Daffodil Narcissus 'Garden Opera' (7)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Garden Opera' is an ornamental garden plant known for its attractive and vibrant flowers. The blooms typically feature a central cup or trumpet that is surrounded by six petal-like segments, forming a daffodil's characteristic star-shaped flower. The trumpet may have a different color or tone compared to the surrounding segments, often resulting in a striking contrast. The petals and cup of this cultivar boast a harmonious blend of colors which may include shades of yellow, orange, or white, contributing to its eye-catching appearance in garden settings. The foliage of Narcissus 'Garden Opera' consists of long, narrow leaves that are a deep green color, providing a lovely backdrop for the bright flowers. These strap-like leaves emerge from the base of the plant, gracefully arching outward and framing the flowers. The plant's overall appearance when in bloom is cheerful and inviting, making it a popular choice for springtime gardens and floral displays. It is commonly planted in clusters or drifts to create a naturalistic display of color and form, a testament to the plant's endearing beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Garden Opera Daffodil, Garden Opera Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Garden Opera'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Narcissus 'Garden Opera' is daffodil. Daffodils are toxic to humans if any part of the plant is ingested. The primary toxic compounds are lycorine and other alkaloids, which are present in the bulb more than in the leaves or flowers. Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and more severe cases can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and even death if enough of the plant is consumed. Handling the bulbs can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The common name for Narcissus 'Garden Opera' is daffodil. Daffodils are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures and possible death. The bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxic alkaloids, but all parts of the plant pose a risk if ingested by pets. Skin irritation can also occur from contact with the bulbs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: The Narcissus 'Garden Opera', also known as Daffodil, produces vibrant flowers that add color and beauty to any garden.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being low maintenance and easy to grow, making them perfect for beginner gardeners.
- Pest Resistance: They are naturally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, daffodils can tolerate periods of low water availability.
- Long Blooming Period: Daffodils have a long flowering period in spring, providing extended visual interest.
- Perennial Growth: As perennials, these plants come back year after year, making them a lasting addition to the landscape.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils can spread over time and naturalize an area, creating dense drifts of color with minimal effort.
- Spring Indicator: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, daffodils are often seen as a sign that warmer weather is coming.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The daffodil 'Garden Opera' bulbs can be used for natural dyeing, producing colors that can range from yellow to orange, depending on the mordant used.
- As a symbol in art and literature, daffodils like 'Garden Opera' often represent rebirth and unrequited love, making them a subject for poetry and paintings.
- Daffodil flowers can be pressed and included in homemade paper to add texture and visual interest to the finished product.
- The stems of daffodils like 'Garden Opera' can be used in basket-weaving for decorative purposes due to their fibrous nature.
- Concentrated daffodil flower essence is sometimes used in aromatherapy for its purported uplifting and energizing fragrance.
- The distinct trumpet-shaped blooms of 'Garden Opera' can inspire design elements in fashion, such as patterns or accessory shapes.
- Daffodils may be placed in ponds or water features to provide a temporary floating floral display, as the cut flowers can float for a short time.
- During certain festivals, daffodils are woven into garlands or wreaths to celebrate the arrival of spring, with 'Garden Opera' adding unique color.
- Photographers may use daffodils like 'Garden Opera' as a backdrop or subject to explore concepts of light and color in nature photography.
- 'Garden Opera' daffodils can serve as learning tools for botany students studying plant structures and pollination mechanisms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDaffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDaffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, this flower symbolizes self-love and admiration.
- New Beginnings: The Narcissus, or daffodil, blooms in the spring, making it a symbol of rebirth and new starts.
- Unrequited Love: Stemming from the same Greek myth, the Narcissus can also represent unrequited love, as Narcissus did not return the affections of those who loved him.
- Prosperity: In Chinese culture, the daffodil is associated with wealth and good fortune, especially when blooming around the Chinese New Year.
- Respect: In some Western cultures, the Narcissus is a sign of respect and can be given as an acknowledgment of someone’s talents and hard work.
- Hope: Its early spring appearance makes the daffodil a symbol of hope and the overcoming of challenges, as it is often one of the first flowers to emerge after winter.
- Unequalled Love: The daffodil is sometimes associated with a love that cannot be matched, reflecting the unique and sole focus of Narcissus’s affection for himself.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Garden Opera', typically require watering once a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry during their growing season. They prefer thorough watering which encourages deep root growth; this can be achieved by applying approximately one gallon of water per square foot of soil. Reducing the frequency to every two to three weeks is advisable once the flowering has ended and the foliage has begun to yellow, signaling the plant's dormant period.
LightDaffodils thrive in spots where they receive full to partial sunlight. An ideal location would provide them with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, enabling them to grow vigorously and bloom well. Avoid deep shade areas as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering.
TemperatureDaffodils, including those of the Narcissus 'Garden Opera' variety, grow best within a temperature range of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They favor cooler environments and should be planted in fall to ensure exposure to the cold required for proper dormancy and subsequent spring growth.
PruningDaffodils generally do not require extensive pruning, but it is beneficial to remove spent flowers to prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from bulb development. Once the foliage turns yellow and withers, usually several weeks after blooming, it can be cut back to ground level. This usually happens once a year, typically in late spring or early summer.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Daffodil 'Garden Opera' is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loamy soil with added organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure encourages healthy growth. Adequate drainage is crucial to prevent bulb rot.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Garden Opera', generally do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted once the clumps become overcrowded, typically every 3-5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like 'Garden Opera' are not particularly humidity-sensitive, but they thrive in average outdoor humidity levels. Consistent moisture in the air helps, but they are adaptable to various humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Daffodil 'Garden Opera' in bright, indirect light with cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant Daffodil 'Garden Opera' in sun to part shade in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Narcissus 'Garden Opera', commonly known as daffodil, begins with a dormant bulb that breaks dormancy in late winter or early spring, when shoots emerge from the soil. The shoots grow into tall stalks that produce a single flower head each, with a prominent central trumpet surrounded by petal-like tepals. After flowering, the daffodil sets seed, although many gardeners deadhead the flowers to redirect energy into the bulb rather than seed production. The foliage remains for a period to photosynthesize and replenish the bulb's energy reserves. As the season progresses, the leaves yellow and wither, and the daffodil enters a dormant period during the summer months. The cycle is repeated each year, with bulbs potentially dividing to form clumps that can be separated and replanted to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'Garden Opera', commonly known as Daffodil, is typically propagated by division after the plant has finished flowering and has gone into dormancy. The most popular method of propagation is by separating the bulb offsets, also known as "daughter bulbs," from the parent bulb. To do this, gardeners gently lift the clumps of bulbs from the soil using a spade or fork once the foliage has yellowed and dried, usually in late summer. The offsets are then carefully teased apart from the main bulb, paying attention not to damage the basal plate where roots form. The daughter bulbs are then planted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm) and spaced approximately 6 inches (15 cm) apart to ensure proper growing conditions. This method allows the bulbs to establish themselves in their new location through the fall, developing a strong root system before the winter.
