Bridal Crown Daffodil Narcissus 'Bridal Crown' (4)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Bridal Crown' is a captivating plant known for its opulent flowers. The blooms are distinctive with multiple layers of creamy white petals that create a lush, frilled effect reminiscent of a traditional wedding dress. Each flower is adorned with a small central cup, which is often a soft yellow or pale orange color, adding a delicate contrast to the pure white petals. This central cup is fringed with a ruffled edge, adding to the ornate and decorative appearance of the bloom. The flowers of the 'Bridal Crown' exude a sweet and intoxicating fragrance. These blossoms are carried in dense clusters, giving a sense of abundance and luxury that magnifies the visual appeal of the plant. The blooms emerge from sturdy, upright stalks that rise above the base of the plant. The foliage is dark green and strap-shaped, providing a simple yet elegant backdrop that further accentuates the beauty of the flowers. The overall impression of Narcissus 'Bridal Crown' is one of elegance and charm, with its sumptuous flowers creating a focal point in gardens and floral arrangements alike.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Bridal Crown Daffodil, Double Daffodil Bridal Crown, Bridal Crown Narcissus, Narcissus 'Bridal Crown'.
Common names
Narcissus 'Bridal Crown'
- Toxicity
To humans
Daffodil is considered to be toxic to humans if any part of the plant is ingested, from the bulb to the flowers and stem. It contains alkaloids such as lycorine, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more significant health issues, including heart problems, respiratory depression, and even convulsions. Accidental ingestion of daffodil parts, particularly the bulb, which is sometimes mistaken for an onion, should be treated immediately by seeking medical advice.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs, due to the presence of lycorine and other alkaloids. Consuming any part of the daffodil, especially the bulbs, can lead to symptoms like vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart arrhythmias, and in extreme cases, can lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and even cardiac arrhythmias. Pet owners should prevent their pets from accessing daffodils and should seek veterinary attention promptly if they suspect their pet has eaten any part of a daffodil plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 4-6 inches (40-50 cm)
Spread
0 foot 6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Daffodil 'Bridal Crown' adds aesthetic value to gardens with its clusters of creamy-white, double flowers and sweet fragrance.
- Spring Bloom: It heralds the coming of spring, typically blooming from March to April, depending on the climate.
- Ease of Care: Daffodils are known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in the right conditions.
- Pest Resistance: These plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making them a hassle-free choice for gardeners.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils have the ability to spread and naturalize over time, creating larger displays each year.
- Attracts Pollinators: While mainly ornamental, they can attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: The bulbs and foliage are not favored by deer and rodents, which helps to protect them from wildlife damage.
- Longevity: Bulbs can live for several years with the right care, making them a long-lasting addition to any garden.
- Symbolism and Tradition: Daffodils have cultural significance, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, and are often associated with spring festivals and traditions.
- 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 'Bridal Crown' bulbs can be used to provide a natural pest deterrent, as some pests may be repelled by the compounds within the plant.
- Extracts from the plant have been used in perfumery for their rich, floral scent, contributing to the fragrance industry.
- The sap can be used as a natural adhesive for small crafts or as an emergency repair for paper items.
- Dried Narcissus 'Bridal Crown' petals can be incorporated into potpourri to add fragrance to a room.
- The strong stems can be woven to create small decorative items or as part of natural arts and crafts projects.
- Pressing and drying the blooms can be a method of preserving their beauty for artwork or botanical displays.
- As a symbol of new beginnings, the flowers are used in festive occasions such as weddings and spring celebrations for decoration.
- They can be included in eco-friendly confetti mixtures for events to add a biodegradable and natural element.
- Seasonal water features can be decorated with floating blossoms of Narcissus 'Bridal Crown' for a temporary ornamental touch.
- The plant's form and colors can inspire artists and designers in various fields such as fashion, graphic design, and interior décor.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Daffodil is known in Feng Shui to attract good fortune and to symbolize the coming of wealth. It's often recommended to place Daffodils in areas where you want to invite positive Qi, such as the wealth corner (southeast) of your home or desk, but be mindful to not place too many as they can bring about "bad luck" if overdone due to the flower's association with self-absorption from the Greek myth of Narcissus.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus typically blooms in the early spring, making it a symbol of renewal and the start of a new cycle of life.
- Hope and Inspiration: Its emergence from the cold of winter represents hope and the ability to overcome challenges, inspiring those who appreciate its beauty.
- Vanity and Self-Admiration: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his own reflection, this plant can represent self-absorption and vanity.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, the Narcissus, particularly the yellow varieties, are believed to symbolize wealth, good fortune, and prosperity.
- Water
Daffodils, including the 'Bridal Crown' variety, should ideally be watered about once a week, depending on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. They require thorough watering that reaches deep into the soil to encourage their roots to grow deeply and establish well. For potted daffodils, water with approximately 16 to 24 onzes of water per week, ensuring that excess water can drain freely to avoid waterlogging. During the active growing phase in spring, the soil should be kept moist but not saturated. After flowering, reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back and the plant enters dormancy.
- Light
The 'Bridal Crown' daffodil thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. An ideal spot would provide them with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, promoting strong growth and vigorous blooms. Areas with morning sunlight and afternoon shade are also suitable for these daffodils to flourish.
- Temperature
Daffodils like 'Bridal Crown' do well in a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer a cooler climate with temperatures roughly between 50°F and 70°F during their growing season. They can tolerate minimum temperatures as low as 20°F and maximum temperatures up to about 80°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range may harm the plant or inhibit its growth.
- Pruning
'Bridal Crown' daffodils require minimal pruning. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, can be performed to keep the plants looking tidy and to prevent seed development, which can divert energy from bulb growth. Pruning should be done soon after the flowers fade, but allow the foliage to die back naturally to ensure the bulbs are nourished for the next season.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Daffodil 'Bridal Crown' thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure. It prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Amend the soil with perlite or grit to improve drainage, especially in heavy or clay soils.
- Repotting
Daffodil 'Bridal Crown' bulbs should be repotted every 2-3 years, or once the blooms begin to diminish in size or quantity. This is typically done after the foliage has died back.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodils, including 'Bridal Crown', are fairly tolerant of a range of humidity levels but prefer moderate conditions. They thrive outdoors where they are exposed to natural variation in humidity.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in fall.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Narcissus 'Bridal Crown', commonly known as the Bridal Crown Daffodil, begins its life as a bulb, which is planted in the fall before the first frost. The bulb lies dormant over the winter, and with the onset of spring, it uses stored nutrients to send up green shoots and leaves. Following the foliage, flower stalks emerge, bearing clusters of creamy-white, fragrant blossoms that resemble a collection of small, ruffled crowns. After blooming, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis, where the leaves gather sunlight to generate food, which is stored back in the bulb for the next cycle. Once the leaves yellow and die back, the bulb goes into a resting period during the summer months. The cycle restarts with the next planting season, with bulbs either continuing to grow in-situ or being lifted, divided, and replanted to propagate new plants.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Narcissus 'Bridal Crown', commonly known as daffodil, is by dividing its bulbs. Division should be done in the late summer to early fall, after the leaves have died back, signaling that the bulb has entered dormancy. Gently dig up the bulbs and carefully separate any offsets, which are the smaller bulbs that have formed at the base of the parent bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), spaced 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart, in well-draining soil with good sunlight. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to help establish their roots. This simple form of vegetative propagation ensures genetic consistency and is an easy and effective way to increase your daffodil numbers.