Daffodil Narcissus 'Charter' (2)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Charter' is a captivating variety of the commonly known daffodil. This plant features a stunning flower, which captivates gardeners and flower enthusiasts. The blossom has a distinctive form, with a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of petal-like tepals. The corona often exhibits a striking color that can contrast beautifully with the softer hue of the outer petals. The charming daffodil flower is known for its bright, cheerful colors, which range from pale yellows to intense oranges, often with a sun-kissed glow that brightens any garden space. The foliage of the Narcissus 'Charter' is also noteworthy, with slender, sword-shaped leaves that gracefully arch above the ground. These leaves are a rich, deep green in color, providing a lush backdrop that accentuates the brilliance of the blooming flowers. The overall presentation of the Narcissus 'Charter' is one of elegance and poise, with the flowers typically arranged singly on a sturdy, upright stem that rises above the foliage. This daffodil variety blooms in the spring, heralding the changing seasons with its vivacious display of color. When in bloom, the plant can bring a delightful splash of color to gardens, borders, and floral arrangements, making it a cherished choice for both landscapers and home gardeners alike.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Charter'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil is considered toxic to humans. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting daffodil can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and convulsions. Handling the bulb may cause skin irritation due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Consuming any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Ingestion can be fatal in severe cases. It is important to seek veterinary care immediately if a pet ingests any part of a daffodil.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its striking blooms.
- Easy Maintenance: The plant is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care to thrive.
- Spring Interest: Typically one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, it injects life into post-winter gardens.
- Perennial Growth: Comes back year after year, providing long-term garden presence and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Bulb Robustness: Bulbs are hardy and can survive cold winters, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
- Landscaping Versatility: Suitable for borders, pots, rock gardens and as cut flowers, offering diverse gardening applications.
- Resistance to Pests: Natural resistance to many pests, decreasing the need for chemical interventions.
- Cultural Significance: Often associated with symbolism and celebrated in literature and art, adding an extra layer of meaning to its cultivation.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Narcissus 'Charter' can be used in companion planting to deter rodents and deer, as they generally do not like the taste or smell of daffodils.
- Cut Flower Arrangements: Daffodils are popular in floral arrangements, adding a bright splash of color and a sign of spring to any bouquet.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and bulbs can be used to make a natural yellow or gold dye for textiles or crafts.
- Garden Bordering: Planting daffodils in borders can create a vibrant, seasonal edge for garden beds and pathways.
- Flower Festivals: Daffodils are often the centerpiece of spring flower festivals, drawing tourists and promoting local culture.
- Photography: Their bright, photogenic flowers make daffodils popular subjects for nature photography and outdoor portraiture.
- Education: Used as a tool for teaching botany and plant life cycles in educational settings.
- Erosion Control: The strong root system of daffodils can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain settings.
- Memory Gardens: Daffodils, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, are often planted in memory gardens as a tribute to loved ones.
- Creative Crafts: Dried daffodil flowers can be used in craft projects such as making wreaths, potpourri, or pressed flower art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is known to attract good fortune and wealth when placed in the home, especially in the southeast part of a living space which is considered the wealth corner in Feng Shui.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love: The narcissus flower is often associated with narcissism and self-love, originating from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a youth who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Renewal: As a harbinger of spring, narcissus flowers symbolize new beginnings and the rejuvenation of the earth after winter.
- Hopes and Dreams: Planting a narcissus implies the hope for future prosperity and wealth, as well as the fulfillment of the dreams of those who plant them.
- Vanity: Reflecting the mythological origins of its name, the narcissus also signifies vanity and excessive self-absorption.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, the narcissus is seen as a symbol of good fortune and is often given as a gift to bring luck and happiness.
WaterDaffodils, such as the Narcissus 'Charter,' should be watered thoroughly when planted and during active growth, especially in the absence of rain. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant and only need watering during prolonged dry spells. Water daffodils with about an inch of water weekly if there hasn't been sufficient rainfall. When they are in bloom, ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so it's crucial to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. Use roughly one gallon of water for every 10 square feet of planting area each week during dry periods.
SoilDaffodil 'Charter' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing equal parts of potting soil, fine pine bark, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal for container planting. It's important to ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot.
RepottingDaffodils do not need to be repotted often. Typically, you can repot 'Charter' every 3 to 5 years or when you notice clusters becoming too crowded. Spring, after flowering, is the best time to repot and divide bulbs if necessary.
Humidity & MistingThe Daffodil 'Charter' prefers outdoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments. Average outdoor ambient humidity is sufficient for their growth and flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and cool temperatures for Daffodil 'Charter' growth indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Daffodil 'Charter' in autumn for spring blooms in full sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Charter' (2), commonly known as Daffodil, begins its life cycle when the dormant bulb is planted in the fall before the frost. As temperatures warm in spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, sending up shoots that develop into distinctive foliage and a central flower stalk. The flower blooms, displaying the characteristic trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by petal-like tepals, typically in a bright yellow or white hue. After pollination, the flower wilts, and the plant focuses energy on replenishing the bulb through photosynthesis in its leaves. The foliage dies back naturally as the plant goes into dormancy during the summer months. The bulb will remain underground until the next spring, when the cycle starts anew with the emergence of fresh growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Narcissus 'Charter' (2), also known as daffodil, is most commonly propagated through division, a process best undertaken in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back yet before the ground freezes. To propagate daffodils by division, one should carefully dig up the clump of bulbs, taking care not to damage the bulbs with the shovel. Once out of the ground, gently separate the bulbs by hand, ensuring that each offset has a portion of the base plate to sustain new root growth. These offsets, or daughter bulbs, can be replanted immediately. They should be placed in holes at a depth about three times the height of the bulb, which typically equates to 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), and spaced around 3 to 6 inches apart (7.5 to 15 centimeters). This method relies on the plant's natural cycle of growth and multiplication, making it the simplest and most effective way to increase your daffodil display.
