Paramongaia is a genus of South American plants in the Amaryllis family, found only in Peru and Bolivia. Common name is "giant Peruvian daffodil." Paramongaia weberbaueri - the "Giant Peruvian Daffodil" - is a beautiful and rarely-seen bulb in the Amaryllis family. Its giant 6-7 inch Daffodil-like blooms are highly fragrant, with a scent as strong as Lilies! This Peruvian native is rare in the wild, and equally uncommon in cultivation. It is rarely seen for sale.
Water daffodils thoroughly at the time of planting then once a week for the next 3 weeks. (This is a crucial time to water, as the plants are growing their first roots.) After the first few weeks, leave the plants alone until they begin to grow in the spring.
Mature daffodils respond well to early spring fertilizer. Use a gentle liquid fish emulsion fertilizer mixed in water for fertilizing daffodil plants and pour it around the bulb zone. You can also scratch a small amount of 5-10-5 granular food into the soil if spring rains will help wash it down into the root area.
Daffodil leaves should “not” be cut back until after they have at least turned yellow. They use their leaves as energy to create next year's flower. Daffodils continue to absorb nutrients for about six weeks after the blooms have died. During this time they need plenty of sunshine and a regular supply of water. The bulbs propagate themselves readily in the garden, producing offsets which can be separated in early spring.
Plant the bulbs again in spring when frost is no longer a threat. Peruvian daffodils can be grown successfully in pots or containers. These can be brought indoors for the winter. Place the pots in a bright room, but reduce the watering.
