Hawera Daffodil Narcissus 'Hawera' (5)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Hawera', commonly referred to as the daffodil, presents a striking appearance with its distinctive flowers. Each bloom is characterized by its soft lemon-yellow petals which are arranged around a slightly deeper yellow cup at the center. The daffodil's flowers have an elegant, star-like shape due to the back-swept nature of the petals, giving them a windswept look. These central cups, also known as coronas, have a slightly frilled edge that adds to the delicate beauty of the flower. These flowers typically appear in clusters, which creates a lovely, bountiful aesthetic. The daffodil 'Hawera' has slender, grass-like leaves that are a bright, fresh green shade, forming an attractive backdrop for the nodding heads of the yellow blossoms. The foliage is often seen emerging first, heralding the arrival of the flowers as the seasons change. Overall, the plant exudes a cheerful presence and is often associated with the arrival of spring because it is one of the earlier blooms in the garden. Its dainty and soft appearance makes it a favorite for gardeners looking to add a touch of whimsy and color to their floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Jonquil, Daffodil
Common names
Narcissus 'Hawera'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil is known for its toxicity to humans if ingested. All parts of the daffodil contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulb being the most poisonous part. If any part of the plant is eaten, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingesting daffodil can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and damage to the central nervous system.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The most poisonous part is the bulb, but all parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids. If a pet ingests part of a daffodil, it may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, or convulsions. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: Narcissus 'Hawera', commonly known as the miniature daffodil, has a unique aesthetic with delicate yellow flowers that can enhance the visual interest of any garden or landscape.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being low maintenance and easy to grow, often thriving in a variety of soil types and conditions.
- Spring Bloomer: Miniature daffodils bloom in early to mid-spring, providing one of the first signs of the changing season and adding vibrant color after the winter months.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial plant, Narcissus 'Hawera' returns year after year, offering a long-term addition to gardens with minimal need for replanting.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of the ecosystem and the pollination of other plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, these plants have good drought tolerance, making them suitable for gardens in dryer climates or areas that experience water restrictions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Hawera' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing soft yellow to greenish hues, depending on the mordant used.
- They can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, often becoming the subject of botanical illustrations and fine art photographs due to their delicate form.
- Its bulbs can be used in 'forcing' techniques indoors to enjoy their blooms out of season, especially around winter holidays.
- Dried Narcissus flowers may be used in potpourri mixes to add fragrance and a touch of spring to a room.
- Flowers from this plant might be used in the craft of flower pressing, preserving their beauty in a more permanent form for decoration or craft projects.
- Narcissus 'Hawera' can be planted in school gardens as an educational tool to help children learn about plant life cycles and bulb propagation.
- Gardens designed for the visually impaired often include Narcissus 'Hawera' for their strong fragrance, aiding in sensory garden experiences.
- They can be used as companion plants among vegetable gardens where their scent is believed to deter certain pests, like carrot flies and rodents.
- With careful arrangement, Narcissus 'Hawera' can be used in creating living sculptures or garden art, adding aesthetic splendor to outdoor spaces.
- Bulb fibers from Narcissus 'Hawera' might be explored in the context of sustainable materials research for potential textile applications.
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 'Hawera', commonly known as the daffodil, often blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the return of fertility to the earth.
- Inspiration and Creativity: Daffodils are associated with artistic inspiration, owing to their bright, cheerful blossoms that evoke a sense of freshness and creativity.
- Self-Love: The name "Narcissus" comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection. Hence, it sometimes represents self-admiration and vanity.
- Prosperity: Daffodils are often associated with good fortune, and in some cultures, they are welcomed as a sign of wealth and success.
- Forgiveness: In some traditions, daffodils can symbolize a desire to be forgiven or to express sincerity and honesty, possibly due to their pure, bright appearance.
WaterDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Hawera', should be watered thoroughly at planting and during active growth, which is in the fall and spring, respectively. They generally need about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or supplemental watering. During the dormant period in summer, they require less water. In terms of volume, it's best to give them about a half gallon to 1 gallon per square foot every week during their growing season, depending on soil conditions. Overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to bulb rot.
LightDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Hawera', thrive best in full sun to partial shade conditions. They should be planted in a spot where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. If they are planted in too much shade, the blooms may not be as vigorous. A location that offers morning sunlight with some afternoon shade can help protect the flowers in areas with very intense midday sun.
TemperatureDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Hawera', can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They prefer cooler conditions and are hardy in regions where the temperature ranges from 35 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The bulbs can survive winter temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and should be planted when the soil temperatures have cooled down to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the fall.
PruningDaffodil, such as Narcissus 'Hawera', doesn't require pruning in the traditional sense, but spent flowers should be deadheaded after blooming to prevent seed formation, which can reduce the vigor of the bulbs. Foliage should not be cut back until it has turned yellow and died down naturally, usually 6 to 8 weeks after flowering. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and gather energy for the next season's blooms.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodil 'Hawera' should be well-draining, fertile, and able to retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mixture of loam, sand, and compost is ideal. Incorporating some perlite can enhance drainage. This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingDaffodil 'Hawera' typically does not require frequent repotting as it is usually grown as a perennial bulb in the garden. If grown in containers, repotting every 2 to 3 years, or when the bulbs become crowded, is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Hawera' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but does not require any specific humidity conditions. It is adaptable to the typical outdoor humidity levels where it is hardy.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Hawera' in bright indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant 'Hawera' in full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Narcissus 'Hawera', commonly known as the Hawera daffodil, begins with a dormant bulb, which is typically planted in the fall before the ground freezes. Come spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, producing slender, strappy leaves and a central stem that will carry the characteristic yellow, fragrant flowers. After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis, where the foliage collects energy from the sunlight to store in the bulb for the next growing cycle. Once the leaves die back in early summer, the daffodil reenters dormancy. The bulb may also produce offsets during the dormant period, leading to a gradual natural increase in numbers. Every few years, the daffodil may require lifting, dividing, and replanting to prevent overcrowding and to maintain vigour.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Narcissus 'Hawera', commonly known as a type of miniature daffodil, is most commonly propagated through the division of its bulbs. The best time for this process is after the daffodil foliage has died back usually by early to mid-summer, which allows the bulbs to gather the energy they need for the next growing season. To propagate, carefully dig up the nesting bulbs and gently separate the smaller offset bulbs, which are attached to the base of the main bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately, ideally around 6 inches (approximately 15 cm) apart and 7 inches (roughly 18 cm) deep to accommodate the future growth of the roots. This method of propagation ensures genetic consistency with the parent plant and a high survival rate for the new bulbs, thus maintaining the delightful characteristics of the 'Hawera' variety.
