Daffodil Narcissus 'Gipsy Queen' (1)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Gypsy Queen' is a striking flower that displays an alluring charm which captures the attention of many garden enthusiasts. Boasting a color palette that is predominantly characterized by a warm, soft peachy-pink hue, its petals unfurl into a classic trumpet shape, which is a notable characteristic of many daffodils. This trumpet, also referred to as the corona, is prominent and slightly ruffled, contributing a delicate texture that contrasts with the smoother perianth segments surrounding it. The petals are slightly recurved, creating an inviting and open appearance which enhances its overall elegance. The tones can be more pronounced toward the center of the trumpet while it may fade into paler shades as it blends outwards to the edges of the perianth. The stamens, nestled within the trumpet, are less visible from a distance but can be seen upon closer inspection and can add an accent of deeper color contrast against the lighter tones of the corona. With leaves that are narrow and long, they emerge from the base of the Narcissus 'Gypsy Queen' and provide a rich green backdrop that makes the peachy-pink blooms stand out all the more prominently. While the plant’s size is not the focus of our description, it's the vibrant clusters of ornamental blooms that create a spectacular display, bringing a cheerful essence to gardens during their blooming season. These attributes make the Narcissus 'Gypsy Queen' a beloved choice for gardeners seeking to inject a touch of classic beauty with an unusual color twist into their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Gipsy Queen Daffodil, Gipsy Queen Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Gipsy Queen'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, which includes the 'Gipsy Queen' variety, is toxic to humans if ingested. The entire plant is poisonous, but the bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxic alkaloids such as lycorine. If ingested, symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, this can lead to dehydration, cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and, very rarely, death. Handling the bulbs can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodil, which includes the 'Gipsy Queen' variety, is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. All parts of the plant, particularly the bulbs, contain toxic alkaloids that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset, cardiac complications, or even death if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45.72 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30.48 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its bright orange-yellow blooms.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions and can be easily cultivated by gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering and is resilient during dry periods.
- Cold Hardy: Can survive in cooler temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
- Multiplication: Propagates easily, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Spring Blooming: One of the early spring bloomers, it helps to mark the end of winter and the start of the growing season.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used in beds, borders, and as cut flowers, providing a versatile option for garden design.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Longevity: Often comes back year after year, providing long-term enjoyment with minimal replanting.
- Symbolic Meaning: Historically associated with rebirth and unrequited love, adding an element of storytelling and culture to gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis 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 source: The petals of the daffodil can be used to produce a yellow dye for fabrics.
- Garden pest repellent: Daffodil bulbs contain compounds that may deter voles and other garden pests from digging and nesting.
- Floral water: Daffodil blossoms can be steeped in water to create a lightly scented floral water for use as a room fragrance or a linen spray.
- Companion planting: Daffodils can be planted among other crops to deter pests, as they have a tendency to be left alone due to their toxicity.
- Eco-friendly fishing: In some cultures, daffodil sap has been used as a fish-stunning agent to make catching them easier without relying on harmful chemicals.
- Art and craft: Daffodil flowers can be pressed and used in decorative art pieces or to beautify handmade paper.
- Photography subject: Their bright and cheerful appearance makes daffodils a popular subject for photographers, especially in spring-themed compositions.
- Floral clocks: Daffodils can be used in the creation of floral clocks, as they bloom reliably and can indicate the start of spring.
- Symbolic gifts: In certain cultures, daffodils are given as gifts to symbolize new beginnings or unrequited love.
- Education and research: Daffodils are often used in educational settings for botanical studies due to their distinct morphology and growth habits.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is traditionally associated with the Chinese New Year and symbolizes good fortune and rebirth. In Feng Shui, placing Narcissus in the home can bring wealth, ensure stability, and attract auspicious chi, especially when placed in the northeast sector of a room or property.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: Named after the character Narcissus from Greek mythology, who was known for his beauty and fell in love with his own reflection, the Narcissus flower often symbolizes self-appreciation and vanity.
- Renewal: As a herald of spring, Narcissus, commonly known as daffodil, symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings.
- Uncertainty: Daffodils can also represent ambiguity or uncertainty, reflecting the story of Narcissus who did not realize the reflection he admired was his own.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils are believed to bring good fortune and are associated with prosperity, particularly when they are the first to bloom in the spring.
- Inspiration: The bright appearance of the daffodil is thought to stimulate creativity and provide inspiration.
- Forgiveness: Sometimes, daffodils can represent forgiveness, due to their refreshing and uplifting appearance as they emerge in the spring.
WaterDaffodils require watering when they are actively growing and blooming. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your Narcissus 'Gipsy Queen' with about 1 inch of water once a week, especially during dry spells, to ensure that the soil remains adequately hydrated. When the flowers have finished blooming and the leaves are yellowing, you can reduce watering as the plant goes dormant. Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall, and remember that containers will dry out faster than in-ground plants and may require more frequent watering.
LightDaffodils thrive in full to partial sunlight. It's best to place your Narcissus 'Gipsy Queen' in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Areas that receive morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade can also be suitable, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor flowering.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and can survive winter temperatures down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but they grow best when the temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The Narcissus 'Gipsy Queen' can tolerate temperatures up to about 75 degrees Fahrenheit, above which it may require additional shade or protection. Ensure that the plant is established before the first freeze of the season for optimal overwintering.
PruningPruning daffodils involves deadheading spent flowers and removing yellowing foliage after blooming. Deadhead the Narcissus 'Gipsy Queen' by snipping off the flower heads once they fade, which prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Allow the foliage to die back naturally for approximately six weeks after blooming before removal to ensure that nutrients are stored for the next season. Annual pruning after flowering maintains the plant's energy and ensures blooms for the following year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for daffodils, including 'Gipsy Queen', should be well-draining and fertile, with a mix of loam, compost, and sand. The ideal soil pH for daffodils is between 6.0 and 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingDaffodils typically do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted only when they become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils prefer average humidity levels and do not require any special humidity conditions. They are adaptable and can thrive in the humidity levels typically found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Daffodil 'Gipsy Queen' begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is a dormant stage that survives winter and utilizes stored nutrients to sprout in spring. Upon warmer temperatures and adequate moisture, it enters a vegetative growth stage, producing green, strap-like leaves and a sturdy stem. The reproductive stage follows, with the blossom of a single flower per stem, characterized by its striking orange-yellow trumpet and petal segments. After pollination, the flower fades and the plant enters a senescence phase; energy is redirected back into the bulb as leaves die back. The bulb then enters a period of dormancy during the hotter months, conserving energy for the next growth cycle. This yearly cycle repeats, with the bulb potentially dividing to produce offsets that will grow into new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'Gipsy Queen', commonly known as daffodil, is primarily propagated through division of bulbs, which is the most popular method for this plant. The best time to propagate daffodils by division is in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. This period typically falls after the flowering season when the bulbs have gathered enough energy and are in their dormant stage. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate any offsets, which are smaller bulbs that have formed at the base of the main bulb, from the parent bulb. Replant these offsets immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) to ensure they have adequate time to establish roots before the onset of cold weather. This simple method ensures a steady supply of daffodil bulbs that can be shared or expanded into new areas of the garden.
