Daffodil Narcissus 'Drumlin' (1)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Drumlin' is a vibrant, eye-catching plant known commonly as Daffodil. This variety boasts a beautiful flower, often presenting a striking contrast with a trumpet-shaped corona that's distinct from the surrounding petals. The corona typically has a rich color, which may range from a deep orange to a lighter cream or yellow shade. The petals are usually arranged in a star-shaped manner, wrapping around the corona and giving the flower a harmonious, balanced look. These petals can be of a pure, snowy white or might also carry hues similar to the trumpet, albeit often in paler shades. The Daffodil 'Drumlin' emanates a cheerful and bright aesthetic, with its bold blooms standing out amidst the green foliage. The leaves are long and narrow, with a deep green color that provides a lush backdrop for the dramatic blossoms. Together, the flowers and foliage create a visually appealing plant that exudes the refreshing essence of spring.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Drumlin'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Narcissus 'Drumlin' is commonly known as daffodil. Daffodils are toxic to humans if ingested. They contain alkaloids such as lycorine, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can result in cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. Contact with the sap may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains lycorine and other compounds that can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The bulb is the most poisonous part. If a pet consumes a daffodil, it may show signs of general gastrointestinal distress or more severe systemic effects, and veterinary attention should be sought.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds beauty to gardens with its vibrant white petals and bright yellow cup.
- Ease of Care: Narcissus 'Drumlin', commonly known as Daffodil, is low maintenance and easy to grow.
- Spring Bloom: It heralds the arrival of spring with its early blooming flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Daffodils attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils have the ability to naturalize, meaning they can spread and multiply over time.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils are not favored by deer or rodents, reducing garden damage.
- Longevity: These flowers are known for their long-lasting blooms in the landscape.
- Cut Flower Use: Daffodils are popular for cutting and using in floral arrangements.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Cut Flowers: Narcissus 'Drumlin', also known as Daffodil, is regularly used in floral arrangements and bouquets due to its striking appearance and fragrance.
- Photography Subject: Daffodils, with their bright colors and distinctive shapes, are a popular subject for photographers, especially in spring.
- Artistic Inspiration: Daffodils have inspired numerous artists and have been featured in paintings, sculptures, and other art forms.
- Festivals and Celebrations: The daffodil is a symbol of spring and festivals, often used in events marking the change of seasons.
- Gifts: Potted daffodils are gifted as a symbol of renewal and to celebrate new beginnings, such as housewarmings or birthdays.
- Garden Design: Daffodils are used in garden design to create seasonal patterns and color contrasts with other plants.
- Educational Tool: The life cycle of daffodils is used to teach children about plant growth and development.
- Cultural Symbolism: In many cultures, daffodils symbolize good fortune and are used in cultural rituals and traditions.
- Ecosystem Support: Daffodils can provide early spring nectar for pollinators like bees.
- Literature and Poetry: Daffodils have been referenced in literature and poetry, most famously in William Wordsworth's "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud".
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Narcissus 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, the narcissus, commonly known as daffodil, often symbolizes self-love and vanity.
- Rebirth: Because daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, they are commonly associated with renewal and the coming of new beginnings.
- New Year: In certain cultures, daffodils are synonymous with the New Year, representing hope and the shedding of past troubles.
- Unrequited Love: Stemming from the Narcissus story where the object of his affection never reciprocates, the daffodil can sometimes symbolize unrequited love.
- Regard: In the language of flowers, daffodils can express regard and chivalry, suggesting respect and admiration.
- Prosperity: Particularly in the East, daffodils are believed to bring good fortune and are associated with prosperity.
- Water
Daffodils need consistent moisture throughout the growing season, especially during the spring growth period. They should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time if rainfall is insufficient. It's important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to bulb rot. During the dormant period after the leaves yellow, reduce watering. In general, aim to provide the equivalent of 1 gallon per square yard every week during active growth.
- Light
Daffodils thrive in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Ideally, plant them in a spot where they will receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Sufficient light is essential for robust blooms, so avoid heavily shaded areas for optimal flowering.
- Temperature
Daffodils prefer cooler temperatures and can survive winter chills, but they flourish in spring weather when temperatures are between 50°F and 70°F. They are hardy in temperatures as low as 20°F but may be damaged by temperatures below -5°F without adequate snow cover or mulch.
- Pruning
Prune daffodils by removing spent flower heads after blooming to prevent seed pod formation, which can sap energy from the bulb. Do not cut back the foliage until it has turned yellow and withered, usually 6 to 8 weeks after blooming, as the leaves are necessary for photosynthesis to replenish the bulb for next year's growth.
- Cleaning
Not needed
- Soil
Daffodils like well-drained soil with lots of organic matter and prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of equal parts loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure makes for ideal soil conditions for Narcissus 'Drumlin'.
- Repotting
Daffodils, including Narcissus 'Drumlin', generally do not need to be repotted frequently; they can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot or divide them every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain plant vigor.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodils are hardy and adaptable to outdoor conditions, where humidity is not typically a concern for Narcissus 'Drumlin'. They do not require specific humidity levels to thrive.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperature.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Narcissus 'Drumlin', commonly known as Daffodil 'Drumlin', begins its life cycle as a bulb, which undergoes a period of dormancy typically in the summer. As temperatures cool and moisture increases in autumn, roots develop and the bulb prepares for growth. Come late winter or early spring, the bulb sends up shoots that develop into distinctive strap-like leaves and a central stalk that bears the flower, characterized by its white petals and central cup-shaped corona. After flowering, which usually occurs in early to mid-spring, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage, where the leaves collect sunlight to replenish the bulb for the next growth cycle. Once the leaves yellow and wither, the plant re-enters dormancy, with the bulb remaining underground until conditions are favorable again for growth. The cycle repeats annually, with the bulb potentially dividing and producing offsets that can develop into new plants over time.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Narcissus 'Drumlin', commonly known as daffodil, is by dividing the bulbs. The best time to divide and replant the bulbs is in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but before the new root growth begins, typically from September to October. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of bulbs out of the ground using a spade, gently separate the individual bulbs by hand, taking care not to damage the basal plate where the roots grow out. Smaller offshoot bulbs, or bulbils, that have formed can also be removed and planted. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm), spaced 3 to 6 inches (7 to 15 cm) apart to ensure sufficient room for growth. This method encourages the proliferation of the daffodils while also maintaining the health and vigor of the plants.