Daffodil Narcissus 'Falconet' (8)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Falconet' is characterized by its attractive blooms that boast a striking combination of colors. Each flower features a vibrant orange cup-shaped center that is surrounded by bright yellow petals, creating a cheerful contrast that's particularly eye-catching. Often, there are multiple flowers on each sturdy stem, giving the plant a lush, full appearance. The petals are typically arranged in a whorl around the central cup, displaying a clean and orderly geometry that is pleasing to the eye. The leaves of the 'Falconet' are slender and long, with a deep green hue that complements the bright colors of the flowers. Together, the dark green foliage and the vividly colored blooms make for a beautiful display that can brighten up any garden space. The plant emanates a sweet fragrance that can be quite noticeable, especially on sunny days when the scent is more potent, inviting passersby to pause and enjoy its aromatic presence.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Narcissus 'Falconet', Daffodil 'Falconet', Narcissus Tazetta 'Falconet'.
Common names
Narcissus 'Falconet'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Daffodil 'Falconet' is considered toxic to humans if ingested. The entire plant contains substances known as alkaloids, with lycorine being the primary compound responsible for its toxicity. If any part of the plant is eaten, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingesting large amounts can lead to more serious effects such as tremors, heart problems, and even coma. Handling the bulbs may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is important to keep daffodils out of reach of children and to not consume any part of the plant.
To pets
Daffodil 'Falconet' is poisonous to pets, including cats and dogs, if any part of the plant is ingested. Similar to humans, the toxins are concentrated in the bulbs but are present throughout the plant. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. Immediate veterinary attention is recommended if a pet has consumed any part of a daffodil plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
0.5 foot (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Daffodil 'Falconet' features attractive, striking orange and yellow flowers that are eye-catching in any garden.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being low-maintenance and easy for gardeners of all skill levels to grow successfully.
- Spring Blooms: It is one of the early bloomers, bringing color and life to gardens in the spring when many plants are just waking up from dormancy.
- Naturalizing: Daffodil 'Falconet' can spread and naturalize in an area, creating a dense and vibrant display over time.
- Resilient: It is tolerant to a variety of soil conditions and can withstand partial shade to full sun, making it versatile in landscaping.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: The bulbs and flowers are not palatable to deer and rodents, reducing the risk of damage from wildlife.
- Long-Lasting Flowers: Once bloomed, the flowers of the daffodil 'Falconet' have a good vase life, making them excellent for cut flower arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: Planting daffodil 'Falconet' can contribute to a succession of flowering in the landscape, ensuring interest throughout the seasons.
- 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 flower arrangements: Narcissus 'Falconet' flowers can be cut and used in floral arrangements for their bright color and pleasant fragrance.
- Natural pest repellent: The plant can deter certain pests from the garden due to its strong scent, which is not favorable to some insects.
- Photography subject: Due to its unique beauty, the Narcissus 'Falconet' is often used by photographers as a subject for plant and nature photography.
- Gift plant: It is commonly gifted during spring holidays such as Easter due to its early blooming.
- Symbol in art and literature: The plant can serve as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings in various art and literary works.
- Color dye: Historically, narcissus plants have been used to create yellow dye for fabrics.
- Perfumery: Essential oils obtained from narcissus flowers, including 'Falconet', can be used in the production of perfumes.
- Plant breeding: Gardeners can use this variety of narcissus as a parent plant to create new hybrids with desirable traits.
- Garden design: Narcissus 'Falconet' can be used as a border plant or to provide a pop of color in rock gardens.
- Festival decoration: They are commonly used for decoration in spring festivals and events.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: Narcissus, commonly known as the daffodil, often blooms around the time of spring equinox and is associated with the renewal of nature and fresh starts.
- Self-Reflection: The flower is linked to the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, symbolizing self-love and the importance of self-reflection.
- Unrequited Love: Due to the myth of Narcissus, the daffodil has also become a symbol of unrequited love and the pain that it can bring.
- Prosperity: Daffodils are seen as bringing good fortune and are often associated with prosperity and wealth.
- Hope: The bright and cheerful appearance of the daffodil makes it a symbol of hope and encouragement during challenging times.
- Water
Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Falconet', require consistent watering during their growing season in the spring and early summer. They should be watered deeply once a week, with about 1 inch of water which is roughly equivalent to 0.6 gallons per square yard. It's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent bulb rot. After their foliage has died back and they enter dormancy in late summer, cease watering.
- Light
Daffodils thrive in full to partial sunlight. They perform best when planted in a location where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Placing them in an area that has morning sunlight and afternoon shade can help prevent the bulbs from overheating in exceptionally warm climates.
- Temperature
Daffodils are resilient in a range of temperatures but prefer a climate with cool springs and mild winters. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but grow best when the temperature is between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit during their growth period. It's crucial to plant them in a spot that avoids extreme heat.
- Pruning
Pruning daffodils is primarily about deadheading spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed pod development. Cut the flower stalk back to the base after blooming but leave the foliage until it yellow and wilts naturally. This typically happens once a year after the blooming season.
- Cleaning
Not needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Daffodil 'Falconet' should be well-draining and fertile, with the addition of organic matter such as compost. An ideal pH range for daffodils is between 6.0 and 7.0 as they prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
- Repotting
Daffodil 'Falconet' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting every 3-5 years or when the bulbs become overcrowded is adequate for this plant.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodil 'Falconet' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements; average room humidity is generally sufficient for this plant.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in well-lit area away from direct hot sun.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Narcissus 'Falconet', commonly known as the daffodil, starts its life cycle as a bulb, which undergoes a period of dormancy, typically in the cooler months. When conditions are right, in early spring, it breaks dormancy, sending up shoots and strap-shaped leaves. Following the foliage, the flower stalks emerge, with 'Falconet' producing small, fragrant, yellow flowers with an orange cup, characteristically between March and April. After blooming, the plant directs energy back into the bulb as the leaves photosynthesize, which is critical for the next season's growth. The leaves eventually yellow and die back as the plant goes into summer dormancy, conserving energy within the bulb. The cycle repeats annually, with the bulb dividing and potentially producing offsets that can be separated and planted to propagate new plants.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to early summer
Narcissus 'Falconet', commonly known as Daffodil, is typically propagated by dividing bulbs. The best time to divide and replant the bulbs is after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes, which is usually in the fall. After carefully digging up the bulbs, gently separate them by hand, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point. Plant the bulbs at a depth three times the height of the bulb, which is typically about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep, and space them 3 to 6 inches (about 7 to 15 centimeters) apart. Water the newly planted bulbs well to help establish them. This method utilizes the plant's natural reproductive cycle, making it the simplest and most commonly used method for propagating Daffodils.