Daffodil 'Armada' Narcissus 'Armada' (2)
ABOUT
'Armada' is a bulbous perennial to 60cm in height, with narrow green foliage and vivid light yellow flowers to 8cm across, the cup yellow to deep rich orange at the frilled margin
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Armada'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Landscape Beauty: The Narcissus 'Armada', commonly known as daffodil, produces striking flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its blooms provide an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
- Spring Bloom Indicator: As an early spring bloomer, daffodils signal the end of winter and the beginning of the growing season.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being low maintenance and easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cuts Well for Flower Arrangements: The flowers are long-lasting when cut, making them a perfect choice for fresh bouquets and floral displays.
- Naturalizing Capability: Daffodils multiply over time and spread naturally, creating a denser and more attractive display year after year.
- Pest Resistant: They are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, requiring less chemical intervention than many other plants.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: Daffodils are not favored by deer or rodents, which helps prevent damage to the garden from these animals.
- Symbolic Meaning: Daffodils are associated with rebirth and new beginnings, which can provide symbolic value to gardens and cultural events.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Armada', commonly known as daffodil, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of yellow hues depending on the mordant used.
- The crushed stems of daffodils can be applied to the skin as a natural treatment for wounds and burns, following traditional practices.
- Daffodil bulbs can be distilled to produce an essential oil used in perfumery, lending a fresh and earthy fragrance to various products.
- The daffodil has been a source of inspiration in art and literature, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, and is featured in many paintings and poems.
- Daffodil blossoms are sometimes crystallized with sugar and used as edible decorations for cakes and pastries.
- Gardeners use daffodil planting patterns to create 'living' installation art, taking advantage of their bright colors and shapes.
- The daffodil is a popular flower for celebrating the Chinese New Year, as it is believed to bring good fortune due to its golden color resembling gold.
- Dried daffodil petals can be incorporated into handmade papers, providing texture as well as a sense of natural beauty to the paper products.
- Festivals and competitions are often centered around the daffodil, such as judging the best-grown flowers or creating floral displays.
- In some cultures, daffodils are planted over pet graves as a tribute and remembrance, due to their perennial nature symbolizing the ongoing cycle of life.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil is not commonly used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love: Named after the character Narcissus in Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection, the daffodil can symbolize self-love and vanity.
- Rebirth: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, daffodils are often associated with rebirth and new beginnings.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils are believed to bring good fortune and are seen as a sign of wealth and success.
- Respect: Presenting a bouquet of daffodils can be a sign of deep respect and regard for someone.
- Uncertainty or Deceit: Due to the association with Narcissus, it can also symbolize uncertainty or unrequited love, reminding one to be cautious about what they see.
WaterFor Daffodils like 'Armada', water deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which is equivalent to approximately 0.62 gallons per square foot. During the growing season, especially if the weather is dry, make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering once the flowers have died back and the leaves begin to yellow, as overwatering can cause bulb rot. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, decreasing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightDaffodils, including the 'Armada', do best in full to partial sunlight. Position them in a spot where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Light shade in the afternoon can help protect them from the intense heat in warmer climates.
TemperatureDaffodils like 'Armada' prefer cooler climates and can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F. They perform best in a temperature range between 50°F and 70°F, which promotes optimal growth and flowering. These plants can survive brief periods of colder weather but may get damaged if temperatures drop below the 20°F mark and stay there for extended periods.
PruningPrune Daffodils such as 'Armada' by removing spent flower heads after blooming to prevent seed formation, which can divert energy away from the bulb. Leave the foliage until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, usually six weeks after flowering. This practice allows the plant to store energy for the next year. The best time for pruning is in late spring after the leaves have yellowed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodil 'Armada' is well-draining and fertile, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of loamy soil with added compost and sand would provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Armada', generally do not need to be repotted frequently. They should be repotted only if they become overcrowded, typically every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Armada' does well in average humidity levels found in outdoor environments, and does not require special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun to full sun, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Narcissus 'Armada', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in well-drained soil in the fall before the first frost. The bulb undergoes a period of dormancy through the winter, where it requires a cold period to initiate growth. With the arrival of spring, the bulb sends up shoots, green leaves, and a stem, culminating in the flowering of its iconic yellow or white blooms, typically from late winter to early spring. After flowering, the plant directs energy back into the bulb as the leaves photosynthesize and eventually die back. The bulb rests during the summer months and may multiply, producing smaller bulbs or offsets. The following fall, these daughter bulbs can be separated and planted to produce new plants, continuing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Narcissus 'Armada', commonly known as daffodil, is by dividing the bulbs after the foliage has died back, usually in late summer to fall. The process involves carefully digging up the clumps of bulbs and gently separating them. Each division should have at least one growing point or "eye". Once divided, the bulbs can be replanted immediately at a depth approximately three times their height, spaced about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) apart. This ensures that each bulb has enough space to grow and enough soil to provide the nutrients it needs. Adequate watering after planting is essential to help establish the new bulbs.
