Chinese Sacred Lily Narcissus Bulbs

Chinese Sacred Lily Narcissus Bulbs – Fragrant Paperwhite-Type Daffodils

Sweetly spiced fragrance, cheerful winter blooms, and a whole lot of floral WOW!

Bring a little sunshine indoors when the garden is sleeping with Chinese Sacred Lily Narcissus bulbs! This treasured heirloom Narcissus produces beautiful clusters of snowy white petals surrounding cheerful golden-yellow to tangerine-orange cups. And the fragrance? Absolutely heavenly!

Closely related to traditional paperwhites, Chinese Sacred Lily (Narcissus tazetta var. orientalis) is a fragrant, paperwhite-type daffodil that's especially loved for its easy indoor growing and delightful winter blooms. Unlike classic all-white paperwhites, Chinese Sacred Lily offers a gorgeous splash of golden-orange color and a distinctive sweet, spicy perfume.

Growing 12–18 inches tall, these charming bulbs produce multiple flowers per stem, creating a lush display that's perfect for brightening windowsills, decorating holiday tables, or filling your home with fresh flowers during the colder months.

Chinese Sacred Lily has been cherished for generations and holds special significance in Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year celebrations, where its fragrant flowers symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and new beginnings.

And here's the best part: Like many paperwhites, Chinese Sacred Lily bulbs can be forced indoors without an extended chilling period, often blooming approximately 35–45 days after planting under favorable growing conditions.

Perfect for indoor bulb gardens, winter centerpieces, and thoughtful gifts, these easy-to-grow Narcissus bulbs bring a little garden magic to the season when we need it most!

Why We Love Chinese Sacred Lily Narcissus

• Beautiful White & Golden-Orange Blooms: Elegant white petals surround vibrant golden-yellow to tangerine-orange cups.
• Incredible Fragrance: Sweet, spicy perfume fills indoor spaces with the delightful scent of fresh flowers.
• Paperwhite-Type Narcissus: Closely related to traditional paperwhites and wonderfully suited to indoor forcing.
• Easy Indoor Winter Blooms: No extended chilling period required for flowering.
• Multiple Flowers per Stem: Produces generous clusters of fragrant blooms.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: Traditionally grown for Lunar New Year celebrations and associated with good fortune.
• Perfect for Holiday Decorating: Beautiful in decorative bowls, containers, and winter floral arrangements.
• Wonderful for Gifting: A charming seasonal gift for gardeners and flower lovers.

Bulb Details & Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Narcissus tazetta var. orientalis
• Common Name: Chinese Sacred Lily / Chinese Sacred Narcissus
• Plant Type: Fragrant Paperwhite-Type Narcissus
• Bulb Quantity: Select your available package size
• Hardiness Zones: 8–11 Outdoors; Indoors in Colder Climates
• Mature Height: 12–18 inches
• Bulb Spacing: 4–6 inches outdoors; bulbs may be grouped more closely for indoor displays
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade Outdoors; Bright Light Indoors
• Bloom Time: Approximately 35–45 Days After Indoor Planting; February–March Outdoors in Suitable Climates
• Flower Color: White Petals with Golden-Yellow to Tangerine-Orange Cups
• Fragrance: Strong, Sweet-Spicy Fragrance
• Water Needs: Moderate During Active Growth
• Planting Season: Fall Outdoors in Warm Climates; Fall Through Winter for Indoor Forcing
• Best Uses: Indoor Bulb Gardens, Winter Flowers, Holiday Centerpieces, Decorative Bowls & Warm-Climate Gardens

When & How to Plant Chinese Sacred Lily Narcissus Bulbs

Plant Indoors for Fragrant Winter Flowers or Outdoors in Warm Climates!

Unlike many traditional spring-flowering daffodils, Chinese Sacred Lily bulbs don't require an extended cold period to bloom indoors. This makes them a wonderful choice for growing fresh, fragrant flowers during winter.

How to Grow Chinese Sacred Lily Indoors

Enjoy beautiful blooms in approximately 35–45 days!

• When to Plant: Fall through winter, especially when planning for holiday or Lunar New Year blooms.
• Container: Choose a shallow decorative bowl, planter, or bulb-forcing dish.
• Growing Medium: Decorative pebbles, gravel, or well-draining potting mix.
• Planting Position: Place bulbs with the pointed ends facing upward. When growing in pebbles, nestle bulbs securely with their upper portions exposed.
• Watering: Add water just below the base of the bulbs so developing roots can reach moisture without the bulbs sitting in water.
• Sunlight: Begin in a cool, bright location and provide plenty of bright light as growth develops.
• Bloom Time: Approximately 35–45 days after planting under favorable conditions.

Our Indoor Growing Tip: Once flower buds appear, move your Chinese Sacred Lilies to a cooler, bright location away from heating vents. Cooler temperatures can help flowers last longer.

How to Plant Chinese Sacred Lily Outdoors

Best for USDA Hardiness Zones 8–11

• When to Plant: Fall, typically October through December in mild-winter climates.
• Planting Depth: Approximately 4–6 inches deep, measured from the base of the bulb.
• Bulb Spacing: 4–6 inches apart.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil.
• Watering: Water after planting and provide moderate moisture during active growth.
• Bloom Time: Typically February through March, depending on climate.

After flowering, allow the foliage to naturally yellow and die back so the bulbs can replenish their energy.

Our Cottage Garden Tip

Create a little winter garden magic indoors!

For a gorgeous seasonal display, plant 3–5 Chinese Sacred Lily bulbs together in a shallow decorative bowl filled with natural pebbles. Their snowy white petals and golden-orange centers look especially beautiful surrounded by fresh greenery, moss, or simple winter decorations.

Place your arrangement near a bright window, on a dining table, or in an entryway where everyone can enjoy their wonderful sweet-spicy fragrance.

For an especially charming gift, pair a few Chinese Sacred Lily bulbs with a pretty ceramic bowl and planting instructions. It's a thoughtful way to share a little winter sunshine!

Maryland Gardeners: Chinese Sacred Lily is not reliably winter-hardy outdoors in most of Maryland. We recommend growing these paperwhite-type Narcissus bulbs indoors for beautiful winter flowers.

Important: All Narcissus bulbs and plants are toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and children.

A Little Winter Sunshine. A Heavenly Fragrance. A Whole Lot of WOW!