Paperwhite Daffodil Xiva (Narcissus papyraceus ‘Xiva’) – Fragrant Early White Bulb

Paperwhite Daffodil Xiva is a highly fragrant, early-flowering narcissus with elegant clusters of pure white, star-shaped blooms. An improved Paperwhite-type variety, Xiva is valued for its strong growth, free-flowering habit, and reliable early display. Each bulb can produce multiple stems, making it an excellent choice for garden beds, borders, pots, and cut flower arrangements. Its crisp white flowers and sweet perfume bring brightness to the garden at the very start of the bulb season.

Pre-Order Item – Ready in March/April 2026

Subject to availability

Growth Habit

Xiva is a clump-forming bulbous perennial with upright stems and narrow, strappy green foliage. It typically grows to around 30–60 cm tall and around 10–15 cm wide, with stems carrying clusters of richly scented flowers. Strong bulbs may produce multiple stems, creating a fuller display.

Where It Can Grow in Australia

This variety is well suited to cool to subtropical climates in Australia. It performs well in VIC, SA, TAS, NSW, and cooler parts of QLD, making it a strong choice for many southern and temperate regions. In warmer districts, it can still perform well because Paperwhite types generally do not require pre-chilling like many traditional daffodils.

Best Position

Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Xiva is suitable for garden beds, borders, beneath deciduous trees, and containers. It appreciates moisture during active growth, but bulbs should not sit in waterlogged soil.

Features

• Botanical name: Narcissus papyraceus ‘Xiva’

• Common name: Paperwhite Daffodil Xiva

• Division: Tazetta / Paperwhite type

• Flower colour: Pure white

• Fragrance: Yes – strongly scented

• Height: 30–60 cm

• Position: Full sun to part shade

• Ideal for pots, borders, mass planting, and cut flowers

• Early flowering variety

• Naturalises well in suitable conditions

Why You’ll Love It

Xiva is an excellent early white narcissus for gardeners who want fragrance, elegance, and easy performance. It flowers early, multiplies over time, and produces generous clusters of blooms that look beautiful both in the garden and indoors as cut flowers. Its low chill requirement also makes it a practical choice for Australian gardens.

Planting & Care

Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil, at approximately 1.5 to 2 times the depth of the bulb. Space bulbs around 5–10 cm apart for a dense display. Water after planting and keep the soil lightly moist while plants are in active growth. Once flowering has finished, remove spent blooms and allow the foliage to die back naturally so the bulb can store energy for the next season.

Storage & Aftercare

Store unplanted bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place until planting time. After flowering, a light feed can help support bulb strength for the following season. Xiva is a naturalising type, so established clumps can return with increasing flower numbers over time.

Toxicity

Like other narcissus, Xiva should be considered harmful if eaten and may cause irritation if handled by sensitive individuals. Keep bulbs and flowers away from pets and children.

FAQs

What is the correct name?
For your listing, use Paperwhite Daffodil Xiva.

What is the botanical name?
Use Narcissus papyraceus ‘Xiva’ for your store listing.

Is Xiva a Jonquilla daffodil?
No, it is better described as a Paperwhite / Tazetta-type narcissus.

Does Xiva need refrigeration before planting?
No, this variety generally does not require chilling before planting.

Can I grow Xiva in pots?
Yes, it performs very well in pots and containers as long as the potting mix is free-draining.

Is it fragrant?
Yes, Xiva is known for its strong, sweet fragrance.

Will it come back every year?
Yes, in suitable conditions it can naturalise and return yearly.\

Pre-Order Item – Ready in March/April 2026

Subject to availability