Paperwhite Narcissus (Scientific Name: Narcissus Tazetta)

Paperwhites belong to the narcissus family, which also includes daffodils and jonquils.

These paperwhites are the variety 'Nir.' Nir grows to a height of 18 to 22 inches; blossoms have a moderate, sweet scent and are white with a touch of yellow in the center.

Paperwhites are easy to care for and require only watering and turning the container so the stems grow straight up.

Water so the level of the water is just under the bulb. Keeping the bulbs out of water will prevent them from rotting.

Place paperwhites in bright light. Rotate the container a quarter-circle (a 90 degree turn) every day to keep stems straight.

All varieties of paperwhites, including Nir, are in the group 'Tazetta.' These paperwhites are not hardy in USDA Zone 7 (Maryland) and will not survive the winters, so these bulbs can be discarded after they finish flowering.

If the stems with flowers become too tall and flop over, they can be cut and put into a vase. The cut narcissus (and daffodils) produce a sap that reduces the life span of other kinds of cut flowers, so it is best to put these in a vase by themselves.