Tazetta Daffodil Narcissus 'Canaliculatus' (8)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Canaliculatus', commonly known as the Daffodil, is a spring-flowering bulb that produces cheerful blossoms, adding beauty to gardens and landscapes. This plant showcases delicate white flowers, which are characterized by their trumpet-shaped coronas surrounded by a fragile, star-like perianth. At the center of the bloom, the trumpet boasts an attractive light yellow hue that contrasts appealingly against the pure white petals. The Daffodil 'Canaliculatus' has a distinctive arrangement of its flowers; they often appear in small clusters, giving the impression of a bountiful floral display. Each flower is supported by a sturdy, slender stalk that rises above the foliage. The leaves of this plant are slender and long, with a dark green color that provides a lovely backdrop for the bright blossoms. Overall, the Daffodil 'Canaliculatus' exudes a sense of elegance and simplicity with its stunning flowers that gracefully bob in the spring breeze. Its ability to naturalize means it can spread over time, creating a carpet of white and yellow that heralds the arrival of spring. The charm of this Daffodil lies in its delightful flowers, which can be a beautiful addition to borders, containers, or as part of a mass planting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Canalicular Daffodil, Miniature Daffodil, Tiny Daffodil.
Common names
Narcissus 'Canaliculatus'.
ToxicityTo humans
Narcissus 'Canaliculatus', commonly known as the Daffodil, contains alkaloids that can be toxic when ingested by humans. Poisoning from daffodils is generally due to ingestion of the bulbs, which are often mistaken for onions. Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and even convulsions. Handling the bulbs can also cause skin irritation due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The entire plant, but especially the bulbs, contains alkaloids such as lycorine that can cause poisoning when ingested. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in pets may include vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. If a pet consumes any part of the daffodil, it is important to seek veterinary assistance immediately as ingestion can be potentially lethal.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus 'Canaliculatus', commonly known as the Daffodil, offers an early spring bloom that adds beauty and color to gardens after the winter months.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils are known for being hardy and requiring minimal care, making them ideal for gardeners of all levels.
- Naturalizes Easily: The Daffodil can spread and naturalize in an area over time, creating more vibrant displays each year without needing to replant.
- Pest Resistant: Daffodils are typically resistant to deer, rabbits, and rodents, which makes them a good choice for gardens susceptible to animal browsing.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, they can withstand periods of low water, reducing the need for regular watering.
- Encourages Pollinators: The bloom of the Daffodil provides an early source of nectar for pollinators like bees, which is beneficial for the overall health of your garden and local ecosystem.
- Long Lifespan: With proper care, Daffodil bulbs can provide a beautiful display for many years, making them an economical choice over annual planting.
- Easy Propagation: Bulbs can be easily divided to multiply your Daffodil plants, allowing you to share with others or expand your own displays.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Canaliculatus', commonly known as the Channelled Narcissus, can be used as a natural pest repellent in gardens due to certain alkaloids that are unappealing to rodents and deer.
- In perfumery, the flowers of the Channelled Narcissus can be used to provide a spring-like fragrance note in various perfumes and scented products.
- The plant can be used as a dye source where its petals provide a soft yellow hue for fabrics when used in traditional dyeing methods.
- The flowers of the Channelled Narcissus are sometimes used in floral art and Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, due to their elegant shape and form.
- The bulb of the Channelled Narcissus, like other narcissus bulbs, can be used in the production of glue and adhesive substances thanks to the sticky sap it contains.
- In literature and poetry, the Channelled Narcissus is symbolic of vanity and self-love and is often used to add depth to creative works.
- Narcissus 'Canaliculatus' can serve as an educational plant for botany students who study bulb growth cycles and plant taxonomy.
- During Victorian times, the Channelled Narcissus was sometimes used in "tussie-mussies" – small, scented bouquets meant to convey messages through the language of flowers.
- This plant can act as a natural soil improver, as decaying bulbs and foliage provide organic matter that can enhance soil fertility.
- The striking appearance of Narcissus 'Canaliculatus' makes it ideal for themed gardens that seek to recreate or evoke certain historical periods or artistic movements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil is often used in Feng Shui for its ability to bring positive energy and good fortune when placed in the wealth or career areas of a home or office. It is believed to foster abundance, clarity, and renewed strength, especially during the Chinese New Year.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love: The Narcissus 'Canaliculatus', commonly known as Daffodil, traditionally symbolizes self-love, referencing the Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Rebirth: Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, making them a symbol of new beginnings and the revival of nature after winter.
- Unrequited Love: Due to the myth of Narcissus, they also signify unrequited love, where the focus on the self prevents the formation of external relationships.
- Pride: The flower's association with Narcissus brings with it connotations of pride, as they can represent an excessive self-focus or vanity.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the blooming of daffodils is associated with wealth and success, especially when they bloom in abundance.
- Respect: Presenting daffodils can indicate deep respect for someone, acknowledging their unique qualities, much like the distinct shape of the flower itself.
WaterNarcissus 'Canaliculatus', commonly known as Tazetta Daffodil, requires watering when the top inch of soil becomes dry, typically watering every week depending on environmental conditions. During the active growing season in the spring, water the Tazetta Daffodil with approximately 16 to 24 onzes of water, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. When the plant enters dormancy after blooming, reduce watering frequency to prevent bulb rot, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings.
LightTazetta Daffodil thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate direct sunlight in the mornings. The best spot for this plant is in an east-facing or west-facing garden where it will receive the gentle morning or late afternoon sun, avoiding the intense midday sunlight which can scorch the foliage.
TemperatureThe Tazetta Daffodil prefers a temperate range, thriving best between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for outdoor growth in many climates. For optimal growth, avoid extreme heat and try to maintain a consistent temperature within the ideal range.
PruningPruning Tazetta Daffodil is primarily for removing spent blooms and yellowing foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. After flowers have faded, deadhead the blooms to prevent seed formation. Cut back foliage once it has yellowed and died down naturally, usually 6 weeks after flowering. Pruning is not frequently required but doing it at the appropriate time helps in the reallocation of the plant's energy to the bulb for the next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Tazetta Daffodil prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix would be equal parts loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure to nourish the bulbs.
RepottingTazetta Daffodils typically do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting is generally done every 3-5 years or when the clumps become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingTazetta Daffodils prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and do not require any specific humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area; water when soil's surface feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil in autumn.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Narcissus 'Canaliculatus', commonly known as the Bulbocodium Daffodil, begins with a dormant bulb which sprouts in early spring, producing long narrow leaves and usually a single flower stalk. The flower, characteristically a bright yellow with a narrow trumpet and reflexed petals, blooms in mid to late spring. After pollination, which is mostly aided by insects, the plant sets seed in a capsule-shaped fruit. As summer approaches, the foliage and flower stalk die back, and the plant goes into dormancy, conserving energy within the bulb underground. During the dormant period, the bulb divides and multiplies, preparing for the next growth cycle. The cycle restarts with the next spring, where new bulbs sprout to produce foliage and flowers, perpetuating the life of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating Narcissus 'Canaliculatus', commonly known as the Canaliculatus Daffodil, is through dividing and replanting the bulbs. The best time for this process is after the foliage has died back and the plant has gone dormant, which is usually in late summer to fall. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of bulbs from the ground using a spade or fork, making sure not to damage the bulbs. Once lifted, gently shake off any excess soil and separate the small offset bulbs from the parent bulb. Replant these offsets immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) and spaced 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil with good sunlight. Water the newly planted bulbs to help establish their roots. This method of propagation is not only the simplest but also helps to maintain the health and vigor of your Narcissus 'Canaliculatus' by preventing overcrowding.
