Cyclamen Daffodil Narcissus cyclamineus (13)
ABOUT
Narcissus cyclamineus, commonly known as the cyclamineus daffodil, is a spring-blooming flower that is often admired for its unique appearance. The most striking feature of the cyclamineus daffodil is its flowers, which possess a distinctly elongated trumpet or corona that is significantly reflexed, resembling the shape of a cyclamen's bloom. This trumpet is surrounded by a ring of petal-like structures known as tepals, which are generally swept back, creating a wind-swept look. The flowers of the cyclamineus daffodil display bright, cheerful colors, typically ranging from a vivid yellow to a deep golden hue. Inside the trumpet, you might find a contrasting color, often a richer shade or a different tone, that adds depth and complexity to the flower's appearance. The blossoms are borne singly atop slender, upright stems that emerge from a base of linear, grass-like leaves. These leaves are usually a rich green in color and may have a slightly grayish or bluish tinge, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the plant when not in bloom.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Cyclamen Flowered Daffodil, Cyclamineus Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus cyclamineus
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Cyclamen Daffodil is considered toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the Cyclamen Daffodil can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may also involve abdominal pain, irregular heart rhythms, and possibly convulsions. The primary toxic agents in this plant are alkaloids such as lycorine, and ingestion can be dangerous.
To pets
The Cyclamen Daffodil also poses a toxicity risk to pets. Consumption of this plant can result in symptoms similar to those in humans, such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. All parts of the Cyclamen Daffodil contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulb being the most dangerous part if ingested by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Spread
3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Portugal Spain
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Narcissus cyclamineus, commonly known as cyclamineus daffodil, is appreciated for its unique, reflexed petals and vibrant yellow flowers that add beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Early Spring Blooms: Cyclamineus daffodil is one of the earliest blooming spring bulbs, providing a cheerful display after the winter months.
- Attract Pollinators: Their flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and the pollination of other plants.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, cyclamineus daffodil requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial plant, it returns each year, reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Naturalizing: Cyclamineus daffodil has the ability to spread and naturalize over time, creating denser and more impressive displays each year.
- Cut Flowers: The blossoms are suitable for cut flower arrangements, bringing springtime indoors.
- Variability: Offers a range of cultivars with different flower shapes and sizes, providing variety for garden design.
- Cold Hardiness: It's capable of withstanding cold winter temperatures, making it a robust choice for many climates.
- Resilience to Pests: Cyclamineus daffodils are resistant to many pests and diseases, ensuring their longevity and ease of growth.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus cyclamineus, commonly known as cyclamen daffodil, can be used in dried floral arrangements. Once dried, they maintain their shape and color, making them attractive for long-lasting displays.
- The plant is often included in educational kits for children, serving as a good example to teach about bulb growth and spring blooming plants.
- Cyclamen daffodil's elongated trumpets make for interesting subjects in botanical illustration, serving as practice for artists to hone their skills in capturing floral detail.
- In small indoor pots, cyclamen daffodils can be forced to bloom out of season, providing a splash of color during the darker winter months.
- The flowers are sometimes used in perfumery for creating floral-scented oils, capturing the essence of spring blooms.
- Bulbs of the Narcissus cyclamineus can be a food source for some wildlife due to starch content, supporting a variety of species in an ecosystem. However, they are toxic to many animals and humans and thus must be approached with caution.
- In horticultural therapy programs, planting Narcissus cyclamineus can promote well-being and aid in recovery for individuals undergoing rehabilitation or therapy.
- The plant's flowering time in early spring can be utilized by gardeners to chart the progress of the seasons and plan subsequent plantings in temperate gardening zones.
- Cyclamen daffodils can act as a companion plant in gardens, helping to deter certain pests with their toxic properties, thus serving a protective role for more sensitive plants.
- Their bright flowers can also be a visual aid in photography workshops, where the contrast against green foliage is used to teach about color composition and focus.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Cyclamineus Daffodil often blooms around the time of spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of new growth and opportunities.
- Unrequited Love: In relation to the Greek myth of Narcissus, this flower can represent one-sided love, as Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection.
- Vanity: Stemming from the same myth, the Cyclamineus Daffodil can also be a symbol of excessive self-love and vanity.
- Prosperity: Daffodils in general are believed to bring good fortune and are often associated with prosperity and abundance.
- Regard: This plant can convey a message of respect and esteem, especially when given as a gift.
WaterCyclamineus Daffodils should be watered thoroughly at planting and during active growth, typically receiving 1 inch of water per week. In the absence of rainfall, water once or twice a week to maintain consistent moisture, especially in dry periods. It is crucial not to overwater, as standing water or soggy soil can lead to bulb rot. After blooming and during summer dormancy, watering can generally be reduced, only supplementing if there is an extensive drought. Depending on climate conditions, this might average out to approximately 1 to 2 gallons per week during the growing season for a small cluster of daffodils.
LightCyclamineus Daffodils thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They should be planted in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to encourage robust growth and optimal flowering. Areas with morning sun and afternoon shade can also be suitable, especially in hotter climates to protect them from intense late-day sun.
TemperatureCyclamineus Daffodils prefer a temperate climate and can generally tolerate winter temperatures as low as 20°F and summer temperatures up to 75°F. The ideal growing temperature for these daffodils ranges between 50°F and 60°F. These temperature ranges support the natural growth cycle of dormancy and flowering.
PruningCyclamineus Daffodils generally require little pruning. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed formation, which will encourage bulb vigor for the next season. Cut back foliage only after it has yellowed and died down naturally, typically about six weeks after flowering. Pruning too early can weaken the bulb, as leaves produce energy for the next year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Cyclamen Daffodil thrives best in well-draining, moderately fertile soil, preferably with added organic matter like leaf mold or compost. A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for this plant. For optimal growth, a mixture of garden loam, peat, and sand is often recommended to ensure good drainage and aeration.
Life cycleNarcissus cyclamineus, commonly known as Cyclamen Daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which lies dormant underground during the summer. During autumn, roots begin to develop from the base of the bulb, and shoots emerge, leading to the growth of foliage through the winter. In early spring, the plant produces its characteristic yellow, cyclamen-like flowers, which are distinguished by their long, narrow trumpets and reflexed petals. After pollination, usually by insects, the flowers develop into dry capsules containing seeds. Once the seeds are mature, the plant goes into senescence, the foliage dies back, and the bulb returns to dormancy until the next growth cycle. This annual cycle repeats, allowing the plant to propagate and spread, often through seed dispersal or vegetative reproduction via bulb offsets.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Autumn
The ideal time for propagating Narcissus cyclamineus, widely known as Cyclamineus Daffodil, is when they are dormant, usually from late summer to early fall. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by dividing the bulbs. After a few years of growth, a mature bulb will produce offsets, which are small bulbs that grow attached to the mother bulb. Gardeners typically dig up the bulbs after the foliage has died back. The offsets are then gently separated from the main bulb and replanted at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) in well-draining soil. It is important to allow enough space between new plantings for proper growth and to ensure adequate sunlight exposure, which will support the development of healthy blooms in the following season. Care should be taken not to damage the bulbs during this process, as they are prone to rot if injured.
