Paperwhite Narcissus 'Avalanche' (8)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Avalanche' is a striking plant known for its charming flowers. This plant is a variety of daffodil, displaying clusters of blooms that make it quite distinctive. Each stem typically holds multiple flowers, a characteristic that gives the plant a lush, abundant look. The blossoms themselves are characterized by a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of six petal-like tepals. These tepals are generally white, which beautifully contrasts with the soft yellow or sometimes slightly orange, cup at the center of the flower. The leaves of the Narcissus 'Avalanche' are slender and long, with a deep green color that complements the brightness of the flowers. The foliage tends to arch gracefully, adding to the overall elegance of the plant. This type of daffodil exudes a delightful fragrance, which is commonly described as sweet and inviting, contributing to its popularity in gardens and as cut flowers for indoor enjoyment. Overall, its appearance is characterized by a profusion of cheerful blooms that herald the arrival of spring and continue to delight as the season progresses.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Avalanche Daffodil, Avalanche Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Avalanche'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Paperwhite, as Narcissus 'Avalanche' is commonly known, is toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains a compound called lycorine, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting large amounts of the plant can lead to more serious effects like irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, tremors, convulsions, and in extreme cases, death. All parts of the plant are considered toxic, with the bulb being the most dangerous part to consume.
To pets
The Paperwhite is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If ingested, symptomatic poisoning can occur, presenting with vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and even tremors or seizures in severe cases. The toxic component, lycorine, irritates the gastrointestinal tract and can cause a significant reaction, especially if a pet consumes a large amount of any part of the plant, particularly the bulb. Ingestion can lead to serious health complications and should be treated promptly with veterinary care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Produces clusters of fragrant, white flowers that can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Ease of Care: Requires minimal maintenance once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance for dry conditions, requiring less watering.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it can live for several years, providing long-term value in the garden.
- Cold Resistant: Able to withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting pollination.
- Deer Resistance: Often resistant to deer, which can help protect other plants in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the spring, offering seasonal interest after the winter months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Avalanche' can be used in perfumery to capture their fresh, spring-like fragrance, which adds a light floral note to perfume blends.
- Daffodil bulbs can be used as a glue due to the sticky sap they contain when crushed, which was traditionally used for bookbinding and other small repair jobs.
- Fiber extracted from the leaves and stems of daffodils can be used to make paper, providing an eco-friendly and unique texture to handmade paper products.
- Narcissus 'Avalanche' flowers are often used in art and photography for their aesthetic appeal and as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings in thematic compositions.
- The toxicity of daffodils can be used as a natural pest repellent in gardens to protect vegetable crops or other flowering plants from rodents and other pests.
- Daffodil bulbs are sometimes used in the production of alcohol, where the natural sugars contained in the bulbs ferment to create specialty liquors with unique flavors.
- During the Victorian era, daffodil flowers were used within language of flowers to send coded messages, often relating to unrequited love or respect for someone’s artistic talents.
- Narcissus 'Avalanche' is involved in horticultural therapy, where its planting and care are used to improve mental health, particularly in the elderly and those with disabilities.
- The striking blooms of the daffodil can be used as a natural dye, where the petals produce varied shades of yellow and orange, suitable for coloring fabrics and yarns.
- Dried daffodil petals can be incorporated into decorative crafts, such as candles or potpourri, to add fragrance and a touch of spring to interior decors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe paperwhite, commonly known as Narcissus 'Avalanche', is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe paperwhite is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and Renewal: In many cultures, the daffodil, which is the most common common name for Narcissus 'Avalanche', marks the beginning of spring and is associated with new beginnings and the start of a new cycle.
- Self-Esteem: Named after the character Narcissus from Greek mythology, who fell in love with his own reflection, the daffodil can symbolize self-love and the importance of recognizing one's own beauty.
- Inspiration: The bright appearance of the daffodil is often linked to creativity and the stimulation of new ideas, making it a symbol for artistic inspiration.
- Forgiveness: In some traditions, the daffodil is given as a sign of forgiveness or as an invitation to let go of past conflicts.
- Prosperity: Due to its association with spring and renewal, the daffodil is sometimes seen as a harbinger of wealth and good fortune in the future.
- Unrequited Love: According to some interpretations of Narcissus's story, the daffodil can represent love that is not reciprocated, as Narcissus never attained the love of his own reflection.
WaterPaperwhite Narcissus plants, such as 'Avalanche', typically require consistent moisture during their active growth and blooming periods. They should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil begins to feel dry to the touch. On average, this might mean watering once a week, although this frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. Use lukewarm water, and pour it evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves and flowers. You may need about a quart of water for a typical indoor pot, but again, the exact amount depends on the size of the pot and the plant's environment.
LightPaperwhite Narcissus, like 'Avalanche', thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal spot would be a location where the plant can receive plenty of light without being subjected to the harsh midday sun. A north or east-facing window would be a suitable location, providing the light conditions most conducive to the growth and flowering of Paperwhite Narcissus.
TemperaturePaperwhite Narcissus prefers a moderate temperature range. The ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 70°F. These plants can withstand short periods of lower temperatures, not dropping below 50°F, and they should be protected from temperatures above 75°F, which may hinder their growth and blooming. Providing a stable environment within these temperature parameters will ensure the health and vibrancy of the Paperwhite Narcissus.
PruningPrune Paperwhite Narcissus after the flowers have faded to help tidy up the plant and redirect energy to the bulb for next season's growth. Cut back the flower stems to the base but leave the foliage until it turns yellow and withers naturally. Pruning is typically done annually, post-flowering. By doing so, the plant reserves more energy in the bulb for the next blooming cycle, which typically occurs in the following winter or spring.
CleaningNot needed
SoilPaperwhite Narcissus 'Avalanche' thrives in a well-draining, sandy loam soil mix with added organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingPaperwhite Narcissus 'Avalanche' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-4 years or when the bulbs become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingPaperwhite Narcissus 'Avalanche' prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions typical of indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun and shelter from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Avalanche', commonly known as the Avalance daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb that undergoes a period of dormancy typically in the late summer through early fall. During this time, it conserves energy before initiating growth as temperatures drop. As winter transitions to spring and the soil warms, the bulb produces shoots that emerge from the ground, developing foliage and a sturdy stem. This stage of active growth culminates in the flowering period, where the Avalanche daffodil displays clusters of fragrant, white flowers with yellow cups, usually around early to mid-spring. Following blooming, the plant enters a period of senescence; the flowers wilt and the plant redirects energy back to the bulb to prepare for the next dormant period. After foliage dies back, the bulb lies dormant again until the environmental cues trigger a new cycle of growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Narcissus 'Avalanche', commonly known as daffodil, is by dividing the bulbs. This should typically be done in the late summer to fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. To propagate, dig up the bulbs carefully, making sure not to cut or damage them. You will notice that over time, the bulbs will have produced offsets, or smaller bulbs, attached to the main bulb. Gently separate these offsets from the mother bulb by hand or with a knife if necessary. Each offset can be planted individually, ideally immediately upon separation. The separated bulbs should be planted about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) deep and at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil where they will get full or partial sun. With proper care, these bulbs will develop roots and foliage in the following spring, and should bloom within one or two seasons.
