Daffodil Narcissus 'Heamoor' (4)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Heamoor' is a captivating plant that is typically known by the common name daffodil. It presents a striking display with its vibrant flowers. The blooms are characterized by a prominent trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a set of petal-like structures forming a star-shaped background, which is traditional to daffodils. The corona has a ruffled appearance which gives the flower an ornate look, often displaying a rich, saturated color that can vary from plant to plant. Surrounding the central trumpet, the petals unfurl in a soft, overlapping manner, and are usually a creamy white to sunny yellow hue, giving the flower a cheerful and bright disposition. The overall look of the Narcissus 'Heamoor' is a classic daffodil form, exuding elegance and beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Heamoor'
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus 'Heamoor', commonly known as Daffodil, contains toxic alkaloids like lycorine that can be harmful to humans if ingested. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to dehydration, irregular heart rhythms, or even neurological symptoms such as tremors or seizures. Handling the bulbs can also cause skin irritation for some individuals.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingestion of any part of the plant, but especially the bulbs, can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart arrhythmias, and convulsions. In severe cases, it could potentially result in a drop in blood pressure or respiratory depression. Immediate veterinary attention is advised if a pet is suspected of ingesting daffodil.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 foot (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Aesthetics: The Narcissus 'Heamoor', commonly known as the daffodil, adds a bright splash of color to any garden or landscape with its distinctive yellow flowers.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being hardy and easy to cultivate, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Early Blooming: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, daffodils can add cheer to a garden after a long winter.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms of daffodils attract bees and other pollinators, which are crucial for the health of gardens and ecosystems.
- Perennial Growth: Daffodils are perennial plants which means they come back year after year, providing long-term value for the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, daffodils can be quite tolerant of drought, making them suitable for a variety of climates and conditions.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils are generally resistant to deer and rodents, which can help protect the garden from unwanted pests.
- Propagates Easily: Daffodils can be easily propagated by dividing bulbs, allowing gardeners to spread and share their blooms.
- Symbolic Significance: Daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, which can provide a sense of hope and joy to onlookers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dried Flower Crafts: The flowers of Narcissus 'Heamoor' can be dried and used in various crafts such as wreath making, adding a touch of natural beauty to home decor.
- Perfumery: Although not a common use for this variety, some narcissus plants are used in perfumery for their fragrance; the essence could be used in homemade perfumes or scented oils.
- Photography Prop: Narcissus 'Heamoor' flowers, with their vibrant yellow petals, can serve as a striking photography prop, adding color and life to floral photography sets.
- Sachets: Petals and bulbs can be dried to produce a natural fragrance for sachets to keep drawers and closets smelling fresh.
- Plant Dye: The petals could potentially be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, though the color yield and fastness would be variable.
- Symbolic Gifts: The Narcissus 'Heamoor' can be a meaningful gift symbolizing renewal and self-love, especially since it blooms in spring.
- Water Features: Floating the blooms in a bowl of water can create a simple yet elegant water feature or centerpiece for tables during springtime events.
- Garden Borders: The plant can be used to create attractive borders in gardens due to its neat growth habit and cheerful flowers.
- Educational Tool: In botany classes, Narcissus 'Heamoor' can serve as a specimen for teaching about bulb growth and flowering plant life cycles.
- Culinary Decoration: While not edible, the flowers can be used to decorate plates or cakes for a lively presentation, but they should be removed before consumption.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is associated with good fortune and wealth in Feng Shui practice; to use this plant effectively, place it in the wealth corner of your home (southeast) to attract abundance or in the front entrance to welcome positive energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Vanity and Self-Absorption: Deriving from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his own reflection, the narcissus flower often symbolizes self-admiration and vanity.
- New Beginnings and Renewal: As narcissus is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, it is also seen as a symbol of rebirth and the coming of a new year or period in life.
- Wealth and Good Fortune: In some cultures, especially in the East, the narcissus is believed to bring wealth and good luck, particularly if it blooms during the New Year period.
- Unrequited Love: The tale of Narcissus also lends this flower to represent unrequited or self-centered love, relating to the idea of being consumed by one's own emotions.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Heamoor', should be watered thoroughly at planting and then sparingly until the leaves appear. Once in growth, supply one inch of water per week if there hasn't been adequate rainfall. After blooming, continue watering as needed until the foliage begins to yellow and die back in late spring to early summer, then decrease watering as the plant goes dormant. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure well-draining soil to prevent excess moisture retention. During their dormant period in summer, daffodils typically require no additional watering.
LightDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Heamoor', thrive in full sun to partial shade. They perform best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be one that gets morning sun, which provides ample light without the intensity of the midday sun which can sometimes be too strong. However, they can also tolerate a bit of shade, especially in the hotter parts of the day or in warmer climates.
TemperatureDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Heamoor', do well in a wide range of temperatures but prefer cooler climates. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and are hardy to USDA zones 3 to 8. The ideal growing temperature for daffodils is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during their active growth in the spring. Excessive heat during dormancy in the summer can be detrimental to the bulbs.
PruningPruning of daffodils, like Narcissus 'Heamoor', typically involves the removal of spent flower heads, a process known as deadheading. This should be done soon after the flowers fade to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. However, leave the foliage intact until it yellows and begins to wither naturally, usually 6 to 8 weeks after blooming. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy for the next season. Pruning of the foliage too soon can weaken the bulb for next year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils, like Narcissus 'Heamoor', thrive best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture comprising equal parts of loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure will create an ideal environment for their growth, providing good drainage and fertility.
RepottingDaffodils generally do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted once their clumps become overcrowded, typically every 3 to 5 years, to continue flourishing.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils are tolerant of a range of humidity levels as long as they are planted in well-draining soil and are not left in waterlogged conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Daffodils in bright, indirect light and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Narcissus 'Heamoor', commonly known as Daffodil, begins with a dormant bulb planted in the autumn before the ground freezes. In the early spring, the bulb awakens and produces a single flower stem along with strap-like leaves, leading to the bloom phase where the bright yellow flower emerges, a characteristic trait of the Daffodil Heamoor cultivar. After flowering, the plant enters a post-bloom phase where photosynthesis in the leaves replenishes the bulb's energy reserves for the next season. Once the foliage dies back, typically in late spring or early summer, the plant reenters dormancy, with the bulb lying dormant underground through summer and fall. The cycle repeats yearly, with the possibility of the bulb producing offsets that can be separated to grow new plants. Additionally, after several years, the bulb may need to be lifted and divided to prevent overcrowding and to ensure vigour.
PropogationPropogation time
Early summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête' is by dividing the bulbs. This is ideally done when the foliage has died back after flowering, usually in late summer to early fall. To divide the bulbs, carefully dig up the clumps and gently separate the bulbs by hand, ensuring that each offset has some root attached. These offsets, or 'daughter bulbs,' can then be replanted immediately at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, which typically translates to about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) deep, and spaced about 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.16 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. This method of division encourages a healthy proliferation of the plant, resulting in more blooms in the subsequent seasons.
