Daffodil Narcissus 'Brabazon' (1)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Brabazon' is a variety of daffodil known for its striking blooms that adorn the landscape in spring. The flowers of this plant showcase large, prominent trumpet-shaped cups surrounded by a ring of six petal-like tepals that are slightly swept back, giving the blooms a poised and elegant look. The color of the petals is typically a bright yellow, while the trumpets often feature a contrasting tone, sometimes orange or a deeper golden hue, which makes them stand out even more in a garden setting. The foliage of the Narcissus 'Brabazon' is slender and blade-like, forming a neat, green backdrop that complements and highlights the vibrant flowers. This plant tends to produce sturdy stems that hold the blooms aloft, allowing them to sway gently in the breeze. Overall, the appearance of the Narcissus 'Brabazon' is one of cheerful splendor, making it a popular choice for gardeners wishing to herald the arrival of spring.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Brabazon'
ToxicityTo humans
The daffodil, as Narcissus 'Brabazon' is commonly known, contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine and others that can be hazardous if ingested. Eating any part of the daffodil can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingesting the bulb, which contains the highest concentration of these toxins, can lead to increased salivation, tremors, convulsions, low blood pressure, and even cardiac arrhythmias. Handling the bulbs may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is important for humans to avoid ingesting any part of the daffodil plant.
To pets
The daffodil is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and possibly cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression in severe cases. Lycorine is the primary toxic alkaloid found in daffodils, and it can induce strong gastrointestinal distress and central nervous system effects. Pets may also experience drooling, tremors, or seizures if they consume a significant amount of the plant material. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if a pet has ingested any part of a daffodil.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Beautification: Narcissus 'Brabazon', commonly known as Daffodil, can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes with its striking flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established in the right conditions.
- Pest Resistance: These plants are less desirable to deer and many other pests, reducing the need for chemical repellents.
- Spring Blooming: Daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter with their vibrant blossoms.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils can spread and naturalize in an area over time, creating larger displays of color every year.
- Symbolic Meanings: Daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, making them ideal for gardens meant to inspire optimism.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Garnish: The petals of the daffodil can be crystallized and used for decorating desserts, but must be used with care due to potential toxicity if ingested in larger amounts.
- Fragrance Extraction: The scent of daffodils is sometimes used in perfumery; however, it is not common due to the difficulty in extracting the fragrance oils.
- Dye Production: Daffodil flowers can be used to produce a yellow dye, which was traditionally used to color wool and other fabrics.
- Photography: The vibrant colors of daffodils, especially the 'Brabazon' variety, are often used as subjects in botanical and garden photography.
- Eco-friendly Pest Control: Daffodil bulbs contain compounds that can deter moles and voles from gardens without harming the environment.
- Artistic Inspiration: Daffodils have inspired artists for centuries and are often used as a motif in various forms of art, like painting and pottery.
- Aromatherapy: While not a common choice, the scent of daffodils can be used in aromatherapy to create a calming and uplifting environment.
- Symbolic Use: Daffodils are a symbol of hope and rebirth, and are often used in celebrations and events that mark new beginnings, like weddings or spring festivals.
- Language Education: Daffodils, being well-known flowers, are often used to teach children and non-native speakers the names of flowers and colors in educational settings.
- Float Decoration: Daffodil blooms are sometimes used to decorate floats in parades, especially those that occur in spring, when the flowers are in season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil is used in Feng Shui as a symbol of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity. It is often recommended to place daffodils in areas where you want to invite positive energy and encourage the growth of personal wealth or success, such as the southeast part of a home or office, which corresponds to the wealth and abundance area in the Bagua map.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, a youth who fell in love with his own reflection, the narcissus flower commonly symbolizes self-admiration and vanity.
- Renewal: As a herald of spring, the narcissus often signifies new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, especially in Chinese New Year celebrations, the narcissus is associated with wealth and good fortune.
- Hope: The narcissus can also represent hope, as it is one of the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter and represents the overcoming of challenges or difficult periods.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Brabazon', should be watered thoroughly at planting time and not watered again until the leaves emerge, unless there’s a dry spell. Once they are in active growth, provide about 1 inch of water per week, unless there is sufficient rainfall. After they flower, continue watering weekly to ensure proper bulb formation for the next season until the leaves begin to yellow. Taper off as the foliage dies back and the bulbs go dormant. Typically, this equates to about 0.6 gallons per square yard per week during the active growth period.
LightDaffodils thrive in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for Narcissus 'Brabazon' is a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If planted under deciduous trees, they can still flourish as they will receive enough sunlight before the trees fully leaf out in spring.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and can survive a range of temperatures. They can tolerate winter cold down to about -20°F, making them suitable for many climates. The ideal temperature for Narcissus 'Brabazon' during the growing season is between 50°F and 70°F. However, they need a chilling period at 35°F to 45°F for 12 to 15 weeks in order to bloom properly.
PruningDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Brabazon', should be deadheaded after the flowers fade to prevent seed production, which diverts energy from bulb growth. Leave the foliage intact until it yellows and dies back naturally, usually 6 to 8 weeks after blooming to allow nutrients to return to the bulb. There's no need for extensive pruning or shaping with daffodils.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils, like Narcissus 'Brabazon', thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix with equal parts potting soil, peat, and perlite or sand offers ideal conditions for growth and blooming.
RepottingDaffodils typically need repotting every 2 to 3 years, or when they become overcrowded in their current container, to ensure space for growth and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Brabazon', prefer average humidity levels and do not require any special humidity requirements, making them suitable for typical home or garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade with good drainage.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDaffodil 'Brabazon' begins its life cycle with bulb formation, where it stores nutrients for future growth. The plant then undergoes a period of dormancy, usually during the colder months, where it lies inactive underground. With the onset of spring, the bulb sends up shoots and leaves, followed by the development of a single flower stalk bearing the characteristic trumpet-shaped daffodil flowers. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence where the leaves die back, but photosynthate is translocated back to the bulb for the next growing season. The bulb can also produce offsets, leading to a clonal colony that can increase in size each year. The cycle repeats annually as the bulb goes dormant and awakens each spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Narcissus 'Brabazon', more commonly known as the Daffodil, most typically undergoes propagation through division of its bulbs. This division usually takes place in late summer, after the foliage has died down, typically August to September. To propagate by division, the bulbs should be carefully lifted from the ground with a garden fork, taking care not to damage them. Once lifted, the clumps of bulbs can be gently separated by hand into individual bulbs. Each bulb can then be replanted immediately at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, which equates to roughly 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep, in well-drained soil with adequate sunlight. Over time, these bulbs will multiply underground, creating a clump that can again be divided. This method is straightforward and helps maintain the health and vigor of the plant while increasing the number of daffodils in your garden.
