Daffodil Narcissus 'Glenfarclas' (1)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Glenfarclas' is a striking variety of daffodil known for its distinctive flowers. This particular daffodil typically blooms in the springtime, presenting flowers characterized by their vibrant yellow color. Each flower features a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of six petal-like tepals, which are often a softer shade of yellow or sometimes a contrasting color like white or orange, depending on the cultivar. The trumpet of the Narcissus 'Glenfarclas' is usually significantly longer than the surrounding tepals, giving the bloom an elegant and pronounced appearance. This central cup may have a slightly ruffled or frilled edge, adding texture and interest to the flower's profile. The outer tepals are typically broad, overlapping slightly, and come to a point at the tip, with smooth edges that contribute to the flower's overall aesthetic. The leaves of this daffodil are narrow, long, and strap-shaped, with a deep green color that provides a perfect backdrop to showcase the brightness of the flowers. These leaves emerge from the base of the plant, forming a lush, green clump that complements the floral display above. The daffodil grows in clusters, with each stem typically bearing a single flower, though some cultivars might produce multiple blooms per stem. The flowers are oriented to face upward or slightly angled, inviting viewers to admire their form and hue. As a plant that has been selectively bred for garden appeal, Narcissus 'Glenfarclas' has been developed to possess an attractive and balanced overall presentation, making it a desirable choice for adding a splash of springtime color to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Glenfarclas'
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus 'Glenfarclas' is more commonly known as a type of daffodil. All parts of the daffodil plant are toxic to humans if ingested. The primary toxicants are alkaloids, such as lycorine, which can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting daffodil parts can lead to more serious effects like cardiac arrhythmias or neurological symptoms. Handling the bulbs can sometimes cause skin irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals.
To pets
Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Glenfarclas', are toxic to pets. The bulbs, leaves, and flowers all contain harmful alkaloids including lycorine. If a pet ingests any part of a daffodil, symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in some cases, even tremors or seizures may occur. Serious poisoning can result in cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Immediate veterinary attention is advised if ingestion is suspected.
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes with its striking blooms.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the pollination of many plants and crops.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it an easy addition for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Capable of surviving in drier conditions, making it suitable for regions with water restrictions or less frequent rainfall.
- Deer Resistance: Typically avoided by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from browsing animals.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers early spring blooms, often when few other plants are flowering.
- Naturalizing: Tends to spread and naturalize in an area, filling in spaces and creating a more lush garden over time.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in a variety of settings, including borders, rock gardens, containers, and as cut flowers for arrangements.
- Bulb Strength: The bulbs can survive many winters without the need to be dug up or replaced, offering a perennial growth habit.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Glenfarclas', also known as daffodil, can serve as a natural dye. The petals of daffodils contain pigments that can be used to colour fabrics and crafts in varying shades of yellow.
- Daffodils are often used in literature and poetry as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings, making them useful for educational purposes in literary studies.
- The daffodil's distinctive trumpet-shaped flower can be used as a mold in arts and crafts to create unique shapes in clay or plaster.
- In some cultures, daffodils are associated with good fortune and are used in floral arrangements to attract luck, especially during celebrations like the Chinese New Year.
- As a gardening challenge, narcissus bulbs can be "forced" in water to bloom indoors out of season, providing an opportunity for gardeners to learn about bulb growth and indoor horticulture.
- Daffodils can be used in photography as a subject for macro photography practice due to their intricate structures and vibrant colors.
- As a long-lasting cut flower, daffodils are used in flower arranging workshops and classes to teach about floral design and composition.
- The fragrance of some daffodil varieties can be subtly used in homemade perfumes or potpourris to add a light floral scent to personal care products.
- When dried, daffodil petals can be incorporated into paper-making to add texture and visual interest to handmade papers.
- Daffodils can serve as inspiration for textile design, with their forms and colors influencing patterns and motifs for fabrics and wallpapers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil 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, the daffodil often symbolizes self-love and vanity.
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, daffodils are associated with rebirth and new beginnings.
- Unrequited Love: Another theme from the myth of Narcissus is unrequited love, a feeling that may be symbolized by the daffodil.
- Respect: Giving daffodils is believed to convey respect and can be a gesture of recognition.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils are believed to bring prosperity and are considered fortuitous when blooming during the New Year.
- Chivalry: A single bloom of the daffodil can represent chivalry and regard.
- Eternal Life: The daffodil's ability to return year after year is sometimes linked with the concept of life and resurrection.
WaterDaffodils require moderate watering. When they are actively growing and during the flowering period, water them thoroughly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In general, watering once a week with about one inch of water should suffice, depending on weather conditions. After they have finished blooming and the leaves begin to yellow, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. Overwatering or allowing them to sit in water can lead to bulb rot, so it's important that the soil drains well. In total, aim to provide roughly 0.5 gallons of water per square foot per month during the growing season.
LightDaffodils thrive in full sun to partial shade. They perform best when planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they can also tolerate light shade, particularly in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can be beneficial. Avoid deeply shaded areas as this can lead to weak growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy plants and can survive a range of temperatures, but they prefer cooler climates. They can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 20°F and are generally hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. The ideal temperature for daffodil growth is between 50°F and 60°F. Extreme heat can be detrimental to the plants, especially if it is accompanied by drought.
PruningDaffodils generally do not require pruning in the traditional sense, but spent flower heads should be deadheaded after blooming to redirect energy into the bulb rather than seed production. However, leave the foliage in place until it has yellowed and died back naturally, which usually takes about six weeks after flowering. Cutting back green foliage prematurely can reduce the energy stored in the bulb and impact future flowering.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodils like Narcissus 'Glenfarclas' thrive best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix should contain loam, sand, and organic matter such as compost to provide proper drainage and nutrients.
RepottingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Glenfarclas' typically do not need to be repotted frequently; repotting every 2-3 years or when the bulbs have crowded the pot is adequate.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Glenfarclas' prefer moderate humidity levels and do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in typical indoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, ensure good drainage, and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Daffodil 'Glenfarclas' starts as a dormant bulb that is planted in the ground during autumn before the first frost. After planting, the bulb undergoes root establishment and begins to sprout leaves and a stem as the soil warms in spring. The plant enters a growth phase where it produces its distinctive trumpet-shaped flower, typically emerging from early to mid-spring. Following blooming, the plant enters a senescence stage where the flower fades and the plant focuses energy on replenishing the bulb for the next season. During summer, after the leaves yellow and die back, the bulb enters a period of dormancy. This cycle repeats annually, with the bulb lying dormant through fall and winter until conditions are favorable for growth again in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Fall
The most popular method of propagating Narcissus 'Glenfarclas', commonly known as daffodils, is by dividing their bulbs. The ideal time to do this is after the foliage has died back in late spring or early summer, indicating the plant has entered dormancy. To propagate, carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate the smaller offset bulbs, known as bulblets, which grow at the base of the mother bulb. These bulblets can then be replanted immediately to the same depth as the original bulbs, which is typically about 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep, ensuring that there's enough space for root development. Replanting at the appropriate depth and spacing allows the bulblets to develop over the summer and produce flowers in the following spring.
