Daffodil Narcissus 'Frances Delight' (11a)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Frances Delight' belongs to the daffodil family and is admired for its striking spring blooms. This variety showcases the quintessential daffodil form with flowers borne upon single, sturdy stems. The blooms are characterized by a central trumpet or cup that's often a different color or shade than the surrounding petals. For 'Frances Delight', this trumpet is typically a vibrant and cheerful shade, contrasting with the outer petals that radiate around the center like a star. These outer petals, also known as the perianth segments, are often a smooth, creamy white or pale yellow, forming a backdrop that accentuates the cup's vivid color. Each flower of the Narcissus 'Frances Delight' is an individual masterpiece, with a symmetry and elegance that's especially enchanting in the light of early spring. As with other daffodil varieties, the glossy, strap-like leaves of 'Frances Delight' emerge from a bulb nestled in the soil. These leaves tend to be a rich green hue and have a slightly arching habit, creating a lush and tidy foliage that complements the floral display above. After flowering, the blooms will give way to seedpods, while the leaves will remain for a time before dying back as the plant retreats into dormancy, awaiting the next spring to once again share its delightful blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Frances Delight'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, including Narcissus 'Frances Delight', contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine and others that can cause poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in humans may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and convulsions. Handling the bulbs can also cause skin irritation in some individuals. Medical attention should be sought immediately if any parts of the plant, especially the bulb, are ingested.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including Narcissus 'Frances Delight'. Ingesting any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can cause symptoms like vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes even cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression in severe cases. As with humans, the primary toxic agents are alkaloids such as lycorine. If a pet ingests any part of a daffodil, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: 'Frances Delight' daffodils have beautiful white petals with a small yellow cup, adding aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, daffodils are relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care for continued flowering.
- Drought Tolerance: After blooming, daffodils can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: Daffodils are not favored by deer or rodents, making them a good choice for areas where these pests are a problem.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils can spread and naturalize in an area over time, creating larger displays of flowers each year.
- Cold Hardy: Being suitable for USDA zone 11a, 'Frances Delight' daffodils are capable of withstanding cooler temperatures and frost.
- Spring Bloomer: As early spring bloomers, daffodils provide one of the first bursts of color after the winter, signaling the start of the new growing season.
- Good for Cut Flowers: Daffodils make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, bringing their cheerful colors indoors.
- Multiplication: Daffodil bulbs can be easily divided to produce more plants, making them cost-effective over time.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Frances Delight', more commonly known as Daffodil, can be used in perfumery, as the flowers can sometimes produce an essential oil that is used in fragrances to provide a fresh, floral scent.
- Daffodil bulbs can be crushed to produce a glue-like substance which was historically used to mend pottery and small household items.
- The flowers can be used in art as a natural dye, offering shades of yellow and green depending on the mordant used, which can be applied to textiles or paper.
- Daffodil petals can be crystallized or candied to create edible decorations for desserts, though consumption should be done with caution due to potential toxicity.
- The flower can be pressed and included in botanical paper-making, to create decorative hand-made papers that could be used for stationery or art projects.
- Daffodils contain sap that can be used as an organic pest repellent to protect other plants in the garden.
- The plant can play a role in companion planting, as planting daffodils nearby can help deter certain rodents thanks to their toxicity.
- During the Victorian era, daffodil flowers would sometimes be used for their symbolism in the language of flowers, often representing chivalry or unrequited love.
- The bulbs of daffodils can be hollowed out and used as temporary containers or molds for small candles or crafting materials.
- Daffodils can serve as a natural subject for scientific illustration classes, where students learn to accurately depict plant morphology.
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: The Narcissus, commonly known as the daffodil, often blooms in early spring, symbolizing the emergence of new beginnings and the end of the cold winter.
- Renewal: Associated with the freshness of spring, daffodils represent renewal and the promise of future prosperity.
- Self-love: Named after the myth of Narcissus, who was known for his beauty and self-obsession, daffodils are sometimes a reminder of the importance of self-love and self-awareness.
- Vanity: In line with the Narcissus myth, daffodils can also signify excessive self-involvement and vanity.
- Uncertainty: The daffodil's appearance at the end of winter can also symbolize uncertainty, as it is a time when the season could either revert to the cold or move forward to the warmth of spring.
- Hope: With their bright, cheerful colors, daffodils are often viewed as a sign of hope and encouragement during challenging times.
WaterDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Frances Delight', need consistent moisture during the growing season but should not be overwatered. Water them deeply once a week to encourage strong root growth, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time if there is no rain. During the dormant season, after the flowers have faded, reduce watering significantly. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent bulb rot. Generally, about half a gallon per square foot every week will suffice when the plant is actively growing, but always adjust based on rainfall and soil conditions
LightDaffodils thrive in areas with full sun to partial shade. Narcissus 'Frances Delight' does best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Choose a spot in the garden that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon dappled shade to ensure healthy growth and blooming.
TemperatureDaffodils prefer moderate temperatures and Narcissus 'Frances Delight' is no exception. They can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and during the growing season, they enjoy temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's best to avoid planting in areas where temperatures regularly exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as excessive heat can inhibit bloom.
PruningPruning of daffodils like Narcissus 'Frances Delight' is mainly about deadheading spent flowers to promote bulb strength. Remove the faded flowers but leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, usually in late spring or early summer. This allows the plant to store energy for the next season. Cutting back the foliage too early can weaken the bulb.
CleaningNot needed
SoilFor Daffodil 'Frances Delight,' a well-draining soil mix is best, composed of loam, sand, and compost. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Adding organic matter will enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Frances Delight,' are typically replanted every few years, as they are perennial bulbs. They should be repotted after the foliage dies back and the bulbs have had a chance to rest, usually in late summer or early fall.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Frances Delight' prefers average humidity levels. Excessive humidity can lead to bulb and root rot; therefore, ensuring good air circulation around the plants is crucial for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Daffodil 'Frances Delight' in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant Daffodil 'Frances Delight' in well-drained soil with sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Frances Delight', commonly known as Daffodil, begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in well-drained soil, typically in the fall before the first frost. The bulb remains dormant in the ground throughout the winter until the warmth of spring stimulates it into growth, producing green shoots that emerge from the soil. As the temperature continues to rise, a flower stalk grows, culminating in the bloom of a single, trumpet-shaped flower, often in shades of yellow or white, which is the plant's reproductive stage. After flowering, the plant undergoes a period of photosynthesis to replenish the nutrients in the bulb for the next cycle. As the foliage dies back in late spring or early summer, the plant enters dormancy once more. The bulb rests until the following spring when the cycle begins anew, although dividing and repotting may occur every few years to prevent overcrowding and to propagate the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Narcissus 'Frances Delight', commonly known as Daffodil, is through division of its bulbs. Division should be carried out in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. You start by gently lifting the clump of bulbs from the soil using a spade or fork. Then, separate the bulbs by gently teasing apart the offsets, which are the smaller bulbs that form around the base of the mother bulb. Ensure that each offset has some roots attached. Replant the offsets immediately at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, in well-draining soil, spacing them about 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart. Water the newly planted bulbs generously to establish them. This straightforward process helps to rejuvenate overgrown clumps and can increase your daffodil display over the years.
