Page 172 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2025

HOME
Plentntntntntntiful
Paperwhites story by Gaye Winter
Paperwhites belong to the daffodil family and are associated with the winter holiday season. Paperwhites are also smaller members of the Narcissus family. They have a bell-shaped center surrounded by six petals.
You can choose to grow paperwhites indoors enjoying a little burst of spring during the winter months. This can add a
touch of elegance and freshness to the cooler holiday season. You can also choose to plant paperwhite bulbs any time between September and December in the ground outdoors. Just add water after planting, and, viola, you are done!
You can find paperwhite bulbs at a nursery or local garden center, and, of course, you can order them online.
A Few Varieties
Ziva is a white color and is widely available and comes from Israel. It is the most popular variety and has a spicy, musky, sometimes heavy, scent.
Ariel paperwhites are similar to Ziva. They are white with a touch of yellow in the center. This variety grows particularly fast if you want flowers quickly.
Inbal is a paperwhite that has more of a lighter, sweeter fragrance than the two aforementioned varieties. It is white, but has a much shallower cup and yellow stamens at the center.
Grand Soleil d’Or is a yellow variety. This variety looks like it has bright rays of sunshine evolving from the center. These do take longer to grow, but it’s worth it!
Wintersun paperwhites are yellow and white giving a more daffodil appearance. They have white outer petals and a bright center with orange stamens. Wintersun has a sweet, light odor.
172 | December 2025