Paperwhites belong to the daffodil family and are associated with the winter holiday season. Paperwhites are also smaller members of the Narcissus family. They have a bell-shaped center surrounded by six petals.
You can choose to grow paperwhites indoors enjoying a little burst of spring during the winter months. This can add a touch of elegance and freshness to the cooler holiday season. You can also choose to plant paperwhite bulbs any time between September and December in the ground outdoors. Just add water after planting, and, viola, you are done!
You can find paperwhite bulbs at a nursery or local garden center, and, of course, you can order them online.
A Few Varieties
Ziva is a white color and is widely available and comes from Israel. It is the most popular variety and has a spicy, musky, sometimes heavy, scent.
Ariel paperwhites are similar to Ziva. They are white with a touch of yellow in the center. This variety grows particularly fast if you want flowers quickly.
Inbal is a paperwhite that has more of a lighter, sweeter fragrance than the two aforementioned varieties. It is white, but has a much shallower cup and yellow stamens at the center.
Grand Soleil d’Or is a yellow variety. This variety looks like it has bright rays of sunshine evolving from the center. These do take longer to grow, but it’s worth it!
Wintersun paperwhites are yellow and white giving a more daffodil appearance. They have white outer petals and a bright center with orange stamens. Wintersun has a sweet, light odor.
After choosing the variety you would like to have, start by getting a shallow container or pot. Fill it with a good well-draining potting mix. Put the bulbs down into the soil while placing them close together (not touching). Water thoroughly and place the container in a sunny spot like a windowsill.
Day by day, the green shoots emerge eventually growing into those gorgeous, fragrant blooms. You can watch the magic happen. Keeping the soil moist, but not waterlogged will give you your own indoor garden of paperwhites to freshen and add brightness to the winter season. It feels as if spring has sprung!
Instead of soil, some prefer to grow the bulbs in rocks. You can purchase these at craft stores or online. Find a shallow bowl or container to use as a planter making sure it does not have any drainage holes. Fill it with rocks giving the container a Zen Garden feel.
Nestle your upright bulbs into the rocks about halfway. Add water just to cover the very bottom of the bulbs. Over the next month, water occasionally as they do not like a lot of water. Too much water will rot the bulbs. Always keep them out of direct sunlight. They should bloom in 4-6 weeks.
What to do after these beauties bloom? Cut off the spent blooms so you can enjoy them as cut flowers in vases. When they start to “flop,” you can tie them with beautiful ribbons using a dowel. You can then nourish the bulbs back to the next blooming cycle. If you would like to plant these outside, you must wait until the frost has passed and find a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Make sure you water them well, and wait for another round of paperwhite blooms!
Decorating with Paperwhites
Traditional Holiday Decor
Paperwhites are a classic choice for holiday decorating, especially around Christmas. They can be used in table centerpieces or wreaths, on fireplace mantels, or as accents in garlands.
Unexpected Locations
Don’t be afraid to move your paperwhites around your home during the holiday season! Paperwhites can add a touch of fragrance and beauty to bookshelves, kitchen counters, or even bathrooms.
Simple and Chic
For a minimalist look, try planting paperwhites in simple containers, such as clear or white glass vases or bowls. Add stones or moss for a fresh, clean look. You could also use them in a vignette, or creatively, with baskets.
Deluxe Paperwhite Garden
For a more elaborate display, plant a large number of paperwhites in a large pot or urn. You can add many decorative items: dried flowers, moss, pine cones, etc. for an elegant look.
Paperwhites symbolize hope! Here’s hoping that the holidays are wonderful for you and your loved ones.
Happy Holidays and Happy Gardening!
Gaye Winter, Ph.D., teaches English at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and is currently serving as President of the Biloxi Garden Club. Reach her at gaye.winter@mgccc.edu.
