Daffodil Narcissus 'Accent' (2)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Accent' is a captivating daffodil variety known for its distinctive and ornamental flowers. The blooms of this daffodil feature a large, trumpet-shaped corona that is frilled at the edges, giving a ruffled look that adds to its charm. The corona is a vivid, salmon pink that creates a striking contrast against the pure white petals, which are arranged in a star-like whorl around the trumpet. This beautiful color combination makes the 'Accent' a standout in any garden setting. The foliage of the Narcissus 'Accent' is also noteworthy, consisting of long, slender, deep green leaves. These leaves are slightly arching and grow from the base of the plant, providing a lush backdrop that further highlights the attractiveness of the flowers. Overall, the daffodil 'Accent' is celebrated for its vibrant colors and elegant form. It is a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts who appreciate its ability to bring early spring blooms and a touch of brightness to the landscape.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil.
Common names
Narcissus 'Accent'
- Toxicity
To humans
The Narcissus 'Accent,' commonly known as the daffodil, contains toxic alkaloids that can cause poisoning if ingested. All parts of the daffodil are poisonous, particularly the bulbs. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, convulsions, and even death. Handling the bulbs can cause skin irritation for some people, so it is advisable to wear gloves when planting or handling daffodil bulbs.
To pets
The daffodil, which is the common name for Narcissus 'Accent,' is toxic to pets as well. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression in severe cases. In pets, ingesting daffodils can also result in secondary symptoms such as tremors or seizures. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if a pet has ingested any part of a daffodil plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 centimeters)
Spread
0 feet 6 inches (15 centimeters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus 'Accent' adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes with its elegant white flowers and striking orange-pink cup.
- Easy to Grow: They are low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of climates and soil types.
- Spring Blossoms: They bloom in the spring, providing early color after the cold winter months.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollinating gardens.
- Naturalizing: Over time, they can spread and naturalize in an area, creating larger displays each year.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is typically resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer are a common problem.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- The bulbs of the daffodil can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting colors ranging from yellow to golden brown depending on the mordant used.
- Daffodil flowers can be pressed and used in floral crafts such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or other decorative items.
- The sap of the daffodil stem is known to contain compounds that can be used as an adhesive or glue in small-scale or emergency situations.
- Dried daffodil petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add color and a mild fragrance to the blend.
- The daffodil plant's strong scent can act as a natural rodent repellent in gardens and storage areas.
- Certain cultures use daffodil plants as part of their New Year celebrations, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.
- In some regions, daffodil bulbs are planted as a barrier crop around vegetable gardens to thwart plant-eating pests.
- The daffodil's distinctive trumpet-shaped flower can be used as a natural mold or template for art and crafts projects.
- Faded daffodil flowers can be composted to add nutrients back into the soil, enriching it for future planting.
- Daffodil flowers can be used in photography and still life arrangements for their aesthetically pleasing forms and colors.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Daffodil is associated with prosperity and can be used to enhance wealth and ensure good fortune. It can be placed in the wealth corner, which is the southeast sector of your home or in the living room, to attract positive energy and abundance.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Self-love: The narcissus flower is named after the Greek mythological character Narcissus, known for his beauty and his obsession with his own reflection. Thus, the flower can symbolize self-love and narcissism.
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: As a plant that blooms in early spring, the narcissus often signifies renewal, rebirth, and the coming of a new season or chapter in life.
- Vanity: Due to its connection with the myth of Narcissus, the flower also represents vanity and excessive self-admiration.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, particularly in Asia, the narcissus is associated with wealth and good fortune, and is often used in celebrations like the Chinese New Year.
- Hope: In the language of flowers, the narcissus, specifically the white variety, may represent hope and encouragement.
- Respect: Giving someone a narcissus can symbolize deep respect and the belief that the receiver is a fair and honest person.
- Water
The daffodil 'Accent' prefers consistent moisture during its growing season. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy to a depth of about 6 inches. During the active growth period, especially if the weather is dry, you might need to water twice a week. After the daffodil 'Accent' has finished blooming and the foliage begins to yellow, gradually reduce watering. Each watering session should provide the plant with about 1 gallon of water to ensure it reaches the necessary depth.
- Light
Daffodil 'Accent' thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. To maximize flower production, plant your daffodil 'Accent' bulbs in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade, too much shade will result in fewer blooms and weaker plants.
- Temperature
Daffodil 'Accent' is best suited to temperate climates and prefers temperatures between 50°F and 70°F during its growing season. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 20°F during dormancy in winter but generally should not be exposed to temperatures above 80°F for extended periods, as this can inhibit growth.
- Pruning
Pruning daffodil 'Accent' is largely about deadheading the spent flowers to encourage the plant to send energy to the bulb for next year's growth instead of seed production. Cut back the flower stalks to the base after flowering, but leave the foliage until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, which is typically 6 to 8 weeks after blooming. The best time for pruning dead flowers is as soon as they begin to fade.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Daffodil 'Accent' prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good mix would be equal parts loam, sand, and compost to provide nutrients and proper aeration. Adding a bit of bone meal can enhance flowering.
- Repotting
Daffodils, including 'Accent', typically do not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted only when the bulbs become overcrowded, which is usually every 3 to 5 years.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodils like 'Accent' are tolerant of most humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions. They thrive outdoors where the humidity fluctuates naturally.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright light, cool temps, water when topsoil dry.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full to partial sun, in fall.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
- Life cycle
The Narcissus 'Accent', commonly known as the Daffodil, has a growth cycle starting with bulb dormancy during late summer and fall. In late winter or early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and produces shoots that grow into stems and leaves. Flowers emerge from the stems shortly afterward, displaying the characteristic trumpet-like shape with a central corona surrounded by petals. After blooming, the Daffodil enters a post-bloom phase where the petals wilt and seed pods may form if pollination has occurred. Once the foliage has yellowed, the plant goes into a period of senescence where it redirects energy back into the bulb to go dormant again for the next cycle. This perennial cycle repeats annually, with the plant requiring a cold period to stimulate the next cycle of growth and flowering.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Narcissus 'Accent', commonly known as the daffodil, is through division of bulbs. This is usually done in late summer to fall, after the foliage has died back, which signals that the bulb is dormant. To propagate, carefully lift the bulbs from the ground using a spade, being mindful not to cut into them. Once unearthed, gently pull the bulbs apart, separating the smaller bulblets that have formed around the base of the mother bulb. These bulblets are essentially clones of the parent plant and can be replanted immediately to produce new flowering plants. It is recommended to space the bulblets about 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) apart to provide enough room for growth. Planting depth should be about three times the height of the bulb, ensuring a successful establishment and future blooms.