Daffodil Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty' (11a)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty' is a striking variety of the commonly known daffodil, boasting a cheerful and vibrant appearance that is renowned for heralding the arrival of spring. The plant is characterized by its unique flower structure, which features a prominent central cup or trumpet, surrounded by a ring of six petal-like segments known as the perianth. The trumpet is usually a rich, vivid hue, creating a striking contrast against the creamy white or soft yellow perianth segments. The flowers of 'Bloomfield Beauty' are distinctive for their form and coloration, often described as an enchanting blend of warm tones. Each bloom is supported by a sturdy, upright stalk, which rises above the lush green foliage. The leaves are narrow, strap-like, and have a slightly arching form, framing the flowers beautifully. The foliage provides a verdant backdrop that further highlights the flowers' splendor. 'Bloomfield Beauty' daffodils produce a delightful fragrance that adds to their allure, making them highly desired for not only gardens but also as cut flowers in floral arrangements. The overall appearance of Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty' is one of elegance and brightness, with flowers that can infuse any setting with a sense of joy and renewal. Its blooms often appear in clusters, which amplify the plant's visual impact and contribute to its popularity among gardeners and flower enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil
Common names
Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty' is daffodil. Daffodils are considered toxic to humans if ingested. The entire plant contains alkaloids, with the bulb being the most poisonous part. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingesting daffodil parts can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, convulsions, and, in extreme cases, death.
To pets
The common name for Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty' is daffodil. Daffodils are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. All parts of the plant are harmful, with the bulb being the most toxic. If a pet ingests any part of a daffodil, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and lethargy. More severe poisoning can cause cardiac issues, respiratory depression, convulsions, and potentially death if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet 4 inches (0.4 meters)
Spread
0 feet 6 inches (0.15 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal - Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty' has striking flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Spring Bloomer - It heralds the arrival of spring with its beautiful blooms, adding color early in the gardening season.
- Pest Resistant - This plant is known to be resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty' can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for various climates.
- Easy to Grow - It is generally easy to cultivate and doesn't require expert gardening skills or intense maintenance.
- Naturalizing - The plant has the ability to naturalize, spreading over time to create larger displays of color.
- Long-lasting Blooms - The flowers of Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty' are known to have a long bloom time, extending the period of visual enjoyment.
- Attracts Pollinators - It attracts bees and other pollinators, thereby supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Cutting Garden - The flowers are suitable for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements, bringing the beauty indoors.
- Rabbit and Deer Resistant - Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty' is generally not preferred by rabbits and deer, which helps protect the blossoms from wildlife browsing.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Daffodil 'Bloomfield Beauty' can serve as a natural pest repellent, where its scent is said to deter rodents and deer from nibbling on other plants in the garden.
- These flowers can be used as a dye source for fabrics and textiles, producing a range of colors from their petals and bulbs.
- Cut daffodils are often used in flower arranging and as a symbol of spring in art installations and floral displays.
- Daffodils like 'Bloomfield Beauty' can be given as gifts to symbolize unrequited love, fitting their mythological background.
- Garden designers use daffodils to create 'rivers' or drifts of color when planted in large swathes across lawns or woodlands.
- Photographers and painters may use daffodils as inspiring subjects due to their striking forms and colors.
- In the language of flowers, daffodils represent chivalry and respect, and they can be used in events to convey these sentiments.
- Daffodils can be used as a learning tool in schools to teach children about plant biology and the process of bulb growth and flowering.
- These flowers can be part of a biodegradable burial option, where bulbs are planted over gravesites as a natural marker that returns annually.
- Daffodils can be incorporated into festivals and parades, representing cultural heritage in areas where they are native or significant.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDaffodil is used in Feng Shui to attract good chi and to enhance the wealth and abundance area due to its vibrant yellow color that resembles gold; it's recommended to place them in the wealth corner of your home or office.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDaffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: The Narcissus, often associated with the end of winter and the coming of spring, symbolizes rebirth and new ventures.
- Self-Love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his reflection, it also represents self-esteem and vanity.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the Narcissus is believed to bring good fortune and wealth, particularly when it blooms.
- Hope: Its ability to bloom early in the year makes the Narcissus a symbol of hope and optimism for the future.
- Inner Beauty: While it is often related to vanity, the Narcissus can also symbolize the importance of looking beyond outer appearances to see inner beauty.
WaterThe Daffodil 'Bloomfield Beauty' should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which often equates to once a week during the growing season. Use a watering can or a hose with a gentle spray to moisten the soil evenly without causing erosion. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water, which is roughly equivalent to 0.623 gallons per square foot, to ensure deep soil saturation that encourages strong root growth. During periods of rainfall, you may need to water less frequently. Water sparingly once the daffodil has finished blooming and the foliage begins to yellow and die back, as overwatering at this stage can cause bulb rot.
LightDaffodils, such as 'Bloomfield Beauty', thrive in full to partial sunlight. The ideal spot for these plants is one that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If you're planting bulbs in an area that receives partial shade, choose a location where the plant is exposed to morning sunlight, which is less intense than the afternoon sun.
TemperatureDaffodils like 'Bloomfield Beauty' prefer cooler temperatures and are hardy in zones 3 through 8. They can survive minimum winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and still bloom in the spring. The ideal growing conditions for this plant occur in spring and fall when daytime temperatures average between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Daffodils like 'Bloomfield Beauty' involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage better blooming the following year; however, leave the foliage intact. Only cut back foliage after it has turned yellow and begun to wither, typically 6 to 8 weeks after blooming, as this allows the plant to store energy in the bulb for next season's growth. Pruning is typically done annually, following the natural life cycle of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils, like Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty', thrive in well-drained soil with ample organic matter. A mix containing equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat moss or compost, and coarse sand is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0. Ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot.
RepottingDaffodils commonly don't require frequent repotting. Repot Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty' every 3 to 5 years or when the bulbs become crowded in their container. It's best to repot after the foliage has died back post-bloom.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty' are not particularly humidity-sensitive. They thrive in average outdoor humidity levels and don't require special humidity considerations when grown in typical garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty', commonly known as daffodil, begins with a period of dormancy where the bulb lies inactive, typically during the summer months. As temperatures cool in autumn, roots develop from the bulb as it absorbs nutrients from the soil. The daffodil enters a growth phase in late winter to early spring, where shoots emerge from the soil, followed by leaves, and eventually the characteristic flower stalks and blooms. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence; the leaves photosynthesize to replenish the bulb's energy reserves. Once the foliage yellows and withers, the plant reenters dormancy, with the bulb lying underground until the next growth cycle. This cycle repeats annually, with the bulb dividing and potentially producing offsets that can be separated to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Narcissus 'Bloomfield Beauty', commonly known as Daffodil, is by division of bulbs. This is typically done in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. You'll want to carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate them by hand. It's important to ensure that each section has at least one bulb with the basal plate intact, as this is where the roots grow from. These individual bulbs can then be replanted at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) and spaced approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart to give them ample room to grow. By the following spring, these newly planted bulbs should produce their own blooms, continuing the cycle.
