Paperwhite
Narcissus papyraceus
Family: Amaryllidaceae · Also called Paper-White Narcissus, Ziva, Chinese Sacred Lily, Hermione papyracea, Narcissus linnaeanus subsp. papyraceus, Narcissus papyratius
Floral · Winter bloomer
Paperwhites are winter's most fragrant narcissus, clusters of small, pure white flowers with a central cup, carried on stems above strap-shaped leaves. Their power is their perfume: a single bowl can scent an entire room. Forced indoors in pebbles and water, they bring living fragrance to the darkest months with no soil or garden required.
self-esteem, respect, rebirth
In the Victorian language of flowers, paperwhite means “Respect and self-love”. Paperwhites are the classic indoor forcing narcissus, grown in bowls of pebbles and water for winter fragrance since at least the Renaissance. In China, they're the traditional New Year flower (shuǐxiān, 'water immortal'), forced to bloom precisely for the holiday. Israeli kibbutzim grow millions for the European cut flower market each winter.
Did You Know?
A Cornell University study found that adding a small amount of alcohol (gin, vodka, or rubbing alcohol) to the water prevents paperwhites from growing too tall and flopping over, the ethanol limits cell elongation. The indolic compounds in their scent (also found in jasmine) are the same chemicals that make some people love them and others find them unbearable.
Rocky hillsides, scrubland, and open woodland around the Mediterranean basin
Paperwhite is native to Mediterranean. It naturally grows in rocky hillsides, scrubland, and open woodland around the mediterranean basin.
Scent Profile
“Intensely fragrant and divisive, paperwhites produce a powerful, musky-sweet scent with indolic (slightly animalic) undertones. Some people find it intoxicating; others find it overwhelming in enclosed spaces.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameNarcissus papyraceus
- FamilyAmaryllidaceae
- Native ToMediterranean
- Bloom SeasonWinter
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Paperwhites are the classic indoor forcing narcissus, grown in bowls of pebbles and water for winter fragrance since at least the Renaissance. In China, they're the traditional New Year flower (shuǐxiān, 'water immortal'), forced to bloom precisely for the holiday. Israeli kibbutzim grow millions for the European cut flower market each winter.