Daffodil Narcissus 'Hummingbird' (6)
ABOUT
The 'Hummingbird' daffodil is a captivating plant that displays a spectacular floral arrangement. Its flowers are a stunning feature, characterized by their vibrant yellow hues. The trumpet-like centers are particularly prominent and are often a deeper, rich yellow compared to the petals that surround them. These petals splay outwards and have a slightly paler yellow tone, providing a lovely contrast that is eye-catching and adds depth to the flower's appearance. The foliage of the 'Hummingbird' daffodil is also noteworthy, consisting of slender green leaves that grow upright. These leaves are smooth and create a graceful backdrop for the bright flowers, which typically bloom in clusters and rise above the leaves in a showy display. Inside the trumpet of the flower, one may notice a soft frill or ruffle that enhances the texture and adds elegance to the overall look of the bloom. The 'Hummingbird' daffodil is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of cheerfulness to their spring landscape, with its flowers traditionally signifying the end of winter and the beginning of the warmer seasons. The plant is appreciated not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its hardiness and ability to naturalize, meaning it can spread and reproduce additional blooms for the following years.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus, Trumpet Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Hummingbird'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Daffodil is toxic to humans. All parts of the Daffodil contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulb being the most poisonous part. If ingested, Daffodil can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes more serious effects such as cardiac arrhythmias or neurological symptoms. Handling the bulb may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. All parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain lycorine and other toxic alkaloids. If a pet ingests any part of a Daffodil, symptoms could include vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Severe poisoning can potentially be life-threatening, so immediate veterinary attention is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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- Attracts Pollinators: Narcissus 'Hummingbird' attracts bees and other beneficial insects which help in pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bright, trumpet-shaped flowers, it adds a vibrant splash of color to gardens in the spring.
- Easy to Grow: This variety is known for being hardy and relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it re-emerges year after year, offering long-term value and continued enjoyment.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not typically favored by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are a common garden pest.
- Multiplication: Narcissus 'Hummingbird' has the ability to naturalize, meaning it can multiply and spread over time, creating larger displays.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Perfumery: The fragrance of Narcissus 'Hummingbird' can be used in perfumery to create sweet and floral scents for personal fragrances or scented products.
- Eco-friendly Dyes: The petals and bulbs can be boiled to produce yellow and orange dyes for fabrics or crafts.
- Garden Pest Repellant: Planting Narcissus 'Hummingbird' can help deter certain garden pests such as mice and voles due to its toxic properties.
- Fish Poison: Historically, in some cultures, the bulbs were used to poison fish, making them easier to catch.
- Floral Displays: The flowers can be used in artistic floral arrangements for events and competitions due to their striking appearance.
- Photography: Narcissus 'Hummingbird' makes an attractive subject for botanical photography because of its unique color and form.
- Feng Shui: Some believe that placing these plants in certain areas of the home or garden can bring positive energy and balance, according to the principles of Feng Shui.
- Literary Inspiration: The beauty and distinctiveness of the flower has been used as a metaphor and symbol in poetry and literature.
- Holiday Decorations: The blooms are sometimes used for festive decorations around Easter and during the spring season.
- Memory Gardens: Narcissus 'Hummingbird' can be planted to create evocative memory gardens in remembrance of loved ones, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is often associated with good fortune in Feng Shui and is particularly appropriate for the New Year, as it symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. It can be placed in the home to encourage the flow of positive energy and bring luck.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: Narcissus, commonly known as daffodil, often blooms around the time of spring, symbolizing new life and the end of winter.
- Self-Esteem and Vanity: Stemming from Greek mythology where Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, the flower is sometimes associated with self-love and vanity.
- Hope and Rebirth: Daffodils are a sign of hope and are often associated with the overcoming of challenges, mirroring the cycle of life and nature.
- Wealth and Good Fortune: In some cultures, daffodils are believed to bring wealth and good luck, especially if they bloom prolifically during the new year period.
- Unrequited Love: In the language of flowers, a daffodil can represent unrequited or unanswered love, possibly as an ode to the neglected Echo from the myth of Narcissus.
- Respect and Regard: Gifting daffodils is thought to convey respect and thoughtful regard for someone, making it a polite and kind gesture.
WaterDaffodil 'Hummingbird' prefers consistently moist soil especially when it’s actively growing in the spring. During the growing season, water your daffodils thoroughly whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, which is typically once a week, providing about one inch of water at each watering. After blooming, you can reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back. Water with approximately half a gallon per square foot every month during active growth, and cut back once they enter dormancy.
LightThe Daffodil 'Hummingbird' thrives best in full to partial sunlight. It should be placed in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily; however, in areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade will help protect the plant.
TemperatureDaffodils like 'Hummingbird' are tolerant of a range of temperatures but perform best when the daytime temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive short periods of colder weather, even down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing may harm the bulbs. The ideal temperature range during their growth and bloom season is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Daffodil 'Hummingbird' involves deadheading spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance and prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from the bulb. After flowering, allow the leaves to remain for at least six weeks, as they are necessary for photosynthesis to replenish the bulb. Cut back the foliage only after it has yellowed and withered, generally by early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils like Narcissus 'Hummingbird' thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mixture for daffodils would include equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Amend the soil with compost before planting to provide nutrients.
RepottingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Hummingbird' typically do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted only if the bulbs become overcrowded or the soil becomes depleted, which might happen every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils such as Narcissus 'Hummingbird' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions. They do well in average room humidity when grown indoors. Outdoors, they are not particularly sensitive to humidity levels as long as they are planted in well-draining soil.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep in cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Hummingbird', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life as a bulb, which is a storage organ containing the embryonic plant. In the fall, the bulb is planted in well-drained soil, and through winter, roots develop as the bulb enters a period of dormancy. Come spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, and shoots emerge from the soil, quickly followed by foliage and a flower stalk. The daffodil blooms with a single, bright yellow flower, which is typically trumpet-shaped, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. After flowering, the plant directs energy back into the bulb as the leaves photosynthesize to replenish its stores. The foliage then withers, the plant goes dormant through the summer months, and the cycle is poised to begin anew with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Narcissus 'Hummingbird', commonly known as the daffodil, is through division of its bulbs. This is typically done in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. To propagate, one would carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate them, being cautious not to damage the basal plate where roots develop. Individual bulbs should then be replanted at a depth about three times their height, approximately 6 to 8 inches apart. The soil should be well-drained to prevent rot. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to settle the soil around them. This method leverages the natural reproductive cycle of the daffodil, ensuring a continuation of its growth and beauty in subsequent years.
