Daffodil Narcissus 'Cantabile' (9)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Cantabile' is a striking plant commonly known as daffodil. Its appearance is characterized by a beautiful array of flowers perched atop slender, upright stems. The blooms are particularly captivating, with a classic daffodil form. Each flower presents a vibrant yellow hue, radiating a sense of joy and warmth reminiscent of early spring. The central trumpet-shaped corona contrasts with the color of the petals, often displaying a slightly different shade, which might be paler or even tinged with a different hue, adding depth and dimension to the visual display. The foliage of the daffodil 'Cantabile' is also quite attractive, typically emerging as narrow, strap-like leaves that are a glossy green color. These leaves form a neat, sword-shaped cluster at the base of the stem, gracefully arching and providing a lush backdrop for the prominent flowers. Overall, the plant exudes elegance and a well-structured form, making it a delightful addition to any garden setting, where it is often planted in groups for a bountiful and cheerful display of springtime color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Cantabile Daffodil, Cantabile Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Cantabile'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, including the variety 'Cantabile', is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulb being the most poisonous part. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and more severe cases can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, convulsions, and potentially even coma.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Ingesting any part of the flower, stem, leaves, or bulb can cause symptoms including vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, and possibly seizures. The bulb contains the highest concentration of toxic alkaloids and poses the greatest risk. Serious cases of daffodil poisoning can be fatal if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Narcissus 'Cantabile', commonly known as daffodil, offers bright, cheerful blooms that enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Spring Bloomer: As a spring-flowering bulb, it provides early color to gardens after the winter months.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being low-maintenance and easy to cultivate, suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils have the ability to multiply and spread over time, creating a denser, more striking display with each passing year.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: The bulbs and flowers are typically resistant to deer and rodents, which helps prevent garden damage.
- Cut Flower: Daffodils are excellent for cutting and can be used to create beautiful indoor floral arrangements.
- Tolerant of Varied Conditions: They can thrive in a range of climates and soil types, making them versatile additions to many gardens.
- Longevity: Once established, daffodils can bloom for many years with little attention, offering long-term garden enjoyment.
- Spring Indicator: The appearance of daffodil blooms is often one of the first signs of spring, bringing joy and anticipation of the warmer months to come.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fabric dye: The petals of Narcissus 'Cantabile' can be used to produce a yellow-orange dye for coloring fabrics naturally.
- Perfumery: The essential oils extracted from Narcissus 'Cantabile' can be used in the production of perfumes due to its sweet, floral scent.
- Symbolic gifts: Due to its association with new beginnings and the Greek myth of Narcissus, the flower can symbolize self-love and vanity when given as a gift.
- Photography subject: The Narcissus 'Cantabile' is a popular subject for photographers due to its striking appearance and the challenge of capturing its delicate details.
- Art and illustration: The plant is often used by artists and illustrators as a subject for botanical art works, showcasing its beauty in various art pieces.
- Garden aesthetic: Planting Narcissus 'Cantabile' in a garden can create a focal point for early spring interest, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the space.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of Narcissus 'Cantabile' can be used as biodegradable confetti for events like weddings to minimize environmental impact.
- Bioindicator species: The growth and bloom periods of Narcissus 'Cantabile' can serve as indicators of seasonal climate patterns in certain regions.
- Cultural festivals: Some cultures may use Narcissus 'Cantabile' during specific festivals or celebrations as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
- Landscape architecture: Narcissus 'Cantabile' is used in landscape design to create naturalized drifts or mass plantings for visual impact in public and private spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: The narcissus flower is often associated with Narcissus from Greek mythology, who was known for his beauty and fell in love with his own reflection. Thus, the flower symbolizes self-love and vanity.
- New beginnings: Because narcissus typically blooms in early spring, it represents new beginnings and the coming of a fresh start.
- Wealth and prosperity: In some cultures, the narcissus is seen as a symbol of wealth and good fortune, particularly around the Lunar New Year.
- Unrequited love: Linked again to the myth of Narcissus, this plant can symbolize love that is not reciprocated, as Narcissus could not leave the love of his own reflection to return anyone else's affection.
- Hope: The narcissus can also be seen as a sign of hope, with its bright flowers emerging after the winter
- Inner reflection: It may also represent the need for introspection, encouraging one to take a look at their own reflection—figuratively speaking—and find inner truth.
WaterDaffodils, like Narcissus 'Cantabile', prefer to be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch during the growing season. Typically, watering about once a week with about 1 inch of water--approximately half a gallon per square foot of soil--is sufficient for maintaining moisture without causing waterlogging. During their dormant period after flowering, reduce watering significantly. It's crucial to ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot, so be careful not to overwater.
LightDaffodils thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. The ideal spot for Narcissus 'Cantabile' is in partial shade to full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Avoid placing them in deep shade since insufficient light can lead to poor flowering.
TemperatureDaffodils like Narcissus 'Cantabile' are hardy in a broad range of temperatures and can survive winter chills down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature range during the active season is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate brief periods of higher temperatures, but prolonged heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to the plants.
PruningPruning is not generally required for daffodils like Narcissus 'Cantabile'. The most you should do is deadhead the flowers after they fade to prevent seed formation and encourage bulb strength. Leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and withers, which is typically about 6 weeks after flowering, and then remove it. This process allows the plant to store energy for the next blooming cycle.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Cantabile' best grows in well-drained soil with a mixture of loam, sand, and organic matter like compost or peat moss. The ideal pH range for this daffodil is 6.0-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral. Good drainage is key to preventing bulb rot.
RepottingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Cantabile' typically don't require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. It's best to repot or divide bulbs once they become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Cantabile' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not require highly specific humidity conditions for growth. They thrive in the humidity levels typically found in outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Cantabile' near bright window; avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full to partial sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Narcissus 'Cantabile,' commonly known as daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which lies dormant underground during the summer months. In the fall, the bulb develops roots as the temperature cools, drawing nutrients from the soil. Come late winter to early spring, green shoots emerge from the bulb, eventually producing stems and leaves. The daffodil then blooms, revealing its distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers, typically in shades of yellow or white, which are pollinated by insects. After flowering, the plant goes into a period of senescence where the leaves die back, and the plant directs energy back into the bulb to store for the next growth cycle. The cycle completes with the bulb entering dormancy again during the hotter months, waiting to repeat the process the following autumn.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Narcissus 'Cantabile', commonly known as Daffodil, is through division of its bulbs. This process is typically carried out in the late summer to fall, after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. It is crucial to allow the leaves to remain until they yellow and wither, as this is when the plant is transferring nutrients back into the bulb for the next growing season. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of bulbs with a garden fork and gently separate them by hand. Each individual bulb can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters), roughly three times the height of the bulb, in well-drained soil with good sunlight. By following these simple steps, the bulbs will establish themselves over the winter and emerge as robust plants come spring.
