Photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Paperwhite
Paperwhites are clustered narcissus bearing multiple small, snow-white, cup-and-star flowers on each slender stem, prized for their heady, sweet fragrance. Blooming in the depths of winter and forced through the holiday season, they bring an early promise of spring to seasonal designs. Florists use them for scent and delicate white detail, mindful that their perfume is powerful and their narcissus sap needs separate conditioning. Fresh, fragrant and luminously white, they are a festive-into-spring favourite.
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mediterranean region |
| Peak season | December, January |
| Availability | November, December, January, February |
| Stem length | 25–40 cm |
| Vase life | 5–7 days |
| Colors | white |
| Price tier | mid |
Like all narcissus, paperwhite stems release a slimy sap when cut, so condition them alone in shallow water for several hours before combining with other flowers. Do not recut afterward, as this restarts the sap flow; if you must, give them another separate soak. Keep them in cool, clean water and away from heat, which speeds the fading of the papery blooms. The intense fragrance carries far, so place with care in enclosed spaces.
- •Condition alone for several hours to release sap
- •Do not recut once mixed with other flowers
- •Use cool, clean, shallow water
- •Keep away from heat to preserve the blooms
- •Mind the strong fragrance in enclosed rooms
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Paperwhite in season?
Paperwhite peaks in December, January, and florists can usually source it November, December, January, February. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Paperwhite last in a vase?
Expect 5–7 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Paperwhite?
Good substitutes for Paperwhite include Daffodil, Freesia, Tuberose. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Paperwhite symbolise?
Paperwhite is associated with renewal, purity, hope, new beginnings.
How do you care for cut Paperwhite?
Condition alone for several hours to release sap
