Daffodil Narcissus 'Chanson' (1)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Chanson' is commonly known as a daffodil variety that features distinctive blooms. The appearance of the flower is characterized by an alluring combination of colors typically featuring creamy white petals that surround a frilled cup of soft peach to salmon-pink. This creates a stunning contrast, drawing the eye to the ruffled, often slightly darker-colored center. The blooms are borne on sturdy stems and are known for their symmetrical shape and classic daffodil form, which includes six petal-like tepals that spread out from the central trumpet-shaped corona. This daffodil variety may produce multiple flowers per stem, adding to its decorative appeal. The foliage of Narcissus 'Chanson' is typical of daffodils, presenting as long, slender leaves of a deep green color that form a tidy clump beneath the flowers. The leaves are somewhat sword-like, with a central fold or crease and slightly arching habit. The blooms and foliage together create an attractive display that is often associated with the arrival of spring.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Daffodil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Chanson'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and elegance to gardens with its striking white petals and small yellow cup.
- Easy to Grow: Suitable for beginners as it requires minimal maintenance.
- Perennial Growth: Returns each spring, offering a long-lasting addition to the garden space.
- Attracts Pollinators: Helps support local ecosystems by attracting bees and other pollinators.
- Resilience: Typically resistant to deer, providing an excellent choice for areas with prevalent wildlife.
- Cut Flower: Ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements due to its long vase life and beauty.
- Versatile Planting: Can be planted in flower beds, borders, and containers for diverse garden design.
- 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 'Chanson', commonly known as the daffodil, can serve as a pest repellent due to its alkaloid content which some pests find deterring.
- They are used as a companion plant in gardens for deterring rodents who dislike their toxic bulbs and thus protect more susceptible plants.
- Dried daffodil petals can be used in potpourri mixtures, adding fragrance as well as a splash of color to the mixture.
- The sap from daffodil stems is traditionally believed to be useful for healing minor wounds, though care must be taken as it can also be irritating to the skin.
- The flowers are used in dyeing fabric, providing a range of colors from yellow to orange, depending on the mordant used.
- Daffodil bulbs can be used in a natural dyeing process to color Easter eggs, giving them a gentle yellow hue.
- Planting daffodils in overgrazed areas can sometimes deter grazing animals like deer because they tend to avoid eating these toxic plants.
- Fine art and crafting activities can include pressed daffodil flowers which are often used for making bookmarks, greeting cards, and other decorative items.
- They are used as a natural source of inspiration in photography and painting, often symbolizing the arrival of spring and rebirth.
- The clear geometry of daffodil flowers can be studied for educational purposes in fields such as botany and art for understanding plant structures and aesthetics.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Self-love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his own reflection, this flower represents self-admiration and vanity.
- New beginnings: Since daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, they symbolize rebirth and new starts.
- Prosperity: Their springtime arrival also signifies abundance and prosperity.
- Chivalry: In certain cultural contexts, daffodils represent honor and the desire to be gallant or courteous.
- Uncertainty or Unrequited Love: The Narcissus flower can also symbolize uncertainty in love or unrequited feelings due to the tragic story of Narcissus who loved only himself.
- Inspiration: Many artists and writers take inspiration from the beauty of daffodils, which in turn makes the flower a symbol for creativity and inspiration.
- Water
The Daffodil, commonly known as Narcissus 'Chanson', requires moderate watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During active growth in the spring, water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be once a week depending on weather conditions. Reduce watering after the flowers have faded and the leaves begin to yellow, signaling the plant is entering its dormant phase. On average, during the growing season, you might find yourself watering with approximately one gallon per week for outdoor plants, adjusting for rainfall and temperature changes.
- Light
Daffodils thrive in areas with full to partial sunlight. The best spot for planting Narcissus 'Chanson' would be a sunny to a partly shaded location where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid placing them in deep shade, as this will result in fewer blooms.
- Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Narcissus 'Chanson' or Daffodil is between 50°F and 60°F. Daffodils can survive winter cold down to about 15°F and can tolerate spring temperatures up to about 75°F. The bulbs are hardy and become dormant during the hot summer months, so they can withstand higher temperatures while they are not in active growth.
- Pruning
Pruning is not typically required for Narcissus 'Chanson', or Daffodil, as they are bulbous plants. Deadhead spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and to prevent seed pod formation, which can divert energy from the bulb. However, do not cut back the foliage until it has completely died down naturally, usually several weeks after flowering, as the leaves provide energy for the bulb for next year's growth.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Daffodils, such as Narcissus 'Chanson', should be well-draining yet fertile, with a mix of loamy soil, peat moss, and perlite. The ideal soil pH should range between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth and flowering.
- Repotting
Daffodils typically need repotting every two to three years. They prefer to be somewhat pot-bound, so repotting too often is unnecessary and can disturb their growth cycle.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodils thrive in average household humidity levels; they do not require any special humidity adjustments. They are generally adaptable to the ambient humidity found in most homes.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with partial to full sunlight exposure.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Narcissus 'Chanson', commonly known as Daffodil, begins its life cycle with a dormant bulb that initiates growth in late winter to early spring, sending up shoots and developing into flowering stalks as temperatures rise. The plant flowers in early to mid-spring, displaying its characteristic white petals and pale yellow cup. After flowering, the leaves photosynthesize and replenish the bulb's energy reserves for several weeks before dying back. The bulb then enters a period of dormancy during the summer, conserving energy for the next growing season. In autumn, the bulb may produce offsets, or small bulbs, which can be separated to propagate new plants. The cycle is perennial, with the bulb lying dormant beneath the soil until the next appropriate growth season arrives.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'Chanson', commonly known as daffodil, is most popularly propagated by dividing and replanting its bulbs. The optimal time for this is late summer to early fall, after the leaves have died back and the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate them, making sure each division has at least one growing point. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) and spaced approximately 6 inches apart to allow room for growth. This division method helps maintain the health and vigor of daffodil clumps, ensuring a robust bloom in the following spring.