Daffodil Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' (1)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' is known for its exquisite and unique flowers. This daffodil variety boasts a remarkable color palette that strictly focuses on its appearance without specific size dimensions. The distinct blooms display a delightful dual-tone effect. The petals emanate a creamy-white color, reminiscent of the smoothness of gin. These are arranged in a classic trumpet-like fashion, radiating around the central cup. What makes 'Gin and Lime' particularly striking is its eye-catching cup, which exudes a contrasting lime-green hue, giving an impression of a fresh slice of lime dropped into a sophisticated drink. This central cup may take on a flared or slightly frilled edge, adding to the flower's decorative flair. The plant flowers during spring, creating a refreshing display when many other plants are just beginning to wake from their winter slumber. The foliage of Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' consists of slender, strap-like leaves that are a vibrant green, forming an elegant backdrop that further accentuates the allure of the blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil
Common names
Narcissus 'Gin and Lime'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodils, including the 'Gin and Lime' variety, contain toxic alkaloids such as lycorine and oxalates that make them poisonous if ingested. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in humans can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as abdominal pain. More severe reactions might involve arrhythmias, convulsions, or low blood pressure. Contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodils are also toxic to pets. Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, respiratory depression, and in severe cases, seizures or even coma. If a pet ingests daffodils, it is important to seek immediate veterinary care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant white petals with greenish-yellow cups of Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' add beauty and color to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of daffodil is low maintenance and can thrive in a range of soil types, as long as there is adequate drainage.
- Spring Bloomer: It heralds the start of spring with its early flowering, often being one of the first plants to bloom after winter.
- Animal Resistant: Daffodils are unappealing to deer and rodents, which helps prevent them from being eaten by garden pests.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' returns year after year, providing long-term value for the garden.
- Multiplication: Over time, the bulbs naturally multiply, providing more plants that can be divided and shared or replanted to spread the beauty.
- Erosion Control: Planting daffodils like Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' can help stabilize soil and control erosion in certain settings.
- Symbolism: Daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, making them a meaningful addition to any garden or as a gift.
- Landscaping Versatility: They can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, including borders, rock gardens, and naturalized woodland areas.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut flower arrangements: Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' makes an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements due to its unique color and fragrance, adding a bright touch to bouquets and centerpieces.
- Photography subjects: The striking appearance of Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' can serve as an excellent subject for still life photography or botanical art.
- Culinary decoration: Edible narcissus varieties could serve as a decorative element on plates and cakes, although care must be taken to confirm the specific variety is indeed safe to consume.
- Fabric dye: The petals of narcissus flowers could potentially be used to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics, although specific techniques and results may vary.
- Essential oil production: The flowers of the Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' could be used in the production of essential oils for perfumery and aromatherapy, albeit not commonly.
- Garden pest repellent: Narcissus plants are known to deter certain rodents and other garden pests, integrating 'Gin and Lime' into a garden could assist in this regard.
- Special events and festivals: Due to their springtime bloom, 'Gin and Lime' can be featured in events and festivals that celebrate the season, serving as both decoration and symbol.
- Plant dye for crafts: The narcissus blooms can be used to create natural plant dyes for use in crafting projects, such as dying papers or textiles.
- Natural playdough coloring: The flowers can be used in recipes for homemade playdough to provide a natural colorant for children's crafts.
- Educational tool: Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' can serve as an educational tool in horticultural studies and botanical research, demonstrating hybridization and cultivation techniques.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is often associated with wealth and abundance in Feng Shui, making it an auspicious plant to keep in the home. Place it in the wealth corner (southeast part of a room or home) to promote prosperity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The narcissus, commonly known as the daffodil, is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of new life.
- Self-esteem: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, this flower is often associated with self-love and the importance of acknowledging one's own beauty and worth.
- Hope and Renewal: The bright appearance of daffodils brings hope and is often seen as a sign of future prosperity and renewal.
- Unrequited Love: In some contexts, the narcissus can represent love that is not returned, stemming from the tale of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Inspiration: The daffodil is associated with creativity and inspiration, encouraging people to be creative and strive for new ideas.
- Respect: Giving a daffodil as a gift can signify deep respect for someone, acknowledging their unique qualities and contributions.
- Chivalry: In some traditions, presenting a daffodil to someone is a way of honoring them and is associated with chivalrous behavior.
- Death and Farewell: In some cultures, the narcissus is associated with death or a final farewell, sometimes used in funerals and to commemorate the deceased.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Gin and Lime', should be watered thoroughly at planting and then given about an inch of water weekly if there is no rain. They prefer a regime of consistent moisture during their growth and blooming period. Once they have finished flowering and their foliage has died back, you can reduce watering significantly, as they are dormant in the summer. It's not easy to specify an exact number of gallons without knowing the soil type and environment, but ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season
LightFor optimal growth, daffodils like Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' require full to partial sunlight. The best spot for planting them is an area that gets at least six hours of direct sun daily. However, they can also tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates where some afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from excessive heat
TemperatureDaffodils such as Narcissus 'Gin and Lime' thrive best in a temperature range that mimics their natural cool to temperate habitats; their ideal growing temperatures fall between 50°F and 70°F. While they can survive brief periods of colder weather and frosts in winter months, it's best to avoid exposing them to temperatures below 20°F. In the heat of summer, once daffodils go dormant, they can withstand higher temperatures, typically up to 90°F
PruningPruning Narcissus 'Gin and Lime', commonly known as daffodils, is mostly limited to deadheading the spent flowers to maintain garden tidiness and to prevent seed pod formation, which diverts the plant's energy from preparing for the next season. After blooming, allow the foliage to die back naturally for about six weeks; do not cut it off prematurely. This ensures that the bulb can store energy for the next year's growth. Pruning or cleaning up the dead foliage can be done once it has yellowed and withered away in late spring or early summer
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Gin and Lime' thrives in well-draining soil with added organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. A good mix might include equal parts garden soil, peat or coir, and perlite or sand. The ideal soil pH for daffodils is between 6.0 and 7.0. Ensuring proper drainage is essential to prevent bulb rot.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Gin and Lime', generally do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting or dividing clumps should happen after the foliage has died back, typically every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and ensure vigor.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like 'Gin and Lime' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions. Average room humidity is generally sufficient for these plants, as their main requirement is well-draining soil and appropriate watering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in bright light, cool spot, water when dry.
Outdoor
Plant in Sun to part shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Gin and Lime', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life as a bulb planted in the autumn before the first frost. The bulb remains dormant until early spring when temperatures rise and daylight increases, initiating the growth of roots, followed by stems and leaves. By late spring, the plant produces its distinctive flowers, with white petals and a lime-green cup, which will bloom for several weeks before wilting. After flowering, the foliage photosynthesizes, creating energy stored in the bulb for next year's growth. As summer approaches, the leaves yellow and die back as the plant enters dormancy. The cycle repeats when the bulb reawakens the following spring to begin a new growth season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Narcissus 'Gin and Lime', commonly known as daffodil, is by dividing its bulbs after the foliage has died back in late spring or early summer. To do so, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate them from the main clump. Each division should have at least one growth point. Replant the bulbs immediately about 6 inches (approximately 15 cm) deep and about 6 to 8 inches apart (15 to 20 cm), ensuring that the pointed end faces upwards. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to help establish roots, but make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent rot. This simple process can help gardeners expand their daffodil displays over the years with minimal effort.
