Daffodil Narcissus 'Bell Rock' (1)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Bell Rock' is a captivating flower that belongs to the daffodil family, known for brightening up spring with its vibrant blooms. The plant produces beautiful flowers characterized by their unique two-tone coloration. The petals radiate outward in a striking display; they are typically a soft, buttery yellow hue that frames the cup at the center elegantly. The inner trumpet or corona of 'Bell Rock' stands out in a contrasting shade of orange or copper, which adds depth and warmth to the appearance of the bloom. Each flower is borne on a sturdy stem which may be surrounded by slender leaves that are a deep green color, often with a linear form that arches gracefully starting from the base of the plant. These leaves provide a lush backdrop that highlights the brilliance of the daffodil's flowers. When in full bloom, Narcissus 'Bell Rock' presents a cheerful and bold display that can catch the eye from a distance, making it a popular choice for gardens where a splash of springtime color is desired.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Bell Rock'.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 feet 4 inches (40 centimeters)
Spread
1 feet (30 centimeters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Easy to Grow: Narcissus 'Bell Rock' is known for being a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soil conditions with minimal care.
- Spring Color: It produces vibrant yellow and orange flowers in spring, providing a cheerful display in gardens after the winter months.
- Aesthetics: The striking two-toned color of the blooms adds visual interest to garden beds, borders, and pots.
- Naturalizing: This daffodil can spread and naturalize in an area over time, creating a stunning and low-maintenance display year after year.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Cut Flowers: The stems of Narcissus 'Bell Rock' are sturdy and long-lasting, making them ideal for use in floral arrangements.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils are generally resistant to deer and rodents, making them a good choice for gardens plagued by these pests.
- Cold Hardy: This daffodil is capable of withstanding cold winter temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Tolerant of Different Light Conditions: It can grow in full sun to partial shade, allowing for flexible garden placement.
- 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 'Bell Rock', commonly known as daffodil, can be used in fragrance production. The scent of some daffodils is used to create perfumes and scented oils.
- The flower's bulbous form can inspire artists and be used as a model for sculpting or in still life paintings, offering an artistic muse to creators.
- Daffodil bulbs can serve as pest control in gardens, as they contain a toxic alkaloid that can deter voles, mice, and other bulb-eating pests.
- In the language of flowers, daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, making them suitable for use in celebrations of significant life events like weddings and baby showers.
- Daffodil flowers can be pressed and preserved for use in homemade crafts like making bookmarks, greeting cards, or decorative framed art.
- The vibrant yellow hue of the plant can be part of color therapy in horticultural therapy programs, where viewing or working with plants helps improve mental health.
- Dried daffodil petals can be included in potpourri mixtures for a subtle fragrance, and for their sunny, cheerful color to brighten indoor spaces.
- As a natural dye, the daffodil's petals can sometimes be used to tint fabrics or papers with a soft yellow hue.
- When integrated into a sensory garden, the daffodil's distinctive shape and texture provide a tactile experience for visitors, especially valuable for the visually impaired.
- The plant can function as an educational tool in schools or nature programs, teaching children about plant growth cycles, botany, and the importance of pollinators.
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
- Renewal and New Beginnings: Since narcissus blooms in early spring, it symbolizes the end of winter and the arrival of a new season, representing hope and the possibility of new opportunities.
- Self-Love: Stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, this plant is often associated with narcissism and self-admiration.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, the narcissus, particularly when it blooms at Chinese New Year, is believed to bring wealth and good fortune.
- Vanity: Given its connection with the Greek myth, the narcissus can also represent vanity and excessive self-love.
- Rebirth: The cycle of the narcissus, dying in winter and reblooming in spring, has made it a symbol for rebirth and eternal life.
- Water
Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Bell Rock', should be watered thoroughly at planting and then lightly until the shoots appear if the weather is dry. Once they are actively growing, ensure they receive about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. During the blooming period, maintain this watering schedule to support the plant's needs. After flowering, you can reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back. It's important to not overwater daffodils, as this can lead to bulb rot. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent any standing water around the bulbs.
- Light
Daffodils like the Narcissus 'Bell Rock' thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. They perform best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that offers morning sunlight with some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in areas with hot climates. Avoid placing them in deep shade, as this can result in poor flowering.
- Temperature
Daffodils such as Narcissus 'Bell Rock' generally prefer cooler climates and can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 20°F. They require a period of cold dormancy, typically between 35°F and 50°F, to trigger blooming in the spring. During active growth and blooming, they perform well in the typical spring temperature range between 50°F and 70°F.
- Pruning
Pruning daffodils such as Narcissus 'Bell Rock' is mostly about deadheading the spent flowers to maintain plant appearance and prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from the bulb. Pruning should be done right after the flowers fade but leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, which is typically about 6 weeks after flowering. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for next year.
- Cleaning
Not needed
- Soil
Narcissus 'Bell Rock', commonly known as daffodil, thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of roughly 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix would be equal parts loam, sand, and compost to provide nutrients and ensure proper drainage.
- Repotting
Daffodils, such as Narcissus 'Bell Rock', typically do not need to be repotted often as they are usually grown outdoors. If grown in containers, they can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when the bulbs become crowded.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodils like Narcissus 'Bell Rock' prefer average humidity levels. They can tolerate outdoor conditions well and do not require high humidity to thrive.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in well-lit area, cool temperatures, ensure good drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of Narcissus 'Bell Rock', commonly known as the 'Bell Rock' daffodil, begins with a period of dormancy where the bulb is inactive, typically during the summer months. In autumn, cooler temperatures and increased moisture trigger the bulb to develop roots and shoots. During late winter to early spring, the shoot emerges from the soil as a green stalk and leaves, with the characteristic flower bud that will bloom into the vibrant orange and yellow colors unique to 'Bell Rock'. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence where the leaves yellow and die back, allowing the plant to redirect energy back to the bulb where nutrients are stored. The bulb enters dormancy once more to survive the adverse conditions of the upcoming summer. Throughout the plant's life, it may also undergo propagation either through seed production after flowering or via bulb offsets, contributing to the spread and continuity of the species.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Bell Rock', commonly known as the daffodil, is typically propagated through division of its bulbs. The best time to divide daffodil bulbs is in late summer to fall, after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. This typically corresponds to the period from late August to early October. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of daffodil bulbs, then gently separate them into individual bulbs, taking care not to damage the basal plate. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters), spacing them around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to ensure they have enough room to grow. This method is favored as it preserves the genetic characteristics of the parent plant and ensures a consistent display of its vibrant dual-toned, orange and yellow flowers.