Daffodil Narcissus 'Charity May' (6)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Charity May', commonly known as daffodil, is a distinct variety that boasts a captivating presence in any garden. This plant features showy, prominent flowers with a unique two-toned color palette. The blossoms exhibit a central trumpet or corona that is a deep, vibrant orange, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding petals, which are a soft, creamy yellow. The petals are arranged in a classic daffodil form, with each flower typically showcasing six spreading petals that create an alluring star-like shape when viewed from above. The flowers are borne on sturdy stems, which rise gracefully above the plant's strap-like, deep green foliage. These leaves provide a lush backdrop that accentuates the visual appeal of the blooming daffodil. The leaves are often slightly arching and may have a fine, linear texture which offers depth and dimension to the plant's overall appearance. Narcissus 'Charity May' has a characteristic springtime demeanor, bringing a sense of vitality and freshness to the scene. It is particularly noted for its delightful fragrance, which can be described as subtly sweet and is sure to enhance the sensory experience of any garden visitor. The inviting aroma and striking appearance of this daffodil make it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements as well as outdoor displays. The vibrant colors and elegant form of Narcissus 'Charity May' seamlessly blend to create a visual symphony that signals the end of the cold season and the beginning of the vibrant, life-affirming spring. This variety of daffodil is not only aesthetically pleasing but also symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, often associated with the return of spring.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Charity May Daffodil, Charity May Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Charity May'
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus 'Charity May', commonly known as daffodil, is toxic to humans. All parts of the daffodil contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulb being the most poisonous part. If ingested, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in severe cases can lead to dehydration, tremors, convulsions, and even heart problems. Handling the plant, especially the bulb, can also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Charity May', are toxic to pets. If ingested, the plant can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Typically, the bulb contains the highest concentration of toxic alkaloids, but all parts of the plant are harmful. In severe cases, ingesting the plant can be fatal for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Narcissus 'Charity May' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant blooms and elegant structure, it adds color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: This variety of daffodil is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established in suitable conditions.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Narcissus 'Charity May' can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Typically, daffodils are resistant to deer and rodents, which can help to protect other plants in your garden from damage.
- Longevity: Many daffodils, including Narcissus 'Charity May', are known for their long-lasting flowers and ability to come back year after year.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Charity May', commonly known as daffodil, can be used as a natural dye source. The petals contain pigments that can be extracted to dye fabrics and papers with shades of yellow.
- The sturdy stems and papery texture of daffodil blooms make them suitable for crafting. They can be pressed and included in scrapbooking or card-making projects.
- Daffodil bulbs, when planted in mass, can deter rodents like voles and mice from gardens, as they find these bulbs unpalatable due to certain alkaloids.
- The blooms of daffodils can be floated in shallow dishes of water to create simple, elegant table centerpieces for events and dinners.
- Dried daffodil petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add a spring-like fragrance and hints of yellow color to a room.
- In photography, daffodils can be used as foreground interest or a natural splash of color in landscape and garden photography compositions.
- The shapes and colors of daffodil flowers can inspire artists and be used in design work such as textiles, wallpapers, and home décor motifs.
- When in bloom, daffodils can serve as an indicator plant signaling the beginning of the spring season for gardeners to start sowing frost-tender crops.
- Daffodils can be a source of inspiration for writers and poets, often symbolizing rebirth, new beginnings, and unrequited love.
- Used in educational settings, daffodils can teach students about plant life cycles, pollination processes, and seasonal changes in horticulture classes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiNarcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityNarcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: Narcissus blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a new growth cycle, representing hope and rebirth.
- Vanity and Self-obsession: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, known for his beauty and excessive self-love, the plant can represent egotism and self-centeredness.
- Wealth and Prosperity: Historically, in some cultures, the Narcissus is a symbol of wealth and success, as its blooming coincides with the Chinese New Year.
- Uncertainty and Unrequited Love: Because of the Narcissus's connection to the myth, in which Narcissus falls in love with his own reflection, it can also symbolize unreturned feelings.
- Inspiration and Creativity: The bright and appealing flowers of the Narcissus 'Charity May' are thought to stimulate creativity and bring about inspiration.
- Respect and Admiration: Giving someone a bouquet of Narcissus is often a sign of respect and admiration, particularly if the person is esteemed and accomplished.
WaterDaffodils, including 'Charity May', prefer evenly moist soil and should be watered thoroughly once a week with about 1 inch of water, especially in the absence of rainfall. During the active growth period in the spring, make sure the plant receives approximately 1 gallon of water per square foot each month. Once the foliage begins to die back after flowering, reduce watering as the bulbs enter a dormant period.
LightDaffodils like 'Charity May' thrive in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot to plant them is where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They can also grow in light shade, but too much shade may reduce flowering and weaken the bulbs over time.
TemperatureThe daffodil 'Charity May' can survive in a wide range of temperatures and is hardy to USDA zones 3 to 8. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable during the spring flowering season with temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, once the active growth period is over, daffodils prefer a warmer, dryer rest period in the summer.
PruningDaffodils such as 'Charity May' require minimal pruning. Deadheading the spent flowers after blooming can help promote bulb strength but leave the foliage intact until it has yellowed and died back naturally. This allows the plant to gather energy for the next blooming season. Usually, pruning is not needed more than once per year immediately after the flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Charity May' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, sand, and organic compost would provide the ideal growing conditions, ensuring good drainage and nutrient content.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Charity May', are typically replanted rather than repotted, as they grow from bulbs. They should be lifted and divided every 3 to 5 years to avoid overcrowding and to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Charity May' is not particularly sensitive to humidity and can tolerate a wide range. However, like most daffodils, it does not require high humidity environments and grows well in average outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place daffodil 'Charity May' near bright window; cool temperature fosters growth.
Outdoor
Plant daffodil 'Charity May' in partial sun to full sun in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Narcissus 'Charity May', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which remains dormant under the soil until favorable growing conditions arrive, usually in spring. When the temperature warms, the bulb sends up shoots and leaves, followed by the development of a stalk that bears a single flower with a trumpet-like corona surrounded by petal-like tepals. After blooming, the flower is pollinated, and if successful, the ovary begins to develop seeds. Once the flowering is complete, the plant's foliage photosynthesizes energy which is stored in the bulb for the next growing season. Eventually, the leaves yellow and wither as the plant enters a dormancy period during the summer, continuing to rest through the fall and winter. With the arrival of the next spring, the cycle repeats as the bulb initiates a new round of growth, completing the life cycle of the daffodil.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Narcissus 'Charity May', commonly known as Daffodil, is by dividing the bulbs. This is typically done in the late summer to early fall after the foliage has died back. Gardeners carefully lift the clumps of bulbs from the soil and gently separate the offsets, which are the smaller bulbs that have formed at the base of the main bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15.24 cm) and spaced 3 to 6 inches (7.62 to 15.24 cm) apart, ensuring they have enough room to grow. It's essential not to damage the main bulbs and the offsets during separation to reduce the risk of disease. Watering well after replanting helps the offsets establish themselves before the winter. This division helps maintain the health and vigor of the Narcissus 'Charity May' by reducing overcrowding and thereby promoting more generous flowering in the following season.
