Daffodil Narcissus 'Angel's Breath' (5)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Angel's Breath', commonly known as a type of daffodil, is a spring-blooming perennial that offers an elegant appearance. Its distinctive flowers feature soft white petals that surround a central trumpet-shaped corona which is often a cheerful yellow or an attractive pale shade with ruffled edges. The petals and trumpet of each bloom combine to form a striking contrast in both color and texture, exuding a delicate charm that is reminiscent of its angelic namesake. The foliage of this daffodil is slender and bright green, forming sword-like leaves that gracefully arch over, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers. The leaves emerge from the base of the stalks, and before the plant flowers, they create an attractive tuft of greenery. Once the blooms appear, they bring with them an airy and joyful presence in any garden setting, with the pure white petals catching the light and brightening up their surroundings. Daffodils like 'Angel's Breath' are often valued for their capacity to naturalize, meaning they can spread and produce more flowers over time, offering a yearly reminder of the return of spring.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Angel's Breath Daffodil, Angel's Breath Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Angel's Breath'
- Toxicity
To humans
Daffodils, including the 'Angel's Breath' variety, contain toxic alkaloids such as lycorine which can cause poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingestion can lead to dehydration, tremors, convulsions, and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets too, with alkaloids like lycorine causing symptoms similar to those in humans. Pets may experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart problems, and even convulsions if they ingest parts of the daffodil. Consuming a large quantity can be fatal, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial if ingestion is suspected.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 4-16 inches (30-40 cm)
Spread
6 inches 0.5 foot (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus 'Angel's Breath', commonly known as daffodil, adds beauty to gardens with its delicate white flowers and subtle fragrance.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being low maintenance and can easily thrive in a variety of climates and soil types.
- Spring Bloom: They are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, providing an early splash of color after the winter season.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial plant, daffodils will come back year after year, offering a long-term addition to gardens.
- Resistant to Pests: Daffodils are generally resistant to pests and deer, making them a good choice for gardens in areas with wildlife.
- 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
- Narcissus 'Angel's Breath' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, giving a soft yellow hue when the flowers are boiled and used in the dyeing process.
- The plant's strong, distinct fragrance can be used in the making of perfumes and scented candles, as it offers a fresh floral note.
- The bulbs can be used in a form of sympathetic magic for self-love and inner beauty rituals, aligning with the mythology of Narcissus.
- Dried Narcissus flowers can serve as an ingredient in potpourri to maintain a pleasant smell in drawers and closets.
- This variety of daffodil can be used in educational settings to help teach children about plant lifecycles and bulb growth.
- The sturdy stems can be used in arts and crafts as natural components for building small structures or models.
- The flower's shape and form may inspire artists and be used as subjects in botanical illustrations and painting classes.
- Because of their bright appearance, they can be planted in memory gardens as a symbol of remembrance for loved ones.
- Narcissus 'Angel's Breath' can be used to study pollination and the role of insects, acting as an attractor for bees and butterflies in biodiversity projects.
- In photography, they can serve as a popular subject for macro photography enthusiasts, capturing the beauty of the flower in detail.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus, commonly known as the daffodil, is often associated with the arrival of spring and symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings since it is one of the first perennials to bloom after the winter frost.
- Unrequited Love: According to Greek mythology, the name Narcissus is tied to a tale of a young man who fell in love with his own reflection. Thus, the flower sometimes represents self-love or unrequited love.
- Prosperity and Wealth: In some cultures, the Narcissus is believed to bring good fortune and is associated with wealth and prosperity, especially around the Lunar New Year.
- Hope and Encouragement: The bright and cheery appearance of the daffodil makes it a symbol of hope and encouragement, often given to support someone facing challenges.
- Inspiration: The Narcissus 'Angel's Breath' with its pure, light petals can be seen as a muse for artists and creatives, symbolizing inspiration and the ability to see the beauty in the world.
- Water
For the Daffodil 'Angel's Breath,' it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly once a week with about one gallon of water per square yard, ensuring to soak the soil to a depth of 5 to 6 inches. During the active growing season in spring, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to accommodate the higher rate of growth and evaporation. After the blooms have faded and the plant is entering dormancy, gradually reduce watering to encourage the natural cycle of the plant. Avoid overhead watering to prevent wet foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
- Light
Daffodils, including 'Angel's Breath,' thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. The best spot for these bulbs is in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily; however, they can tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter climates. Plant daffodils in a well-lit garden bed or border that is not shaded by larger plants, trees, or structures to ensure they receive sufficient sunlight for optimal blooming.
- Temperature
Daffodils like 'Angel's Breath' are cold-hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to 20°F; however, they prefer a temperature range of 50°F to 70°F during their growth and bloom period. They require a colder period with temperatures between 35°F and 50°F to trigger flowering, which is often provided by winter weather. They should not be exposed to temperatures above 90°F for extended periods, as this can stress the plant and reduce flowering.
- Pruning
Pruning Daffodils like 'Angel's Breath' is straightforward; it involves deadheading the spent flowers to encourage more blooms and to maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the flower stalks to the base once blooming has ceased, but leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and dies back naturally. This process usually occurs annually, once the blooming period is over in late spring to early summer.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Daffodil 'Angel's Breath' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix of loam, sand, and compost works best, promoting good drainage while providing nutrients. Amend soil with organic matter to ensure fertility.
- Repotting
Daffodils, including 'Angel's Breath', typically do not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting every 3-5 years is sufficient unless they become overcrowded.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodil 'Angel's Breath' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. Average room humidity is generally adequate for this plant.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Daffodil 'Angel's Breath' in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant Daffodil 'Angel's Breath' in cool sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Narcissus 'Angel's Breath', commonly known as 'Angel's Breath' daffodil, begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in fertile, well-drained soil, typically in the fall before the first frost. The bulb goes through a period of dormancy in the winter, which is broken by the warmth and moisture of spring, prompting the emergence of shoots. Following shoot emergence, leaves and a single flower stalk grow, and the plant produces its characteristic white or cream flowers, often with a central cup or corona that can be of a contrasting color. After flowering, the plant goes through a period of senescence where the leaves and flower stalk die back, and the plant redirects energy to the bulb to store nutrients for the next growing season. During the summer, the bulb remains dormant beneath the soil while absorbing nutrients. The life cycle is perennial, repeating annually from the stored energy within the bulb as long as growing conditions remain favorable.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Angel's Breath', commonly known as Angel’s Breath Daffodil, is generally propagated by dividing and replanting its bulbs. The optimal time to propagate these plants is after the foliage has died back post-flowering, typically in late spring to early summer. To propagate, carefully dig up the clump of bulbs and gently separate them. Each bulb should ideally have a portion of the basal plate—the area where roots grow from the bottom of the bulb—and some roots attached. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth three times the height of the bulb, spaced about 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart, and in well-drained soil with good sunlight to ensure the best chance of success for the new plants.