Daffodil Narcissus 'Alnwick Magic' (4)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Alnwick Magic' is a striking plant typified by its enchanting blooms. The flowers of this daffodil showcase a distinctive color palette, with the petals predominantly displaying a rich, creamy yellow shade that seems to shimmer with a luminous quality. At the center of each flower, there is a contrasting cup or corona that is slightly ruffled and exhibits a softer, paler yellow hue, creating an intriguing play of colors that is characteristic of this variety. The petals are often arranged in a perfect, symmetrical form, radiating outward from the center in a classic daffodil fashion. The cup in the middle is trumpet-shaped and stands proud against the backdrop of the flatter petals, adding to the depth and dimensionality of the flower. The blossoms exude a gentle, captivating fragrance that can be subtly noticed when near the plant, especially on warm, sunny days when the scent is carried by the breeze. The foliage of Narcissus 'Alnwick Magic' is complementary to its impressive flowers. The leaves are long, slender, and a deep, vibrant green, emerging from the base of the plant. They tend to arch gracefully, framing the flowers and contributing to the overall aesthetic of the plant. This lush greenery creates a lush backdrop that allows the vivacious yellow blooms to stand out even more. Overall, Narcissus 'Alnwick Magic' provides a dose of cheerful color in the garden with its bright and joyful flowers, distinctive in appearance and delightful in fragrance. It's a plant that not only adds beauty to its surroundings but also symbolizes the arrival of spring with its lively blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Alnwick Magic'
ToxicityTo humans
The daffodil, which includes the variety Narcissus 'Alnwick Magic', contains toxic alkaloids that can cause poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in humans may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes more severe reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure or even neurological symptoms like dizziness and tremors. The bulb, being the most toxic part, is often mistaken for an onion, leading to accidental consumption with dangerous consequences.
To pets
The daffodil is also toxic to pets, as the alkaloids it contains, such as lycorine, can cause symptoms similar to those in humans upon ingestion. If a pet consumes any part of a daffodil, they may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even more serious effects like cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. The bulb contains the highest concentration of these toxins and is thus the most dangerous part if ingested by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus 'Alnwick Magic', commonly known as Daffodil, has a distinctive bloom that adds a vibrant splash of color and visual interest to gardens.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being low maintenance and easy to grow, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Bloom: Daffodils are one of the early flowers to bloom in spring, bringing an early start to the flowering season and giving a cheerful sign of the coming warmer months.
- Perennial Growth: Daffodils are perennials that return year after year, making them a valuable addition to a sustainable and long-term garden design.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils have the ability to spread and naturalize an area, creating a more abundant display over time without needing to replant each season.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils are generally resistant to deer and rodents, which helps to safeguard your garden from unwanted grazers.
- Cut Flower Use: Daffodils, with their attractive flowers and long stems, make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Symbolism and Tradition: Daffodils have a rich history and are often associated with symbols of rebirth and new beginnings, making them popular for holiday and festive plantings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Daffodil 'Alnwick Magic' bulbs can be used as a pest repellent in gardens; planting them between vegetable rows can deter rodents and deer because these animals tend to avoid the bulbs due to their toxic properties.
- The stems of daffodils can be used in dye production to create a variety of colors for fabric dyeing, depending on the mordants used.
- Cut 'Alnwick Magic' daffodils are often used in flower arrangements and bouquets to symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, especially during spring celebrations.
- The sap of daffodils is used in floral preservatives that extend the life of cut flowers in vases by preventing bacterial growth.
- Daffodil flowers can inspire artists and craftsmen for their design and pattern in jewelry making, adding a touch of spring to necklaces, earrings, and brooches.
- Daffodil plants can be intercropped with certain vegetables to promote biodiversity and enhance the overall ecosystem health of a garden.
- The vibrant yellow of 'Alnwick Magic' daffodils can be used in color therapy practices, which believe that colors can influence human emotions and mental states.
- The structured form of daffodils can serve as natural models in educational settings, teaching botanical illustration and flower anatomy.
- Daffodils can serve as a natural indicator of climate change, as shifts in their blooming period can signal changes in seasonal patterns.
- Used in photography and visual arts, daffodils can create stunning images and compositions due to their striking colors and shapes, particularly in landscape photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus blooms early in spring, often being one of the first flowers to emerge, symbolizing the end of winter and the start of a new growing season.
- Vanity and Self-Admiration: According to Greek mythology, the flower is named after the character Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, leading to its association with self-love.
- Prosperity and Wealth: In some cultures, the Narcissus is associated with good fortune and wealth, as its blooming coincides with the New Year in the lunar calendar, particularly celebrated in Chinese culture.
- Hope and Encouragement: The bright, cheerful flowers of the Narcissus are often seen as a sign of hope and encouragement, signaling the end of the dark winter months.
WaterNarcissus, commonly known as daffodil, should be watered thoroughly at planting and then sparingly until growth appears. Once the plants start growing actively, water them whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Daffodils usually need about an inch of water per week, including rainfall. During the growing season, this equates to roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard per week. After blooming, reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back and keep the soil relatively dry through the dormant period.
LightDaffodils thrive in full sunlight, which means they do best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates where they may benefit from protection from the intense afternoon sun. The ideal spot for daffodils would be in an area that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade, which provides a balance of light exposure throughout the day.
TemperatureDaffodils prefer cooler temperatures and perform well in areas where the temperature ranges between 40°F and 70°F. They can survive short periods of colder weather down to about 20°F. To ensure healthy growth, plant daffodils in an area where the temperature doesn't consistently exceed 70°F during the growing season. Ideal temperature conditions for blooming generally include cool nights and moderate days.
PruningPruning daffodils is primarily about deadheading spent flowers to encourage better blooms the following season and to keep the garden tidy. After flowering, cut back the flower stalks but leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, usually about 6 weeks after blooming. This period allows the daffodil to absorb energy through its leaves for the next flowering season. Pruning is not necessary for the leaves; just let them die back on their own.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil ‘Alnwick Magic’ prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6 to 7. A mix containing equal parts of loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure creates an ideal growing medium for this plant.
RepottingDaffodils, such as 'Alnwick Magic', typically do not need frequent repotting and are often replanted every 3 to 5 years, as they prefer to be undisturbed.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil ‘Alnwick Magic’ tolerates a wide range of humidity levels common in outdoor environments and does not require high humidity when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Narcissus 'Alnwick Magic', commonly known as Daffodil, begins with a dormant bulb which, when the conditions are right—typically in early spring—begins to sprout into green shoots. These shoots develop into stems and leaves, and the plant focuses on growing above-ground structures. Following the vegetative stage, the daffodil enters the reproductive phase, producing a flower bud that blooms into the characteristic trumpet-shaped flower, often in shades of yellow or white. After pollination, which may involve bees or other insects, the flower fades and the plant forms a seed capsule if the flowers have been fertilised. The Daffodil then enters a period of senescence; the above-ground parts die back as the plant redirects energy to the bulb, which strengthens and stores nutrients for the next growing season. Finally, the plant reenters dormancy, with the cycle repeating with the next appropriate growth period.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer-Early Autumn
The Narcissus 'Alnwick Magic', commonly known as daffodil, is typically propagated by dividing and replanting its bulbs. This is best done in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of bulbs from the ground using a garden fork, taking care not to damage them. Gently separate the bulbs, especially looking for smaller bulbs or offsets, which are the immature bulbs that form at the base of a mature bulb. These can be individually replanted at a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm) and spaced about 5 inches (13 cm) apart to allow room for growth. Water them in well after planting to settle the soil. The new offsets generally take a couple of seasons to mature and flower.
