Daffodil Narcissus 'Dutch Lemon Drops' (5)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Dutch Lemon Drops' is a captivating plant well-known for its stunning flowers. The blossoms are characterized by their bright lemon-yellow hue, giving a cheerful splash of color. The flowers typically have a classic daffodil shape, with a central trumpet or cup that is surrounded by a ring of petal-like structures called tepals. The central cup may be slightly ruffled or have a smooth texture, adding to the plant's charm. The foliage is slender and blade-like, usually a deep green color, which provides an elegant contrast to the vivid flowers. Its leaves tend to grow in a basal clump, gracefully arching above the soil. When in bloom, the plant exhibits an abundance of these striking blooms, each carried on a sturdy, upright stem that rises above the foliage. The overall look of 'Dutch Lemon Drops' is one of sunny elegance and is sure to be a delightful addition to any garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Dutch Lemon Drops Daffodil, Dutch Master Daffodil, Lemon Drops Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Dutch Lemon Drops'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Narcissus 'Dutch Lemon Drops' is Daffodil. Daffodils contain toxic alkaloids such as lycorine, which can cause symptoms if ingested. The entire plant is toxic, but the bulb is the most poisonous part. Eating any part of a Daffodil can lead to symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and in rare instances, death from large ingestions.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The plant contains lycorine and other compounds that can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. As with humans, the bulb is the most dangerous part of the plant. Ingestion of even a small amount of Daffodil plant material by a pet can lead to poisoning and warrants immediate veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Narcissus 'Dutch Lemon Drops' features vibrant yellow flowers that can add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy Maintenance: This variety of daffodil is generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Spring Blooming: As a spring bloomer, it provides early-season interest after the winter months.
- Naturalizing: This plant has the ability to spread and naturalize in an area, creating larger displays over the years.
- Resistant to Pests: Daffodils are known for their resistance to many common garden pests, including deer and rodents.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut flowers: Dutch Lemon Drops make for lively cut flowers that can add a touch of spring to indoor floral arrangements.
- Color dye: The petals of the daffodil can be used to create a yellow natural dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Photography subject: These daffodils, with their unique color, are great subjects for botanical photography and art.
- Wedding decor: Daffodils, including Dutch Lemon Drops, are popular choices for spring wedding decorations and bouquets.
- Garden competitions: Enthusiasts may grow Dutch Lemon Drops for display in garden shows and floral competitions.
- Educational purposes: The plant can be used as a learning tool for horticulture students studying bulb growth and plant lifecycle.
- Companion planting: Gardeners sometimes plant daffodils amongst their vegetable garden to deter certain rodents and pests, due to their toxic properties.
- Mood enhancement: The bright yellow flowers are thought to have an uplifting effect on people's moods when planted in outdoor communal spaces.
- Landscape art: Dutch Lemon Drops can be used in landscape design to create patterns or swathes of color in large garden spaces.
- Culinary decor: While not edible, daffodils can be used as non-toxic decorative elements on dining tables or at culinary events.
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: Narcissus flowers bloom in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a new life and new beginnings.
- New Beginnings: Due to their spring bloom, they represent starting fresh and leaving the past behind.
- Self-love: The name "Narcissus" is tied to the Greek myth of Narcissus, a youth who fell in love with his own reflection, making the flower also symbolize self-appreciation and vanity.
- Honor: They are often associated with honor and respect, used in occasions to recognize someone’s achievements or presence.
- Inspiration: The vibrant yellow hues of 'Dutch Lemon Drops' can be linked to creativity and inspiration, offering a feeling of brightness and positivity.
WaterDutch Lemon Drops, commonly known as Daffodils, should be watered deeply so that water reaches the roots, particularly when they are actively growing and blooming. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the spring growing season, watering may be required once a week, depending on weather conditions, with approximately 1 gallon of water for outdoor plants, ensuring that the water penetrates to a depth of at least 6 inches. After blooming, when foliage begins to yellow, gradually reduce watering. Overwatering can cause bulb rot, so it's best to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
LightDaffodils, including the 'Dutch Lemon Drops', thrive in full sun to partial shade. They perform best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot for planting them would be an area that gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates to prevent the blooms from fading too quickly.
TemperatureDaffodils, such as the 'Dutch Lemon Drops', prefer temperate climates with average spring temperatures ranging between 50°F and 70°F. They are hardy and can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, ensuring they survive chilly winters in many regions. Daffodils typically can't withstand sustained temperatures over 90°F, which is why they go dormant in the summer after blooming in spring.
PruningDaffodils such as the 'Dutch Lemon Drops' need to have their spent flowers removed to prevent seed formation, which can sap energy from the bulb. Prune the flower heads after blooms fade but leave the foliage untouched until it yellows and withers, which is usually around six weeks after flowering. This helps the plant to gather energy for the next blooming season. Pruning should be done annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils require well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal for Narcissus 'Dutch Lemon Drops', ensuring proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Dutch Lemon Drops' generally do not need to be repotted often. They should be replanted every 3-5 years, or when the bulbs become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils, such as the Narcissus 'Dutch Lemon Drops', are quite tolerant of varying humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Dutch Lemon Drops', commonly known as Daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which remains dormant underground during the summer. In autumn, cooler temperatures and moisture trigger the bulb to develop roots and send up shoots. Through the winter, the leaves emerge from the soil and photosynthesis begins, forming the energy required for the growth of flowers. In spring, the plant blooms, producing vibrant yellow flowers that are characteristic of this cultivar. After flowering, the daffodil redirects energy back to the bulb as the leaves photosynthesize and store energy before the foliage dies back. The cycle repeats annually, with the bulb entering dormancy during summer and preparing to resprout in the subsequent autumn.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Dutch Lemon Drops', commonly known as a type of daffodil, is typically propagated by division of bulbs. The best time to propagate daffodils by dividing bulbs is after the foliage has died back in late spring to early summer, typically in June or July. To propagate by bulb division, carefully dig up the daffodil bulbs and gently separate any bulblets that have formed attached to the main bulb. These bulblets can be replanted immediately and should be placed at a depth approximately three times their height in well-drained soil. This method of propagation is advantageous because it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and can help revitalize over-crowded clumps, encouraging better blooming in subsequent seasons.
