CHAPTER XII 

 THE MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS 



THIS is a most important group, adapted 

 to the broadest ranges of cultivation and em- 

 bracing some of the best varieties for cutting 

 and for naturalising. 



NARCISSUS INCOMPARABILIS 



THIS is one of the most important sections 

 of the medium-crown group. The type, 

 wild over a large area throughout South- 

 western Europe, was long considered a 

 species, but comparatively recent proofs in- 

 cluding artificial crosses between N. Pseudo- 

 Narcissus and N. poeticus which reproduced 

 the identical plant and flower, have caused N. 

 incomparabilis to be generally recognised as 

 a natural hybrid. There are now many varie- 

 ties mostly garden crosses. The distinguish- 

 ing characteristic is a cup-shaped crown, one- 

 third to three-quarters the length of the 

 petals. 



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