Daffodil Narcissus 'Broadway Star' (11b)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Broadway Star' is a captivating cultivar that belongs to the daffodil family. This plant features striking flowers which are known for their unique color and form. The blooms have a central cup or corona that is frilled at the edges and exhibits a vibrant orange-pink hue. Surrounding the cup, there are six petal-like structures called tepals, which are usually a pale yellow or creamy white in color. These tepals are broad, slightly curved backward, forming an attractive contrast against the striking cup. The daffodil 'Broadway Star' exudes a fresh, inviting fragrance that adds an aromatic allure to wherever it is planted. Each flower stem typically bears a single bloom which sits atop a sturdy, upright stalk, emerging from a base of green, strap-like leaves. The leaves are narrow and long, providing a soft, grassy backdrop to the bold statement made by the flowers. Once in bloom, the plant presents a cheerful and showy display that is often associated with the arrival of spring. It is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their flower beds, borders, or containers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Broadway Star Daffodil, Broadway Star Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Broadway Star'
ToxicityTo humans
The daffodil, common name for Narcissus 'Broadway Star', contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine and other compounds that can be harmful to humans if ingested. The bulb is the most poisonous part, but all parts of the plant can be toxic. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, consuming large amounts of the plant can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. If ingested, medical attention should be sought immediately.
To pets
The daffodil, common name for Narcissus 'Broadway Star', is toxic to pets. All parts of the plant, especially the bulb, contain toxic alkaloids like lycorine. If pets ingest daffodils, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and excessive drooling. More severe symptoms could include cardiac arrhythmias and central nervous system depression. In extreme cases, it can lead to convulsions and potentially be fatal. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if a pet ingests any part of a daffodil plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Aesthetic appeal: The Narcissus 'Broadway Star', commonly known as Daffodil, features striking flowers that add color and vibrancy to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to grow: Daffodils are known for their hardiness and low maintenance requirements, making them suitable for a variety of gardening skill levels.
- Spring blooming: A herald of spring, the Daffodil's bloom is one of the first signs of the end of winter, providing an early splash of color.
- Perennial growth: As a perennial, the Daffodil re-emerges year after year, offering a long-lasting planting investment.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils are capable of naturalizing, meaning they can spread and multiply, filling an area with more blooms each year.
- Pest resistance: These flowers are generally resistant to deer and rodents, protecting your garden from unwanted nibblers.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Daffodils can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for a range of climates and water availability conditions.
- Versatility: Daffodils can be planted in flower beds, borders, containers, and even lawns for a versatile display.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flowers: Broadway Star daffodils make excellent cut flowers that can bring spring cheer to any indoor arrangement.
- Garden Design: Planted in large groups, they create a stunning visual impact with their bright colors in garden beds and borders.
- Forcing Blooms: Bulbs of this daffodil can be forced to bloom indoors during winter for a touch of spring ahead of season.
- Companion Planting: Broadway Star daffodils can be planted with other spring bulbs like tulips to complement their flowering times and colors.
- Wedding Décor: Their elegant shape and bright color can be used in spring wedding bouquets and decorations.
- Photography Subject: With their striking appearance, they make a beautiful subject for floral photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: The blooms of these daffodils can inspire artists for paintings, drawings, and other crafts.
- Educational Tool: Gardeners and educators use these plants to teach about bulb growth cycles and spring-flowering plants.
- Gift Plants: Potted Broadway Star daffodils can be given as a living gift that symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings in many cultures.
- Cultural Events: Used in celebrations of spring festivals and events, such as Easter, to symbolize new life and vitality.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Absorption: Named after the character from Greek mythology, Narcissus, who was so in love with his own reflection that he drowned in it, narcissus flowers are often associated with vanity and excessive self-love.
- New Beginnings: As a herald of spring, the narcissus, often referred to as the daffodil, signifies renewal and the start of a new cycle of growth and life.
- Unrequited Love: Continuing from the Narcissus myth, these flowers can represent one-sided love, where the affection is not returned.
- Prosperity: Daffodils blooming in clusters are associated with wealth and good fortune, which is why they're regarded as symbols of prosperity in some cultures.
- Respect: The daffodil's bright and upright appearance symbolizes deep respect and regard for someone.
WaterThe Daffodil 'Broadway Star' requires consistent moisture during the growing season, which generally means weekly watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, so depending on your soil type and climate, this could translate to about one to two gallons of water per plant each week. Increase watering if the week is particularly hot or dry. When the plant is dormant, after the foliage has died back, reduce watering significantly, as the bulbs can rot in overly wet soil. To water, pour water at the base of the plant, soaking the soil around the roots rather than the foliage to minimize the risk of disease.
LightDaffodils, including 'Broadway Star', perform best in full sunlight, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. They can also tolerate partial shade, particularly in hot climates where some afternoon shade can be beneficial. The optimal spot is somewhere with morning sunlight and protection from the intense heat of late afternoon sun.
TemperatureDaffodils 'Broadway Star' can withstand chilly weather and are hardy in cold climates, withstanding temperatures as low as 20°F. They prefer chilly winters for their dormant bulbs and have a spring growing season, thriving best in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. However, they should be protected from extreme heat, as temperatures consistently above 80°F may harm the plant.
PruningPruning Daffodils 'Broadway Star' typically involves deadheading the spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed production, which can divert energy from bulb growth. Cut the flower stalks back to the base after blooming, but leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and wilts naturally. This typically occurs once per season, after the plant has flowered.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Broadway Star' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted organic matter is ideal for ensuring adequate drainage and nutrition.
RepottingDaffodils like 'Broadway Star' are typically grown from bulbs which do not need frequent repotting. Repot every 2 to 3 years or when the bulbs outgrow their current space.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Broadway Star' tolerates average outdoor humidity levels well and does not require specific humidity adjustments for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Broadway Star' in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Daffodil 'Broadway Star' begins with bulb growth underground, where it lies dormant during the summer months. In the fall, roots start to grow from the base of the bulb, drawing nutrients from the soil. Come late winter or early spring, shoots emerge from the bulb, leading to the development of the plant's characteristic foliage and bright, showy flowers. After blooming, the flowers wither and the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis to gather and store energy in the bulb for the next cycle. When the leaves die back in late spring or early summer, the bulb enters a period of dormancy. During this time, the bulb may also undergo division, producing offsets that can be separated and planted to grow new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'Broadway Star', commonly known as Daffodil, is typically propagated by dividing the bulbs after the foliage has died back in late summer to early fall. The most popular method involves carefully digging up the clumps of bulbs and gently separating the smaller offset bulbs, called bulbils, from the mother bulb. These bulbils can then be immediately replanted at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters), allowing sufficient space for root development. Soil should be well-draining with added organic matter to encourage growth. Water the newly planted bulbils thoroughly to settle the soil around them. It generally takes a full season for these offsets to develop into flowering bulbs, so patience is required when propagating Daffodils in this way.
