Tazetta Daffodil Narcissus 'Geranium' (8)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Geranium' is known for its charming and vibrant flowers. The plant typically bears clusters of blooms, each with a distinctive appearance. Each flower showcases a pure white perianth made up of petal-like segments that are broad and flat, radiating around a central trumpet-shaped corona. The corona itself is a striking contrast in a vivid shade of orange or deep tangerine, and it is frilled at the mouth, giving it a ruffled look that adds to the flower's ornate beauty. The blooms emit a delightful fragrance, which is a pleasing attribute of this cultivar. The foliage of the Narcissus 'Geranium' is fresh green and comprises of long, narrow and strap-shaped leaves. These leaves extend from the base of the stem, creating an upright and slender clump that supports the weight of the flowers. The overall look of the plant is one that is fresh and cheery, making it a favored choice for springtime gardens. The vibrant color scheme of the flowers, combined with the pleasant scent, makes this plant not only a visual standout but also an olfactory delight.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Geranium Narcissus, Tazetta Daffodil
Common names
Narcissus 'Geranium'
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus 'Geranium', commonly known as the daffodil, is toxic to humans if ingested. The bulb of the daffodil is the most toxic part, although all parts of the plant contain poisonous alkaloids such as lycorine. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, convulsions, and in rare circumstances, death. Handling the bulb may also cause skin irritation in susceptible individuals.
To pets
The daffodil is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Consumption of any part of the daffodil, especially the bulbs, can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, seizures, and heart and respiratory issues. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal. Immediate veterinary attention is advised if a pet is suspected of consuming daffodil plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet 8 inches (50 cm)
Spread
0 feet 6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The Narcissus 'Geranium', commonly known as Tazetta Daffodil, produces flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Ease of care: This plant is known for being low maintenance and easy to care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long blooming period: The Tazetta Daffodil has a prolonged flowering period, offering a long-lasting display of color in the garden.
- Resilience to pests and diseases: It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Tolerance to different soil types: The plant can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Cold hardiness: Being tolerant to cold, it can survive and bloom in cooler climates where many other plants may not.
- Aesthetic appeal: The Tazetta Daffodil's attractive, fragrant flowers can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Naturalizing: It has the ability to naturalize, or spread, over time, creating larger displays of blooms as the years go by.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The petals of the narcissus 'Geranium' can be used in the preparation of natural dyes for fabrics, giving them a soft yellow hue.
- In perfumery: The flower has a strong, sweet scent and its essential oil can be used as a fragrance component in perfumery.
- As a pest deterrent: When planted in gardens, narcissus 'Geranium' may help deter voles and other rodents, as they tend to avoid areas where narcissus plants are present.
- In cut flower arrangements: The narcissus 'Geranium' has a relatively long vase life, making it ideal for use in floral displays and bouquets.
- As a teaching tool: Botany educators can use the narcissus 'Geranium' to teach about bulb propagation and growth patterns.
- For artistic inspiration: The beauty of the narcissus 'Geranium' is often depicted in paintings, photographs, and other forms of art.
- In horticultural competitions: Narcissus 'Geranium' is a popular entry in flower shows and garden competitions due to its distinctive appearance.
- For seasonal festivals: The flower is associated with spring festivals and often used in decorations to symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.
- As a companion plant: Narcissus 'Geranium' can be planted alongside other flowers as a companion plant to create aesthetically pleasing garden designs.
- In potpourri: Dried narcissus 'Geranium' flowers can be used to add fragrance to potpourri.
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 and New Beginnings: The Narcissus 'Geranium', commonly known as daffodil, often blooms in the early spring and is associated with rebirth and new beginnings.
- Unrequited Love: In the language of flowers, daffodils can symbolize unrequited love, possibly originating from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Prosperity: Daffodils are often associated with wealth and good fortune, especially when they bloom abundantly in the springtime.
- Inspiration: The bright appearance and early bloom of the daffodil can signify creativity and inspiration, symbolizing the rejuvenation of ideas and creativity.
- Self-Reflection: Linked to the Narcissus myth, daffodils can also represent the idea of self-reflection and the importance of looking inward.
- Respect: Presenting daffodils can convey respect for someone, as they are seen as a noble flower with an upright and regal bearing.
- Forgiveness: The gentle nature of the daffodil can also convey a message of forgiveness, suggesting a willingness to move past transgressions.
WaterThe Tazetta Narcissus 'Geranium', commonly known as the Tazetta Daffodil, requires consistent moisture during the growing season. It should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil begins to feel dry to the touch. Typically, this will mean watering once every week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and soil drainage. It is best to provide the Tazetta Daffodil with about one gallon of water per square foot of soil each time you water to ensure deep soil penetration. Over-watering or allowing the bulbs to sit in waterlogged soil can lead to rot, so make sure the planting site has good drainage.
LightTazetta Daffodils, including Narcissus 'Geranium', thrive in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting Tazetta Daffodils is an area where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they can also perform well in light, dappled shade, especially in hotter regions where some protection from the intense afternoon sun can be beneficial.
TemperatureTazetta Daffodils, like Narcissus 'Geranium', prefer moderate temperatures and grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°F and as high as 75°F, but they perform optimally when daytime temperatures range from 50°F to 65°F. Ideal bulb planting time is in the fall when soil temperatures are below 60°F which allows for proper root development before the winter cold sets in.
PruningPruning Tazetta Daffodils like Narcissus 'Geranium' involves deadheading the spent flowers after blooming to maintain plant aesthetics and prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from the bulb. Remove only the flower head and stalk, leaving the foliage intact. The leaves should be left to die back naturally, as they provide the necessary nutrients for the bulb to store for the next year's growth. Pruning is only needed once the flowers have faded, usually by snipping the spent blossoms at their base.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNarcissus 'Geranium', commonly known as Tazetta Daffodil, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. An ideal mix contains equal parts of garden soil, peat, and sand, ensuring good drainage and aeration. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent bulb rot.
RepottingTazetta Daffodil bulbs should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they become overcrowded. The best time to repot is after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant, typically in late summer or fall.
Humidity & MistingTazetta Daffodil prefers average humidity levels. As a bulbous plant that is used to outdoor conditions, it is not as sensitive to indoor humidity levels as other plants, making it relatively easy to maintain.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, in autumn.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the 'Geranium' Tazetta Daffodil begins with a dormant bulb that is planted in the fall, which stores energy for the next growing season. As temperatures warm in the spring, the bulb awakens and sprouts, sending up green shoots and leaves that photosynthesize to nourish the plant. Following the foliage, the flower stalk emerges, displaying clusters of fragrant, white or cream petals with an orange-red cup in the center. After blooming, which typically occurs in mid to late spring, the flowers wither and seed pods may form if pollination has occurred. The plant then directs its energy back into the bulb as leaves yellow and die back, preparing for summer dormancy. Finally, the cycle repeats each year with the bulb lying dormant through the hot summer and revitalizing in the fall.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Narcissus 'Geranium', commonly known as Tazetta Daffodil, is typically propagated by dividing the bulbs, which is the most popular method of reproduction for this plant. The best time for dividing and replanting daffodil bulbs is in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the bulbs have gone dormant. Carefully lift the clump of bulbs from the ground using a spade or fork, taking care not to damage the bulbs. Gently separate the bulbs by hand, detaching any bulblets that have formed. These bulblets can be planted as they are capable of developing into mature flowering bulbs after a couple of seasons. The individual bulbs should then be replanted at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) and spaced approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and flowering the following season.
