Cheerfulness Daffodil Narcissus 'Cheerfulness' (4)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Cheerfulness' is a captivating plant that beautifully adorns gardens with clusters of fragrant, double flowers. The blooms are predominantly white with a soft creamy hue, and they possess a delightful, ruffled appearance that makes them look lush and full. Each flower head typically carries several layers of petals which add to the fluffy, textured look of the bloom. The cheerful blossoms have multiple smaller petals radiating from the center, creating a rosette-like effect that is both elegant and charming. The plant itself has long, slender, dark green leaves, which grow in a sword-like fashion directly from the base. These leaves form a striking backdrop to the delicate, nodding flowers that stand proudly above them on sturdy, upright stalks. The stalks emerge in the spring, signaling the arrival of the much-awaited blooms. The overall aspect of Narcissus 'Cheerfulness' is one of grace and joy, making it a favorite for gardeners looking to add a touch of brightness to their springtime display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Double Daffodil, Garden Narcissus, Double Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Cheerfulness'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil is a plant whose all parts are considered toxic to humans. The primary toxic compound is lycorine, an alkaloid which is present in various parts of the plant, including the bulb and leaves. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms like dehydration, convulsions, and even cardiac arrhythmias or coma. Handling daffodil bulbs can also cause skin irritation in some individuals, so wearing gloves is recommended when planting or handling the bulbs.
To pets
Daffodil is also poisonous to pets, with the bulb being the most dangerous part. If a pet consumes any part of the daffodil, it can experience symptoms similar to human poisoning, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential cardiac problems or convulsions. In pets, especially cats and dogs, eating a small amount might cause only mild stomach upset, but ingestion of larger quantities could lead to more serious health issues and should be considered an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The double flowers of the 'Cheerfulness' daffodil offer visual beauty to gardens and landscapes with their creamy white blooms.
- Fragrance: This variety is known for its delightful scent, which can enhance the sensory experience in a garden setting.
- Easy Maintenance: Daffodils, including 'Cheerfulness', are generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, fostering a healthy, thriving ecosystem.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: Daffodils are typically resistant to deer and rodents, making them an ideal choice for gardens with wildlife pressure.
- Long Bloom Time: With a relatively long flowering period, they provide a lasting display of color in the spring.
- Perennial Growth: As perennials, these daffodils will return year after year, offering a long-term investment for gardeners.
- Good for Cutting: Their stems are sturdy and long-lasting in vases, making them great for fresh-cut floral arrangements.
- Symbolism: Daffodils can symbolize new beginnings and are often associated with springtime, renewal, and rebirth.
- Versatility: They can be planted in a variety of settings, including beds, borders, and containers, and can be used in mass plantings or as focal points.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The bulb extracts of Narcissus 'Cheerfulness' have been used in perfumery due to the plant's fragrant flowers, contributing a rich and deep floral scent to various perfumes.
- Because of their distinctive shape and color, narcissus blooms are sometimes used in art and photography as a subject to symbolize the beginning of spring and rebirth.
- The plant can be a source of inspiration for artists and writers, often being featured in poetry and paintings as a representation of narcissism and self-reflection, following the Greek mythology of Narcissus.
- Narcissus 'Cheerfulness' flowers are sometimes used in culinary applications; they can crystallize with sugar to decorate desserts, though care must be taken to avoid the toxic parts of the plant.
- In the Victorian language of flowers, giving someone a bouquet of narcissus flowers, including 'Cheerfulness', was a way to convey respect and good wishes, often symbolizing unrequited love.
- Narcissus 'Cheerfulness' bulbs are used in "forcing" practices, where the bulbs are tricked into blooming indoors out of season to create winter or early spring displays of flowers.
- Packaging design for luxury goods sometimes features the Narcissus 'Cheerfulness' for its connotations of luxury and exclusivity, leveraging its bright, cheerful appearance to attract customers.
- Due to their long stems and springtime association, narcissus flowers are often incorporated into Easter floral arrangements and decorations.
- The essential oils derived from Narcissus 'Cheerfulness' are occasionally used in aromatherapy and scented candles to provide a calming and uplifting environment.
- Narcissus 'Cheerfulness' is also used in educational settings, such as botany and horticulture classes, to teach about plant growth cycles and bulb propagation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: Narcissus, also known as daffodil, often blooms around the time of spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the onset of a new growth season.
- Unrequited Love: According to Greek mythology, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection and could not leave the allure of his image, leading to symbolism associated with self-love and obsession.
- Respect and Admiration: Giving someone daffodils is sometimes seen as an expression of high regard and recognition of someone else's talent or beauty.
- Happiness and Joy: The bright, cheerful blooms of the daffodil are often associated with positivity and joy, making them popular gifts as a wish for happiness.
WaterNarcissus 'Cheerfulness', commonly known as double daffodil, prefers evenly moist soil, so water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, usually once every week or so, depending on climate conditions. Over the active growing and blooming season, from late winter to early spring, provide about one inch of water weekly through rainfall or irrigation. It is less about the fixed amount of water, such as ounces or gallons, and more about maintaining consistent soil moisture. After blooming has finished and foliage begins to yellow, gradually reduce watering. In total, around 0.5 gallons per week for an established group of daffodils in a garden bed should be sufficient during their active growth period.
LightDouble daffodils thrive in full to partial sunlight, which translates to at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for them is a location where morning sunlight is plentiful, as this will encourage strong and healthy blooms while protecting the plants from the hotter, potentially damaging afternoon sun. If grown indoors, a south or west-facing window is often the ideal spot to provide enough light for these cheerful blooms.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for double daffodils is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during their growing season. These plants can tolerate minimum temperatures down to just above freezing, around 35 degrees Fahrenheit, but won't survive long-term exposure to harsh, sub-freezing conditions. Throughout their dormant period in summer, the bulbs can withstand higher temperatures, provided they are not subjected to excessive heat without sufficient soil moisture.
PruningDouble daffodils generally require minimal pruning, which is usually limited to deadheading spent flowers to promote a tidy appearance and prevent seed production. After flowering, leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, usually about six weeks, as this is when the bulbs are storing energy for next year's blooms. Pruning of the foliage earlier can weaken the bulbs. The best time for pruning double daffodils, then, is in late spring or early summer, once the foliage has yellowed.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodil 'Cheerfulness' is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.0. Mix in organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
RepottingDaffodil 'Cheerfulness', like other daffodils, does not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted when clumps become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Cheerfulness' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions. Garden daffodils are generally hardy outdoor plants accustomed to natural humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant bulbs in pots with drainage; place in cool, bright area.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, 6 inches deep, in sun or part shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Narcissus 'Cheerfulness', commonly known as "Cheerfulness daffodil", starts with a period of dormancy, where the bulbs rest underground. As temperatures warm in late winter to early spring, shoots emerge from the bulb, leading to rapid vegetative growth. The plant then produces its characteristic fragrant double flowers, usually in mid to late spring. After blooming, the plant goes through a period of senescence, where leaves turn yellow and die back as the plant directs energy back to the bulb for storage. Throughout the summer, the daffodil remains dormant underground, conserving its resources. The cycle repeats the following spring when conditions are favorable, with bulbs potentially dividing to give rise to new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Narcissus 'Cheerfulness', commonly known as Daffodil 'Cheerfulness', is by division of the bulbs. This is best done when the plants are dormant, typically in late summer to autumn. After the foliage has died back, carefully lift the clump of bulbs with a spade, being cautious not to cut into the bulbs. Gently separate the bulbs by hand, making sure each division has at least one growing point or shoot. Replant the bulbs immediately, placing them about 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep and 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate space for root growth and flowering the following season. This division not only helps to propagate the plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become overcrowded and less floriferous over time.
