Daffodil Narcissus 'Empress of Ireland' (1)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Empress of Ireland' is an elegant flower known commonly as daffodil. This variety showcases large, pristine white blossoms that stand out for their beauty and purity. Each bloom typically features a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of six petal-like tepals, which together give the impression of a star when viewed from above. The trumpet is noted for its delicate white hue that often holds a faintly creamy tone, while the surrounding tepals are a glistening snow-white. The foliage of 'Empress of Ireland' consists of slender, dark green leaves that grow upright, providing a contrasting backdrop to the brilliant white flowers. These leaves are somewhat sword-shaped, contributing to a tufted, grass-like appearance at the base of the plant. The daffodil buds emerge on solid, round flower stalks which support the blooms admirably above the foliage. In terms of the overall aesthetic, 'Empress of Ireland' presents a clean and classic look. It is often associated with early spring, as it is one of the first flowers to bloom, heralding the end of winter with its radiant blossoms. This daffodil is a favored choice for gardeners looking to create a bright, cheerful display, or seeking flowers for cutting to bring a slice of spring into the home.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil
Common names
Narcissus 'Empress of Ireland'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodils, including the 'Empress of Ireland' cultivar, are known to be toxic to humans if ingested. They contain a toxic chemical called lycorine as well as other alkaloids, primarily in the bulbs but also in the leaves and stems. Ingestion of any part of the daffodil can lead to symptoms, which typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes more severe reactions such as convulsions, tremors, or cardiac arrhythmias depending on the amount consumed. Medical attention should be sought if daffodil ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Daffodils, including the 'Empress of Ireland' variety, are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The primary toxin in these plants, lycorine, induces vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and heart problems. The highest concentration of the toxin is found in the bulbs, but all parts of the plant are harmful. If a pet consumes daffodil plant material, symptoms of poisoning can be severe and may include drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in extreme cases, cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if daffodil ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Western Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Narcissus 'Empress of Ireland' offers striking white flowers that can enhance the visual beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Ease of Care: This plant is relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the daffodil has good resistance to brief periods of drought.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Spring Bloom: It blooms in early to mid-spring, providing early color in the garden after winter.
- Naturalizing: The plant tends to multiply and spread over time, filling garden spaces naturally.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Narcissus plants are generally resistant to deer and rodents, which avoids grazing damage.
- The Empress of Ireland's long stems make it suitable for cut flower arrangements, allowing the enjoyment of its beauty indoors.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Empress of Ireland', commonly known as daffodil, can be used in perfumery for its sweet and floral fragrance, which is often extracted from the flowers for high-end fragrances.
- Daffodils can serve as a natural pest repellent in gardens due to their toxic properties, which can deter rodents and other animals from digging in the area where they are planted.
- The daffodil's vibrant flowers are used in dyeing, providing a range of yellow hues for fabrics and other materials when the blooms are processed.
- In symbolism, daffodils are often used in art and literature to represent renewal, self-reflection, and unrequited love due to the folklore and mythology surrounding the flower.
- During spring festivals or Easter celebrations, daffodils are used for decoration, often symbolizing new beginnings and the coming of spring.
- The daffodil bulb can be cut and pressed to prepare a natural glue, which was traditionally utilized for small adhesion purposes.
- They can be utilized in flower arranging competitions and education, teaching individuals about the principles of design, structure, and color harmony.
- Daffodils can serve as biological indicators of climate change, as their blooming time may shift in response to changing temperature patterns, thus providing phenological data.
- In photography and visual arts, daffodils are popular subjects due to their bright color and association with spring, often featuring prominently in seasonal-themed artwork.
- As part of companion planting, daffodils can be interspersed with vegetable crops to confuse insect pests and discourage them from laying eggs on the edible plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is commonly considered a symbol of wealth and good fortune in Feng Shui when placed in the wealth area of a home or business, which is typically the southeast corner. The bloom of the Narcissus represents the ability to thrive and multiply, attributing to its significance in increasing prosperity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and Rebirth: The Narcissus, commonly known as the daffodil, is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of warmer days, representing new beginnings.
- Vanity and Self-obsession: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, who was obsessed with his own reflection, the daffodil sometimes represents self-absorption and vanity.
- Hope and Encouragement: The bright appearance of the daffodil brings joy and is often associated with hope and optimism, making it a symbol of encouragement.
- Prosperity and Wealth: In some cultures, the daffodil is considered a good luck charm associated with prosperity and wealth, particularly when blooming profusely.
- Unrequited Love: Because of the myth of Narcissus who never achieved happiness with any lover, the flower can represent unrequited or spurned love.
- Respect: Gifting daffodils can be seen as a sign of deep respect for the other person's unique presence and radiance, echoing the flower's bright and commanding appearance.
WaterDaffodils, including the 'Empress of Ireland' variety, prefer evenly moist soil while they are actively growing and blooming. Water them thoroughly once a week with about 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil, ensuring the water penetrates deeply into the ground. Once the foliage begins to yellow after blooming, gradually reduce watering as the plants enter a dormant period. Overwatering during dormancy can lead to bulb rot, so it is crucial to allow the soil to dry out completely during this time. In areas with typical rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary unless conditions are exceptionally dry.
LightDaffodils like 'Empress of Ireland' thrive in full to partial sunlight. They perform best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. An ideal spot is a south-facing garden bed where they can enjoy the morning sun and some partial shade in the afternoon. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering.
TemperatureDaffodils, such as 'Empress of Ireland', generally do well in a range of temperatures, but they prefer cooler spring-like conditions. They can survive winter freezes and are hardy in temperatures as low as 20°F. The ideal growing temperature during the flowering season is between 50°F and 70°F. It's important to plant the bulbs in the fall, several weeks before the ground freezes, to ensure a healthy bloom in spring.
PruningDaffodils like 'Empress of Ireland' require minimal pruning. Deadhead the spent flowers after blooming to prevent seed pod formation, which can drain resources from the bulb. However, leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, as the leaves photosynthesize and store energy for next year's bloom. Prune the yellowed foliage at ground level; typically, this is done about 6 weeks after blooming.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodils like Narcissus 'Empress of Ireland' thrive in well-draining soil with moderate fertility. The best soil mix for daffodils typically includes loam, sand, and organic matter like compost. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
RepottingDaffodils such as Narcissus 'Empress of Ireland' are typically grown from bulbs and do not need frequent repotting. They should be replanted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and ensure the health of the bulbs.
Humidity & MistingNarcissus 'Empress of Ireland', commonly known as daffodil, does well in average humidity conditions. They do not have specific humidity requirements, making them suitable for typical outdoor environments where the humidity is natural and not controlled.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place daffodils in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures indoors.
Outdoor
Plant daffodils in well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDaffodil 'Empress of Ireland' begins its life cycle with a dormant bulb that awakens in early spring, responding to increasing temperatures. The bulb sends up shoots that develop into long, narrow leaves and a central stalk, which bears a single large, fragrant, white flower with a trumpet-shaped corona. After blooming, which occurs in mid to late spring depending on climate, the flower fades and the plant enters a phase of photosynthesis where the leaves replenish the bulb's energy reserves. Once the leaves die back, usually by early summer, the plant reenters dormancy. During this period, the bulb may produce offsets, leading to the propagation of new bulbs. With the onset of cooler fall and winter months, the bulb remains dormant underground until the cycle restarts the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Narcissus 'Empress of Ireland', commonly known as daffodil, is generally propagated through division since it produces bulbs that can be separated and planted to grow new plants. The best time to propagate daffodils is after the foliage has died back in the late spring to early summer, usually in late May or June, as this allows the bulbs to complete their growth cycle and store enough energy for the next season. To propagate daffodils by division, the bulbs are dug up carefully to avoid damage, and the offsets, which are the small bulbs that grow attached to the main bulb, are gently separated. These offsets can be replanted immediately or stored in a cool, dry place to be planted in the fall. They should be planted about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart and at a depth that is three times the height of the bulb to ensure proper root development and flowering.
