Daffodil Narcissus 'Chromacolor' (2)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Chromacolor' is a striking variety of daffodil known for its eye-catching blooms. The flower has a large, bright coral-pink cup that contrasts beautifully against the white petals that surround it. This cup, also known as the corona, stands out with its vibrant hue and often appears slightly frilled at the margin, adding to the overall allure of the flower. The pure white petals, often described as perianth segments, are broad and slightly overlapped, creating an attractive backdrop that makes the pink cup even more prominent. The blooms are typically borne singly on individual stems, which gives each flower a chance to shine in the garden. The foliage consists of dark green, strap-shaped leaves that provide a rich, contrasting background for the flowers. The leaves are smooth and may appear somewhat glossy, creating a lush appearance around the base of the flowering stems. Overall, Narcissus 'Chromacolor' has a classic daffodil shape but is elevated by its distinctive coloration, which is especially valued for adding a pop of color to spring gardens. The stunning combination of the white petals with the pronounced pink cup makes this daffodil a favorite among gardeners seeking to add a touch of elegance and vivid color to their floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Chromacolor'
ToxicityTo humans
The daffodil, including the Narcissus 'Chromacolor', contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine, which can be harmful if ingested. In humans, ingestion of any part of the daffodil plant can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can also cause cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and even convulsions. Handling the plant, especially the bulb, may result in skin irritation for sensitive individuals. It is important to seek medical attention if any parts of the plant are ingested or if symptoms develop after handling.
To pets
The daffodil, including the Narcissus 'Chromacolor', is toxic to pets. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The bulb of the daffodil contains the highest concentration of toxic alkaloids and is potentially the most harmful part if eaten by pets. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to serious health issues and may be fatal. It is important to seek veterinary care immediately if a pet consumes any part of a daffodil plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Adds vibrant color to gardens with its striking pink and white flowers in the spring.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Hardiness: Tolerates a range of soil types and weather conditions, making it suitable for many climates.
- Perennial Growth: Returns year after year, offering lasting value and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar for bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Use in Cut Flower Arrangements: Stems can be cut and used in floral arrangements, bringing beauty indoors.
- Naturalizing: Can spread and naturalize in an area, creating a more organic and established garden over time.
- Seasonal Interest: Marks the arrival of spring and adds seasonal interest to the landscape.
- Companion Planting: Pairs well with other spring bulbs and perennials, which can enhance overall garden design.
- Symbolism and Gifting: Often associated with rebirth and new beginnings, making it a meaningful gift in various cultures.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Perfume industry: The scent of Narcissus 'Chromacolor', also known as daffodil, is sometimes used in perfumery to add a fresh, spring-like fragrance to products.
- Art and illustration: The bright and distinctive appearance of daffodils can inspire artists and illustrators, often being featured in botanical drawings and nature-inspired designs.
- Mood enhancer: The bright color and pleasant scent of the daffodil are known to help improve mood and create a cheerful atmosphere in a room.
- Food decoration: Edible varieties of narcissus petals can be used as a decorative element in upscale culinary presentations, though care must be taken to ensure they are nontoxic.
- Dye: The pigments of daffodil flowers have been historically used to create dyes for fabrics and other materials as a source of yellow hue.
- Festival and event decoration: Daffodils are often used in decorations for spring festivals and events to symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.
- Photography: Daffodils, with their striking colors, are popular subjects in photography, capturing the essence of spring and the natural world.
- Language and symbolism: In literature and poetry, daffodils are used as symbols to convey messages about nature, life, and emotions.
- Educational tool: Daffodils can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology, growth cycles, and horticulture practices.
- Religious ceremonies: In some cultures, daffodils are used in religious ceremonies as they are associated with certain deities or used to represent spiritual themes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, this flower often represents vanity and excessive self-love.
- Renewal: As a common early spring bloomer, the daffodil symbolizes new beginnings and the vitality of a new season.
- Unrequited love: In some traditions, daffodils can represent love that is not reciprocated, again harking back to the story of Narcissus.
- Prosperity: In many cultures, daffodils are seen as bringing good fortune, especially if they are the first to bloom in the spring.
- Hope: The daffodil is also a sign of hope and encouragement, particularly because they often bloom when winter is turning to spring, signaling an end to dark and cold days.
WaterDaffodil 'Chromacolor' should be watered deeply so that the water reaches the roots, typically once a week if there hasn't been significant rainfall. During the growing season, especially when they're flowering or if the weather is particularly dry, they may need to be watered more frequently. You should aim to provide about one to one and a half gallons of water per square yard each week. It's important to reduce watering once the flowers have died back and the leaves are yellowing as the bulbs enter dormancy.
LightDaffodil 'Chromacolor' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for these plants would be a location where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates where some afternoon shade can be beneficial.
TemperatureDaffodil 'Chromacolor' does well in a wide range of temperatures and can survive winter chill down to about 5°F. The ideal growing temperatures are between 50°F and 65°F. It's important to ensure these plants are not exposed to extreme heat, as temperatures consistently over 75°F can be detrimental.
PruningDaffodil 'Chromacolor' should be deadheaded after the flowers fade to prevent seed production but leave the foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally. This usually means pruning can occur late spring or early summer. Pruning is mainly done to maintain aesthetic appeal and divert energy to the bulbs.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Chromacolor' prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix can be made by combining two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingDaffodils like 'Chromacolor' are typically grown from bulbs and do not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted or divided every 3 to 5 years to avoid overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils, including the 'Chromacolor' variety, are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, cool temps, and ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in fall, full to partial sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Chromacolor', commonly known as the daffodil, starts its life cycle as a bulb, which is a dormant stage that allows it to survive adverse weather conditions. In early spring, it breaks dormancy and begins to sprout, developing green leaves and a central flower stalk. The plant enters its flowering stage with a single large, showy bloom typically appearing in mid-spring, showcasing a unique corona contrasted with white petals. After flowering, it enters a period of photosynthesis and growth, where nutrients are gathered and stored in the bulb. When the foliage dies back in late spring or early summer, the plant goes dormant, conserving energy within the bulb. Each year, the daffodil multiplies by producing offset bulbs, which can be divided and replanted for propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular way to propagate the Narcissus 'Chromacolor', commonly known as daffodil, is through division of bulbs, which should be done in the late summer to early fall when the plants have died back. After the flowering has finished and the foliage has yellowed and withered, which typically happens a few weeks after blooming, the bulbs can be dug up gently using a spade to avoid damaging them. Once unearthed, any offset bulbs that have formed at the base of the main bulb can be separated by hand. These separated bulbs, known as offsets or bulbils, should be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), spaced 3 to 4 inches (about 7.5 to 10 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate room for root growth. This process allows the development of new flowering plants over the course of the following growing season.
