Daffodil Narcissus 'Ara' (6)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Ara', commonly known as daffodil, is a bulbous perennial that boasts a striking presence in the garden with its distinctive flowers. Its flowers are characterized by a beautiful array of petals that typically radiate around a central cup or trumpet, which is often a contrasting color or a deeper hue of the main petal color. The petals are generally a bright, cheerful yellow, a color that's synonymous with the arrival of spring. This central cup may take on a slightly different tone, sometimes showing off colors in the orange or even pink spectrum, adding to the visual appeal of the blossoms. The daffodil's foliage is slender, long, and strap-shaped, with a rich green color that complements the vibrancy of the flowers. The leaves emerge from the base of the stem, providing a backdrop that accentuates the beauty of the blossoms. The plant typically produces one flower per stem, but some varieties may bear multiple blooms, creating a fuller and more robust display. When in bloom, the daffodil creates a stunning visual with its symmetrical flowers. The overall shape of the flower is somewhat uniform, but slight variations can occur, giving each bloom its unique charm. These plants are popular in gardens and landscapes for their ability to herald the coming of spring with their brightness and their resilience against the tail end of winter weather. They are also frequently used as cut flowers due to their long vase life and the cheer they bring indoors.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Ara'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as daffodil is toxic to humans. All parts of the daffodil contain toxic alkaloids, but the bulb is the most poisonous part. If ingested, symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, convulsions, and even death if a large amount is consumed. Handling the bulb can also cause skin irritation for some people.
To pets
The daffodil is toxic to pets. The entire plant, especially the bulb, contains lycorine and other alkaloids that can be poisonous. If a pet ingests any part of a daffodil, symptoms can include vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, significant ingestions can be fatal. Pets should be kept away from daffodils to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 6 inches [45-50 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Narcissus 'Ara', commonly known as daffodil, attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of climates and soil types.
- Spring Bloomer: As a spring-flowering bulb, daffodils provide early color and signs of life after winter, which can boost mood and aesthetic appeal.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils can spread over time, creating a natural and informal look in gardens and landscapes.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: These plants are typically resistant to deer and rodents, which helps prevent damage to the garden.
- Longevity: Daffodils are perennial and often come back year after year when planted, providing long-term value for gardeners.
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 'Ara', commonly known as daffodil, can be used in perfumery, as its bloom heralds the beginning of spring, its fragrance is often sought after for creating floral scents.
- These plants are great for naturalizing landscapes wherein they gradually spread and create a carpet of flowers over the years.
- Daffodils are used in art and literature as symbols of inspiration, due to their association with rebirth and new beginnings.
- Daffodil bulbs can be used for 'forcing' indoors to provide early blossoms and a touch of spring during the cold of winter.
- The daffodil flower can be used as a dye resource, imparting a color typically ranging from yellow to golden.
- Daffodils can be used as a horticultural teaching tool for lessons on bulb growth and development in educational programs.
- The flowers are sometimes used in competitions and flower shows due to their various forms and colors.
- Natural dyes extracted from daffodils can be used in eco-friendly textile printing techniques.
- They can be incorporated into wedding floral arrangements as symbols of chivalry and respect, adding a traditional touch to bouquets and decorations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is associated with good fortune and wealth in Feng Shui practice. It is believed to bring positive energy into the home when placed in the northeast (wealth) sector or in areas where you want to promote energy related to career growth or personal wealth.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love: The Narcissus is named after the Greek mythological figure Narcissus, noted for his beauty and obsession with his own reflection, which is where the concept of narcissism originates. The flower commonly symbolizes self-love and self-admiration.
- New Beginnings: Often one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, the Narcissus, or the daffodil, is seen as a symbol of renewal and the promise of new beginnings.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the Narcissus is considered to bring good luck and is often associated with prosperity, especially when it blooms during the Chinese New Year.
- Vanity: Due to the Greek mythology behind Narcissus, the flower sometimes represents vanity and excessive self-love.
- Uncertainty: The Narcissus can also signify uncertainty or unrequited love, playing into the story of Narcissus who loved only himself and could not love another.
- Inspiration: As a sign of creativity and inspiration, the Narcissus motivates artists and poets with its bright appearance and the arrival of spring.
WaterWhen caring for Daffodils, it is important to maintain consistently moist soil, especially while the plants are actively growing and flowering. Typically, watering once a week with about an inch of water is sufficient. However, if the weather is particularly dry or windy, you may need to water twice a week. To test the soil's moisture, insert your finger into the soil near the plant; if it feels dry at a depth of one inch, it's time to water. Avoid overwatering which can lead to bulb rot, and always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease.
LightDaffodils thrive best in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for growing Daffodils would be an area where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If planted under deciduous trees, they can benefit from the sunlight before the trees fully leaf out in spring.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they grow best when daytime temperatures are between 50°F and 65°F. They can survive short periods of cold down to about 20°F, but exposure to temperatures below this can damage the plants. Ideally, the plants should not be exposed to temperatures above 80°F for extended periods, as this can lead to heat stress.
PruningPruning Daffodils is not needed for the health of the plant but removing spent flower heads can promote better blooms the following year. After flowering, cut off the flower head but leave the foliage until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, usually about 6 weeks after flowering. Do not prune the foliage early as it is required to replenish the bulb for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodils, including Narcissus 'Ara', should be well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of two parts loam, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand facilitates healthy growth.
RepottingDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Ara', typically do not need to be repotted often. They should be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when the bulbs have multiplied and become overcrowded in their container.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Ara' are not particularly humidity-sensitive but prefer average household humidity levels. The best humidity level for these plants is around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full to partial sun, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Ara', commonly known as Daffodil 'Ara', begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is a dormant stage that can survive cold winters. With the onset of spring, the bulb sprouts, sending up shoots and leaves while absorbing nutrients from the soil. This is followed by the emergence of a flower stalk, which culminates in the blooming of one or multiple distinctive white and orange flowers, typically in early to mid-spring. After flowering, the plant undergoes pollination, possibly by insects, leading to the development of a seed capsule if conditions permit. Once the seeds are mature, they are dispersed, and the plant begins to die back, with the above-ground parts withering away while the bulb remains underground. In this dormant period, the bulb stores energy for the next growing season, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Narcissus 'Ara', commonly known as the daffodil, is through bulb division. This technique is usually carried out in late summer, after the leaves have died back, but before the ground becomes too hard to work. Gardeners dig up the daffodil bulbs carefully to avoid damage and then gently separate any small offset bulbs from the main bulb. These offsets, sometimes called bulbils or daughter bulbs, should ideally be about the size of a large marble or around 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter. Once separated, the offsets can be immediately replanted at a depth three times the height of the bulb in well-draining soil, maintaining proper spacing to allow for future growth. The newly planted offsets will then grow and mature into blooming plants over the course of one to two growing seasons.
