Daffodil Narcissus 'Elka' (1)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Elka', commonly known as the Daffodil, is a flowering plant with a distinctive appearance. It features a trumpet-shaped crown at the center of the flower, which is surrounded by six petal-like tepals. These tepals are often a cheerful, creamy-white hue, exuding a soft and delicate aura. The trumpet, also referred to as the corona, may exhibit a slightly different shade, sometimes a gentle lemon-yellow, contributing to the blossom's subtle two-tone effect. The flowers of the Daffodil 'Elka' emerge from a central, upright stem that is smooth and leafless. The plant's foliage consists of slender, strap-shaped leaves that are a vivid green, framing the flower stalks with a fresh and grassy backdrop. The blooms are known for their symmetrical formation and are celebrated for their simple yet elegant aesthetic, which brings a bright and uplifting touch to any garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil
Common names
Narcissus 'Elka'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Narcissus 'Elka' is daffodil. Daffodils are toxic to humans if ingested, as they contain a compound known as lycorine. The ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and even convulsions. Medical attention should be sought immediately if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets if ingested. All parts of the plant, but especially the bulbs, contain lycorine and other alkaloids that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes excessive drooling or convulsions in pets like dogs and cats. If a large amount is consumed, more severe symptoms like low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, tremors, and even seizures may occur. Prompt veterinary care is crucial in case of daffodil ingestion by a pet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: 'Elka' daffodils provide an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils are hardy and require minimal care once established, making them ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, daffodils can tolerate periods of low water, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils are typically not favored by deer or rodents, protecting your garden from unwanted grazers.
- Long-Lived Blooms: 'Elka' produce flowers that can last for several weeks, providing a long duration of visual enjoyment.
- Spring Color: Daffodils like 'Elka' are among the first flowers to bloom in the spring, adding cheerful color to the garden after a long winter.
- Easy to Propagate: Daffodils can be easily propagated by bulb division, enabling gardeners to expand their displays or share with others.
- Multiplication Over Time: Daffodil bulbs can naturally multiply underground, creating a fuller garden display with each passing year.
- Versatile Planting: These flowers can be planted in borders, beds, containers, and naturalized in lawns, offering a variety of landscaping options.
- Seasonal Festivity: 'Elka' daffodils are often associated with spring festivals and celebrations, making them ideal for thematic gardening.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Elka', commonly known as the daffodil, can be used as a natural dye source. The petals of the daffodil contain pigments that can be used to produce a range of yellow hues.
- The sap of daffodils can be used as an adhesive in small-scale or temporary craft projects due to its sticky nature.
- The sturdy stems of daffodils can be woven into small wreaths or used in floral arts for creating natural frameworks or supporting structures.
- During the Victorian era, daffodil bulbs were sometimes mixed into other foodstuffs as a rodent repellent in granaries and storage areas.
- Daffodil flowers can be pressed and included in botanical paper making for decorative purposes, adding a unique texture and design to the paper.
- The crushed bulbs of daffodils have been historically used as a replacement for glue by children to mend pottery or adhere materials in crafts, although this is not recommended due to potential skin irritation.
- Daffodils can serve as educational tools in botany classes for studying bulb growth and development, as well as flowering plant life cycles.
- Used as a natural pest deterrent in gardens, some believe planting daffodils amongst vegetables can help protect them from unwanted insects.
- With their bright and cheerful blooms, daffodils can be used in color therapy and horticultural therapy practices aimed at improving mental health.
- The bloom of the daffodil has inspired numerous poets and artists, making it a symbol for creativity and used in various artistic representations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is traditionally associated with good fortune and wealth in Feng Shui. It is often recommended to place Narcissus plants in the wealth area of a home or office—the southeast area according to the bagua map—to promote the flow of positive energy related to prosperity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: Narcissus 'Elka', also commonly known as the daffodil, is often associated with spring and the coming of new growth, symbolizing rebirth and new opportunities.
- Hope: The daffodil is a sign of hope, representing the desire for positive outcomes and expectations for a happy future.
- Self-Reflection: Named after the character from Greek mythology, Narcissus, who was known for his obsession with his own reflection, daffodils can symbolize self-love or even egotism.
- Vanity: Following the same mythological tale, the daffodil sometimes represents vanity or excessive self-admiration.
- Prosperity: Often in some cultures, daffodils can signify wealth, good fortune, and success.
- Respect: Gifting daffodils can express deep respect and regard for the person receiving them.
- Unrequited Love: Given the story of Narcissus who loved none but himself, daffodils can also represent unreciprocated love.
WaterDaffodils need consistent moisture during the growing season. Water your Narcissus 'Elka' once a week with about 1 inch of water, which is approximately half a gallon for a medium-sized pot. They require more frequent watering while they are in bloom and less once they're dormant. To avoid waterlogged soil, ensure good drainage, and if it rains substantially, you can skip the weekly watering. During the summer, when the bulbs are dormant, avoid watering extensively as this can promote rot.
LightDaffodils thrive in full sun to partial shade. Narcissus 'Elka' should be placed in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Filtered sunlight is acceptable if you live in a particularly hot climate, as intense afternoon sun can be too harsh for the flowers.
TemperatureDaffodils perform best in moderate temperatures. Narcissus 'Elka' can survive minimum temperatures down to about 10°F and maximum temperatures around 80°F. The ideal temperature range for active growth is between 50°F and 70°F.
PruningPruning is not typically necessary for daffodils. Narcissus 'Elka' will benefit from deadheading, where the spent flowers are removed to encourage future blooms. After flowering, it's best to leave the foliage intact until it yellowed and dies back naturally, typically by early summer, as the leaves are essential for gathering energy for next year's flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Elka' prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal to provide adequate nutrients and drainage.
RepottingDaffodils like 'Elka' are typically grown from bulbs and do not need repotting. They should be left undisturbed for several years until the clumps become crowded.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils including 'Elka' are tolerant of average outdoor humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place daffodil 'Elka' in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant 'Elka' bulbs in autumn, full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Elka', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life cycle when a gardener plants its bulb in autumn at a depth about three times the height of the bulb. The bulb remains dormant until early spring when temperatures begin to rise, at which point it germinates and sends up shoots and leaves. Following the development of foliage, daffodil 'Elka' produces its characteristic white flowers usually in mid to late spring, depending on the climate. After blooming, the plant undergoes a period of photosynthesis where the leaves gather energy from the sun to recharge the bulb for the next growing season. Once the leaves yellow and die back, usually in late spring to early summer, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the hotter summer months. In the following autumn, the bulb is ready to begin the cycle anew, often having produced offsets that can be separated and planted to produce new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Narcissus 'Elka', commonly known as Daffodil 'Elka', is most commonly propagated through division of bulbs. This is typically done after the foliage has died back in late spring to summer. To propagate, carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate the offsets from the mother bulb. These smaller bulbs can then be replanted immediately in well-draining soil at a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm) and spaced 6 inches apart. They should be watered thoroughly after planting to encourage root development. This method of propagation is simple and effective, ensuring that the character of 'Elka' daffodils is maintained in the new plants.
