Daffodil Narcissus 'Elvin's Voice' (5)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Elvin's Voice' is a captivating variety of daffodil known for its delicate and elegant appearance. This particular daffodil features a prominent trumpet-shaped corona at the center which often comes in a soft, creamy white to pale yellow hue. Surrounding the trumpet, there are typically six petal-like tepals that spread outward gracefully. These tepals could exhibit a slightly paler color compared to the central trumpet, with edges that might be gently ruffled or smooth, imparting a sense of sophistication to the bloom. The daffodil bloom stands proudly atop a sturdy, upright stem which springs from a base of slender, blade-like leaves. The foliage is a rich green color, offering a striking contrast to the lighter-colored flowers. The leaves also have a slightly arching habit, adding to the overall gracefulness of the plant. The visual composition of the flower with the leaves creates a picturesque silhouette in gardens and floral displays. The appeal of 'Elvin's Voice' is further enhanced when planted in clusters, where groups of these daffodils can truly showcase their harmonious colors and form a delightful sea of blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Elvin's Voice'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Narcissus 'Elvin's Voice' is daffodil. Daffodils are toxic to humans if ingested. They contain alkaloids such as lycorine and others that can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious effects such as cardiac arrhythmias or central nervous system problems. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodils are also toxic to pets. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, if a large amount is ingested, it may lead to serious gastrointestinal issues or even be fatal. It is important to keep daffodils out of reach of pets.
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 Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: The daffodil variety 'Elvin's Voice' has a striking appearance that adds color and visual interest to garden spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: Daffodils can draw in bees and other pollinating insects, crucial for the health of the garden.
- Early Spring Bloom: Daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, providing an early splash of color after the winter months.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils generally require minimal care once established, making them suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Naturalizing: 'Elvin's Voice' daffodils have the ability to naturalize, meaning they can spread and propagate on their own, creating a self-sustaining display of flowers over time.
- Rodent-Resistant: Typically, daffodils are resistant to damage from rodents, thus they are more likely to thrive without being eaten by pests.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Elvin's Voice', commonly known as the daffodil, can be crushed and used as a natural glue due to the sticky sap contained within the stems and bulbs.
- The bulbs of daffodils can be utilized as a natural pest repellent in gardens to deter rodents and deer from grazing on other plants.
- With their bright and cheerful appearance, daffodils can be planted in outdoor areas to improve mental well-being by providing a pleasant and uplifting environment.
- Daffodil flowers can be used in dye-making processes, as the petals contain pigments that offer a range of yellow hues applicable to textiles and crafts.
- The daffodil is considered a symbol of hope and can be used in fundraising campaigns for cancer charities, especially as a symbol for cancer survivors.
- Daffodils can be included in floral arrangements for celebrations and ceremonies that commemorate new beginnings, such as weddings or spring festivals.
- As a subject in art and photography, the aesthetic beauty of daffodils can inspire creativity and be used as a focal point in various artistic endeavors.
- Daffodil bulbs can be used as a natural adhesive for small-scale paper crafts and art projects due to the mucilaginous substance they contain.
- When planted in mass, daffodils can help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the ground with their root systems.
- Used in educational settings, growing daffodils can teach children about plant life cycles and the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil is associated with good fortune in Feng Shui, symbolizing the arrival of spring and new beginnings. To use daffodils according to Feng Shui, place them in the wealth corner (southeast area of a space or garden) to attract prosperity or in the east to improve health and ensure family harmony.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: The Narcissus, commonly known as Daffodil, has long been associated with Narcissus from Greek mythology, who was known for his intense self-obsession and admiration, symbolizing self-love and vanity.
- Renewal: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, the Daffodil symbolizes renewal, new beginnings, and the vitality of life after a long winter.
- Unrequited love: In some traditions, the Daffodil represents unrequited love, possibly stemming from the myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the Daffodil is a sign of wealth and good fortune. It's often associated with the celebration of the Chinese New Year to bring prosperity for the coming year.
- Honor: The Daffodil also conveys a message of respect and can be given to someone who is the solitary standout in a field, much as the flower stands out among other plants.
WaterDaffodils, including the variety 'Elvin's Voice', should be watered thoroughly at planting time and then moderately during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. As a general rule, provide about 1 inch of water per week, which is roughly equivalent to 0.6 gallons for a square foot, especially during dry spells. After blooming, continue to water sparingly as the foliage begins to die back. Over-watering or allowing the bulbs to sit in water can cause rot, so it is crucial to have well-draining soil.
LightDaffodils, including 'Elvin's Voice', perform best in full to partial sunlight. They should be planted in a spot where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they can tolerate some light afternoon shade, which can be beneficial in very hot climates to prevent the bulbs from overheating.
TemperatureDaffodils, such as 'Elvin's Voice', are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they thrive in temperate conditions. They can typically withstand winter cold down to about 20°F, and during the growing season, they prefer temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. Daffodils are spring-blooming flowers and require a cold period to initiate blooming, so they do well in regions where they can experience a winter chill.
PruningDaffodils, such as 'Elvin's Voice', require minimal pruning. After the flowers have faded, you can deadhead the blooms to prevent seed pod formation, but leave the foliage until it yellow and withers, typically about six weeks after flowering. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the next year. Pruning back the green foliage too early can weaken the bulb.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Elvin's Voice' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for daffodils would be equal parts loam, sand, and compost to ensure proper drainage and nutrient content.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Elvin's Voice', typically do not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when the bulbs become overcrowded in their current space.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Elvin's Voice' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions but prefers average to slightly above-average humidity levels, consistent with outdoor conditions in temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Narcissus 'Elvin's Voice', commonly known as daffodil, begins with a dormant bulb which lies underground through the winter. In early spring, the bulb sends up shoots which develop into long, narrow leaves and a central stem that will bear the flower. The stem grows upwards until the iconic daffodil flower—with its trumpet-like corona surrounded by petal-like tepals—blooms, usually in late winter to early spring. After flowering, the plant enters a phase where photosynthesis in the leaves replenishes the bulb's energy reserves. As the foliage dies back in late spring or early summer, the plant returns to dormancy, with the bulb lying in wait to repeat the cycle the following year. Bulbs may also produce offsets that can be separated and planted to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Narcissus 'Elvin's Voice', commonly referred to as a daffodil variety, is best propagated through dividing and replanting its bulbs. Bulb division is typically done in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back, to give the new bulbs time to establish roots before the frosts set in. To propagate by division, dig up the daffodil clusters carefully to avoid damaging the bulbs. Gently separate the individual bulbs from the clump, making sure each bulb has a portion of the basal plate (from which roots grow) intact. Replant the bulbs at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, or around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), in well-draining soil with the pointed end facing up and spaced around 3 to 6 inches apart (7.5 to 15 centimeters) to ensure ample room for growth.
