Daffodil Narcissus 'Desdemona' (2)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Desdemona' (2) is a classically shaped daffodil known for its striking and attractive flowers. The plant features a prominent central trumpet surrounded by a ring of petals, typically arranged in a star-like fashion. The flowers are usually a vibrant yellow or white color, with contrasting tones that can be present in the trumpet or the petals' edges. The leaves of this daffodil are slender and lengthy, with a deep green hue that provides a lovely contrast to the brightly colored flowers. In full bloom, it displays a bountiful cluster of flowers that nod or face slightly upward, depending on the specific characteristics of the variety. This plant is often celebrated for its delightful appearance and the grace it adds to gardens and floral arrangements during its blooming season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Desdemona'
ToxicityTo humans
The daffodil, specifically Narcissus 'Desdemona', can be toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids such as lycorine, with the bulb being particularly poisonous. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases can also result in cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. Ingestion of large quantities can be fatal, so medical attention is advised if poisoning is suspected.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets. All parts of the Narcissus 'Desdemona', including the bulb, contain poisonous alkaloids. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in pets may include vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart problems, and even fits or convulsions. Severe cases can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and potentially fatal outcomes. If a pet ingests daffodils, immediate veterinary care is crucial.
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 Narcissus 'Desdemona', commonly known as daffodil, features beautiful white flowers with a soft yellow cup, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being hardy and easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Bloom: They are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, providing early color to gardens after the winter months.
- Perennial Growth: As perennials, daffodils come back year after year, reducing the need for replanting.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils have the ability to naturalize, meaning they can spread and propagate themselves, creating a fuller garden over time.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Their bulbs are toxic to deer and rodents, which typically avoid eating them, providing a level of pest resistance naturally.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, daffodils require minimal care, making them a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Cut Flowers: Daffodils make for delightful cut flowers, brightening up indoor spaces with their cheerful blooms.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The dried petals of daffodils can be used in potpourri mixes to add fragrance and color to your home.
- Pressed daffodil flowers can be used to create natural artwork or to embellish handmade paper for a touch of spring in crafts and scrapbooking.
- The sap of daffodils can be used as a natural glue for small adhesion tasks, although it can be skin-irritant and should be handled with care.
- Daffodil bulbs can be used in a “forcing” project with kids to teach them about plant growth and development by watching the bulbs bloom indoors.
- Some gardeners use daffodil planting schemes to deter rodents, as rodents generally avoid digging where these bulbs are planted due to the toxic properties of the plant.
- Florists sometimes use silhouettes or shapes of daffodils in floral design as a template or inspiration for creating arrangements.
- Daffodil blooms can also be used as a natural dye source for fabrics and yarns, yielding a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- In some communities, daffodils are used as cultural symbols and incorporated into festivals and celebrations to signify rebirth and new beginnings.
- Edible parts of certain daffodil varieties can be crystallized with sugar and used as unique, albeit not commonly known, cake decorations.
- Daffodil flowers are sometimes used symbolically in literature and art classes to teach about imagery and metaphors, inspired by the poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" by William Wordsworth.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is often used in Feng Shui for its ability to bring positive energy, particularly in matters of career and personal wealth. It is believed to promote the flow of chi and encourage stability and prosperity. To appropriately incorporate a Narcissus plant into Feng Shui practice, place it in the wealth corner of a home or office, which is typically the southeast area of the space, to attract good fortune and abundance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: The common name for Narcissus 'Desdemona' is Daffodil. Daffodils are often associated with self-love, stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Renewal: Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Unrequited love: In some traditions, daffodils represent unrequited love, possibly because they can hang their heads in a way that suggests sadness or longing.
- Prosperity: Due to their bright yellow color, often reminiscent of gold, daffodils can symbolize prosperity and good fortune.
- Vanity: Again harking back to the tale of Narcissus, daffodils can sometimes represent vanity and excessive self-involvement.
WaterDaffodils, including 'Desdemona,' should be watered deeply and thoroughly when they are first planted and during their active growth in spring. Once established, daffodils typically require about an inch of water per week, with more frequent watering in dry conditions. It's essential to avoid overwatering as this can lead to bulb rot. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Depending on your climate and soil type, you may need to adjust the frequency, but a good rule of thumb is to provide them with about half a gallon of water per square foot every week during their growth period.
LightDaffodils, including 'Desdemona,' thrive in areas that receive full to partial sunlight. The ideal spot for planting daffodils is where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Partially shaded areas can also be suitable, especially if the light is only filtered or dappled during the hottest part of the day. However, too little light may result in fewer flowers and weaker growth.
TemperatureDaffodils, such as 'Desdemona,' are hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. They can survive winter chill down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate summer heat as well. The ideal temperature conditions for bloom development range from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Daffodils are often planted in the fall because they require a period of cold dormancy to bloom properly in the spring.
PruningPruning daffodils, which includes 'Desdemona,' is not necessary for the plant's health but is often done to maintain its appearance. The best time to prune or deadhead is after the flowers have faded but leave the foliage intact. This allows the plant to continue photosynthesis and store energy for next year's growth. Typically, you can remove the foliage once it has yellowed and died back naturally, usually about six weeks after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Desdemona' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix consisting of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part peat or compost is ideal to ensure proper drainage while retaining sufficient moisture.
RepottingDaffodils typically do not require frequent repotting. Daffodil 'Desdemona' should be repotted every 3-4 years or when the bulbs outgrow their current container.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Desdemona' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. The ideal humidity range for this plant is between 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect sunlight and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in fall, full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Desdemona', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which undergoes a period of dormancy, typically in the summer. In late summer to autumn, roots start to develop from the base of the bulb, preparing the plant for growth. With the onset of cooler temperatures and decreasing daylight, the bulb breaks dormancy and a shoot emerges from the soil, usually in late winter or early spring. The daffodil then flowers, producing a characteristic trumpet-shaped bloom that is often fragrant, followed by seed capsule formation if pollination occurs. After flowering, the plant's foliage photosynthesizes to replenish the bulb's energy reserves. Once the leaves die back in late spring or early summer, the Narcissus 'Desdemona' reenters a period of dormancy, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The preferred method of propagation for the Narcissus 'Desdemona', commonly known as Daffodil 'Desdemona', is division of the bulbs. This method is ideally carried out in late summer to early fall, after the leaves have died back and the plant is dormant. Gardeners should carefully lift the clumps of bulbs using a spade or fork, taking care to minimize damage to the bulbs. Once lifted, the clumps can be gently pulled apart by hand, separating the bulbs at their natural dividing points. Each separated bulb that has a portion of the basal plate (the bottom part of the bulb where the roots grow) can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) with the pointed end facing upwards. This straightforward technique allows for the healthy spread of the plant throughout the garden and can help rejuvenate clumps that have become too dense, thereby promoting better flowering in the following season.
