Daffodil Narcissus 'Border Beauty' (2)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Border Beauty', commonly known as the daffodil, is a spring-blooming perennial that is notable for its vibrant, showy flowers. These daffodils typically exhibit a large, bold bloom per stem. Their flowers are characterized by a central cup or trumpet, which is surrounded by a ring of six petal-like segments. The trumpet may be of a contrasting color to the segments, often in shades that can range from a deep orange to a light cream. The segments themselves are generally a bright yellow color, giving the flower a striking two-toned appearance. The leaves of the daffodil are slender and long, emanating from the base of the stem, and are a lush, deep green color. They often have a slightly grayish or bluish tint, which can add a subtle contrast to the garden. Their sword-like foliage can also create an attractive backdrop for the flowers, adding to the overall appeal of the plant. The daffodil 'Border Beauty' can bring a splash of color to gardens, creating an eye-catching display that heralds the arrival of spring.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Trumpet Narcissus, Jonquil
Common names
Narcissus 'Border Beauty'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Border Beauty', contain alkaloids such as lycorine, which can cause toxicity if ingested by humans. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning typically include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting daffodils can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and potentially more serious complications. It is important to keep daffodils out of the reach of children and to avoid consuming any parts of the plant.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of a daffodil, including the bulbs, leaves, or flowers, it can lead to symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, daffodil ingestion by pets can be fatal, so it is critical to seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your pet has consumed any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot 8 inches (50 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Western Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its striking yellow blooms.
- Ease of Care: Relatively low-maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Bloom: Provides early spring flowers when few other plants are in bloom.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees and other beneficial insects to your garden.
- Naturalizing: Can spread over time to form larger clumps, filling out garden spaces.
- Cut Flower: Makes for an excellent cut flower to use in bouquets and indoor arrangements.
- Cold Hardy: Tolerates cold climates and can survive frost, making it suitable for many regions.
- Deer Resistant: Less attractive to deer, which can help prevent damage to your garden.
- Perennial Growth: Comes back year after year, providing long-term garden interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cutting garden addition: Narcissus 'Border Beauty' can be grown specifically for cutting and adding to bouquets or floral arrangements, providing a bright and cheerful touch.
- Photographic subjects: They are often used by photographers looking for vibrant springtime subjects and are especially popular for macro photography due to their intricate details.
- Garden borders: Their name suggests their use in creating stunning borders along garden beds or walkways, complementing other early spring bloomers.
- Forcing bulbs: Narcissus 'Border Beauty' bulbs can be forced indoors for winter blooms, offering a splash of color during the colder months when the garden is dormant.
- Companion planting: These flowers can be planted alongside companion plants such as tulips and hyacinths to create a layered and extended blooming period in the garden.
- Educational tool: Horticulture schools and classes can use Narcissus 'Border Beauty' to teach about bulb division, growth cycles, and spring flora.
- Event decoration: The plants can be used to decorate outdoor events in the spring, such as garden parties or Easter celebrations, for a natural touch.
- Symbolic planting: Narcissus 'Border Beauty' is sometimes planted to symbolize new beginnings or as a commemoration of personal achievements, given their association with rebirth and renewal.
- Wildlife garden: They can be included in wildlife-friendly gardens to attract and support pollinators such as bees and butterflies during early spring.
- Craft projects: Their blooms can be incorporated into craft projects, such as pressed flower art or natural dyes for fabrics.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil, known as Narcissus 'Border Beauty', can be used in Feng Shui to attract good fortune and prosperity. It is often recommended to be placed in the wealth area of a home or business, which is typically the southeast corner. Its vibrant blooms are believed to infuse energy into endeavors and welcome growth.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: This daffodil variety represents the return of spring and the fresh start that comes with it.
- Self-Absorption: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, it symbolizes someone who is overly self-involved.
- Unrequited Love: Based on the tale of Narcissus and Echo, it symbolizes deep love that is not returned.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils represent good fortune and success due to their vibrant and robust bloom.
- Vanity: The connection to the Narcissus myth has also led to the flower being associated with vanity.
WaterDaffodils, which Narcissus 'Border Beauty' is commonly known as, prefer consistent moisture during the growth and blooming period. Water these plants thoroughly once a week, providing about an inch of water which roughly translates to 0.6 gallons for an average-sized garden bed. After blooming, reduce watering as the foliage starts to die back. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure the soil drains well and do not let them sit in soggy ground. It is particularly important not to over-water once the flowering has finished and the leaves are yellowing and dying back.
LightDaffodils require full to partial sunlight to thrive. The ideal spot for Narcissus 'Border Beauty' daffodils is a location where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate light shade, particularly in hot climates, but too much shade will reduce blooming. Avoid planting them in deep shade, as this will significantly hinder their growth and flowering potential.
TemperatureDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Border Beauty', grow best in temperate climates with cold winters. These plants can typically survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F, but they need this cold period to develop properly. The ideal growing temperatures for daffodils are between 50°F and 70°F during their active growth period. After flowering, they can tolerate higher temperatures as their foliage begins to die back, preparing for summer dormancy.
PruningPruning is generally not required for daffodils such as the Narcissus 'Border Beauty', but it is good practice to deadhead the faded flowers to prevent seed production, which can divert energy from the bulb. Simply snap off the spent blooms at the base of the flower stem. Do not cut the foliage until it has completely yellowed and died back, which usually occurs several weeks after blooming, as this foliage is necessary to replenish the bulb for next year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodil 'Border Beauty' should be well-draining with a mixture of loam, sand, and compost. It should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingDaffodils 'Border Beauty' generally do not require frequent repotting and are typically replanted every 3 to 5 years, mainly to divide the bulbs if they become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils 'Border Beauty' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do well in the typical humidity found outdoors in their growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep in cool room.
Outdoor
Plant in partial to full sun in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Narcissus 'Border Beauty', commonly known as Daffodil 'Border Beauty', begins with a period of dormancy where the bulb remains underground, waiting for favorable growing conditions. In early spring, growth starts as temperature and daylight increase, leading to the emergence of green shoots from the bulb. The shoots grow into leaves and a flower stalk, which then blooms into the characteristic yellow flower. After flowering, the plant goes through a period of seed production if pollination has occurred, although many garden varieties like 'Border Beauty' are often sterile and propagated mainly through bulb division. Following seed production or decline of the bloom, the foliage begins to yellow and wither as the plant enters a senescence phase, redirecting energy back into the bulb for the next season. The plant then reenters dormancy during the summer months before the cycle begins anew the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Narcissus 'Border Beauty', commonly known as the daffodil, is typically propagated by dividing its bulbs. This is done in late summer to early fall after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. Gardeners dig up the bulbs carefully, gently separate any bulblets from the parent bulb, and replant them immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (around 15 centimeters). The separated bulblets should be planted at the same depth they were growing previously, into well-draining soil with some added organic matter to encourage good growth. It's essential to allow the foliage to die back naturally each season before digging up the bulbs since this process helps the bulbs store energy for the next flowering season.
