- Ideal indoor temperatures 60–70°F (16–21°C) for sturdy stems; cooler nights extend bloom.
- Turn pots regularly to prevent leaning; stake if needed.
- Outdoors in zones 8–11: plant 4–6 in deep (10–15 cm) in well‑drained soil; protect from excessive summer irrigation.
- After forcing in cold regions, compost bulbs or plant only in frost‑free gardens.
Watch‑outs
- Not winter‑hardy in most of North America.
- Fragrance can be overpowering in small rooms.
- Tall stems may flop without support in warm rooms.
Best uses (tags)
- forcing, containers, houseplant, holiday displays
Provenance note
A long‑grown paperwhite selection within the tazetta group, commonly sold for indoor forcing and hardy outdoors only in the mildest U.S. climates.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Narcissus papyraceus ‘Ziva’ profile
- University of Illinois Extension – Paperwhites hardiness and forcing
- Penn State Extension – Enjoying Paperwhite Narcissus in Winter
- ASPCA – Narcissus toxicity for pets
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
We are a small independent group of flower lovers who research and review each guide using trusted horticultural and educational sources. Learn more about us