Daffodil Narcissus 'April Tears' (5)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'April Tears' is a charming variety of daffodil known for its elegant, nodding blooms that grace gardens in early to mid-spring. This daffodil features a distinctive appearance with flowers that have a soft, creamy white hue. Each blossom is characterized by a slightly ruffled, trumpet-like corona that's fringed with delicate, slender petals. The corona itself usually displays a deeper yellow shade, offering a beautiful contrast to the paler petal segments. The flowers are presented on straight, sturdy stalks that rise above the foliage. The leaves of 'April Tears' are slender and long, with a deep green color that forms a lush backdrop for the alluring flowers. The foliage's linear and strap-like shape creates a neat, clumping habit that gives the plant a tidy appearance overall. Narcissus 'April Tears' has a strong and sweet fragrance, which makes it an excellent choice for planting near outdoor living areas or paths where its delightful scent can be fully enjoyed. The cheerful blooms not only brighten up the garden landscape but are also ideal for cutting and bringing indoors to create aromatic, springtime bouquets.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'April Tears'
ToxicityTo humans
The most common name of Narcissus 'April Tears' is daffodil. All parts of the daffodil plant are considered toxic to humans due to the presence of alkaloids such as lycorine. If ingested, daffodil can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potentially more severe effects such as cardiac arrhythmias or neurological issues in extreme cases. Handling daffodils might also cause dermatitis in some individuals.
To pets
The daffodil is toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of the daffodil can cause symptoms including vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The bulb is the most toxic part of the plant. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to serious neurological issues and can be life-threatening, necessitating immediate veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Narcissus 'April Tears', commonly referred to as Daffodil, features charming, delicate flowers that add beauty to any garden in the spring.
- Easy to Grow: As a hardy perennial, Daffodils are relatively easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of soil types with minimal care.
- Deer Resistant: Daffodils are naturally resistant to deer, which makes them an excellent choice for gardens in areas where deer are a common nuisance.
- Spring Color: Daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in the spring, providing an early burst of color to the landscape after the winter months.
- Naturalizing: Over time, Daffodils can spread and naturalize in an area, creating larger and more impressive displays each year without needing to replant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dried Flower Arrangements: The blooms of the daffodil 'April Tears' can be dried and used in permanent floral displays, retaining their shape and color to some extent.
- Perfumery: Although not commonly used for this purpose, daffodils like 'April Tears' can contribute a delicate fragrance to perfumes when their essence is carefully extracted.
- Natural Dyes: The flowers and bulbs, though not typically used for dyeing, can provide a range of colors for fabrics and crafts when processed correctly.
- Photography Subject: Daffodils like 'April Tears' are often photographed for their beauty and used in artistic compositions and photography projects.
- Wedding Decor: Their early spring bloom time makes 'April Tears' daffodils ideal for use in wedding bouquets and decorations in certain climates.
- Garden Pest Repellent: While not their primary use, the bulbs of daffodils can sometimes deter moles and other rodents due to their toxic properties when planted surrounding a garden area.
- Artisan Paper Making: The fibers from daffodil stems can be used in handcrafted paper making for texture and decorative elements.
- Educational Uses: 'April Tears' daffodils can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, phenology, and horticulture.
- Culinary Garnish: Though all parts of the daffodil are toxic if ingested, the flowers can be used as a non-edible garnish for culinary presentation under careful handling conditions.
- Cultural Celebrations: Daffodils, including 'April Tears', are symbols of spring festivals and celebrations in various cultures, and are used as decorations during these events.
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 Narcissus flower is often associated with spring, as it is one of the first flowers to bloom, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a new growth cycle.
- Hope and Inspiration: With its bright and cheerful appearance, Narcissus is seen as a symbol of hope, inspiring individuals to overcome challenges and look forward to the future.
- Vanity or Self-Admiration: Stemming from Greek mythology, where the character Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, this flower can represent excessive self-love and vanity.
- Wealth and Prosperity: Since Narcissus blooms around the Chinese New Year, it is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture.
- Inner Reflection: The Narcissus can also prompt personal reflection and self-examination, reminding us to consider our actions and how we interact with the world around us.
WaterFor Daffodils (Narcissus 'April Tears'), water the plants thoroughly at planting and then once a week during their growing season, which is typically in spring. They may require up to 1 gallon of water per square foot during the active growing season, depending on soil conditions and local climate. Water should be applied directly to the base of the plants, avoiding overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. During periods of heavy rain, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging. After blooming has finished and the leaves begin to yellow, gradually reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy.
LightDaffodils thrive in areas that receive full sunlight to partial shade. They perform best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. An ideal spot would be an eastern or southern exposure that provides morning light and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates to protect them from intense heat.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefer a moderate climate. They can survive winter temperatures down to 20°F and can handle summer temperatures up to 80°F. For optimal growth, they favor temperatures between 50°F and 60°F. Avoid planting in areas where temperatures routinely exceed these ranges.
PruningPruning daffodils is mainly about deadheading spent flowers after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and to prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from the bulb. Gently snap off the dead flower head but leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally. Pruning is typically done annually, immediately after blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Daffodil 'April Tears' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure will provide the nutrients and drainage necessary.
RepottingDaffodil 'April Tears' bulbs should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding and to replenish the soil nutrients.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'April Tears' prefers average humidity conditions and does not require special humidity requirements beyond normal outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and well-draining soil for Daffodils indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in fall, full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'April Tears', commonly known as the Daffodil 'April Tears', begins its life as a bulb, which remains dormant underground during the summer. In the fall, roots develop from the base of the bulb, and the shoot starts to grow. Through the winter, the leaves emerge from the soil, taking advantage of the cool, moist conditions. Come spring, the plant flowers, producing its characteristic yellow blossoms, usually in April. After flowering, the leaves photosynthesize, creating food that is stored in the bulb for the next cycle. Eventually, the foliage dies back, and the plant reenters dormancy until the next fall.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'April Tears', commonly known as a variety of daffodil, is often propagated through the division of its bulbs. The most popular time to divide daffodil bulbs is in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. To propagate daffodil bulbs, start by gently digging around the base of the spent plant to lift the bulb clump from the soil. Brush off any excess dirt and carefully separate the bulbs, making sure each section has at least one growth point or "eye." Plant the bulbs immediately in well-drained soil at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters), spacing them approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate room for root development and growth. Proper depth and spacing are crucial to allowing the new plants to gather enough nutrients and develop strong roots for the next growing season.
