Daffodil Narcissus 'Ice Follies' (2)
ABOUT
Ice Follies daffodil is a striking plant known for its distinctive flowers, which bloom in early to mid-spring. The blossoms of this daffodil variety have a unique two-toned coloring. At the center is a large, frilled cup that is usually a soft yellow or creamy hue, and over time it may fade to almost white. This central cup is surrounded by six petal-like parts called tepals, which are a clean, crisp white. This striking contrast gives the flower its eye-catching appeal. The flowers are generally borne singly on a straight, sturdy stalk that emerges from a clump of strap-shaped, green foliage. These leaves are linear and can remain attractive even when the flowers have finished blooming, adding to the plant’s decorative nature until they too eventually yellow and die back as the plant goes dormant. The daffodil's bloom has a symmetry that is pleasing to the eye, often attracting gardeners and onlookers with its classic, cheerful daffodil shape. The Ice Follies daffodil, with its charming color scheme and strong form, serves as a herald of spring and is a favorite for creating a splash of brightness in gardens after the winter months.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Ice Follies Daffodil, Ice Follies Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Ice Follies'
ToxicityTo humans
The daffodil, including the 'Ice Follies' variety, is poisonous to humans when ingested. It contains alkaloids such as lycorine that can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingesting daffodil parts may lead to more serious symptoms like trembling, convulsions, and even cardiac arrhythmias. It is important to seek medical attention in the event of an ingestion.
To pets
The daffodil, including the 'Ice Follies' variety, is toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to symptoms including vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. As with humans, the presence of alkaloids such as lycorine is responsible for these reactions. If a pet ingests daffodil, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhanced Garden Aesthetics: Adds a bright, cheerful presence in the spring garden with its large, showy white petals and a flared, lemon-yellow cup that fades to white over time.
- Easy to Grow: A hardy bulb that requires minimal care, thriving in a variety of soil conditions, and often returns year after year with minimal effort.
- Early Bloomer: One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter and providing an early source of nectar for pollinators like bees.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for a range of landscaping applications, including borders, rock gardens, containers, and under tree plantings.
- Naturalizing: Has the ability to spread and naturalize an area over time, creating larger, more impressive displays each year.
- Cut Flower Use: Sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make it an excellent choice for fresh floral arrangements.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: Narcissus bulbs are naturally resistant to deer and rodents, reducing the need for protective measures.
- Symbolic and Cultural Significance: Often associated with rebirth and new beginnings, making it a popular choice for spring celebrations and as a gift plant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Ice Follies' can be used for crafting natural dyes, as different parts of the plant may produce varying shades of yellow and green when used in dye baths.
- These flowers are sometimes used in educational settings for botany studies due to their distinct morphology and readily observable growth stages from bulb to bloom.
- They can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, especially during their peak blooming season, providing a classic subject for paintings, drawings, and photographs.
- The 'Ice Follies' variety can be used in eco-friendly pest management practices; when planted, they can deter voles and other rodents that may not prefer their scent or taste.
- This plant can be used in memory gardens or remembrance plots, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings due to its early spring bloom.
- They are employed in cut-flower programs at prisons, where inmates cultivate and arrange them to be sold or donated, thus learning horticultural skills and contributing to community service.
- Many schools use narcissus plants like 'Ice Follies' for fundraising by selling them in pots or as cut flowers during spring events.
- The fibrous material of the plant's leaves can be experimented with as a source of natural fibers for paper making or crafting eco-friendly textiles.
- In floral therapy, these flowers might be used as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, as central pieces in arrangements to provide comfort and peace.
- Narcissus 'Ice Follies' can sometimes be used on sets for theatre and film to create a specific seasonal ambiance, including evoking the essence of spring in scenes.
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-Adoration: The name Narcissus is associated with the Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection, which often relates to self-love and vanity.
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: As the Narcissus often blooms in early spring, it symbolizes rebirth and the coming of a new season or chapter in life.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the Narcissus is believed to bring good fortune and wealth, especially when it blossoms during the New Year period.
- Chivalry: Some interpretations suggest the Narcissus represents chivalry and respect due to its upright nature and bold blossoms.
- Uncertainty: The Narcissus can also signify uncertainty or unrequited love, connecting to the story of Narcissus's unreachable love for his reflection.
- Stay Sweet: In the language of flowers, or floriography, Narcissus can carry a message to remain sweet and not become bitter despite adversity.
WaterDaffodils, including 'Ice Follies', should be watered thoroughly at planting time and then not again until the leaves start to sprout, as they prefer to be kept on the drier side when dormant. Once they are actively growing, water them generously, approximately once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time or about 0.6 gallons per square foot every seven days, depending on soil conditions and climate. It's important to decrease watering once the flowers have died back and the leaves start to yellow and wither, signaling the onset of dormancy.
LightDaffodils like 'Ice Follies' thrive in full sunlight to partial shade, so the ideal spot for these plants is where they can bask in at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some light shade but blooming may not be as prolific. The best lighting conditions for daffodils include bright, indirect light if planted under deciduous trees, where they can receive full sun before the trees leaf out in spring.
TemperatureDaffodils such as 'Ice Follies' are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefer a temperate climate. They can typically survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F and are comfortable up to about 70°F during the growing season. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 50°F and 60°F during their active growth periods in the spring.
PruningPruning daffodils such as 'Ice Follies' is limited to deadheading the spent flowers after blooming to prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from the bulb. Do not cut the foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally, usually several weeks after flowering, because the leaves are needed to collect energy for the next year's growth. Pruning is usually done once a year after the flowering is complete.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Ice Follies' thrives best in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The ideal soil mix is one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Regular feeding with bulb fertilizer can promote vigorous growth.
RepottingDaffodils like 'Ice Follies' typically do not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting is usually only necessary if the bulbs become overcrowded or the soil becomes exhausted, which may happen every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Ice Follies' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity adjustments. Outdoor humidity levels are typically sufficient for these plants, and they perform well in the varying conditions of a garden setting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temp., limited water for Daffodil 'Ice Follies'.
Outdoor
Plant in autumn, full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Narcissus 'Ice Follies', commonly known as the Ice Follies Daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in the fall before the ground freezes. Once planted, the bulb undergoes a period of dormancy through the winter, with the cold period aiding in the development of the flower bud. As the weather warms in early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, sending up shoots that develop into long, strap-like leaves and a central flower stalk. Blossoming ensues, typically revealing large flowers with white petals and a flat, frilled, lemon-yellow cup that fades to almost white as the bloom matures. After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis, where the leaves gather energy to be stored in the bulb for the next season's growth. Finally, the foliage dies back, and the plant re-enters dormancy, completing the cycle and preparing for the next year's growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Narcissus 'Ice Follies', commonly known as the daffodil, is by dividing and replanting the bulbs. This is typically done in the fall after the leaves have died back, ensuring the bulbs have gathered enough nutrients during the growing season. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulbs, avoiding damage, and gently separate any bulblets that have formed at the base of the main bulb. These bulblets, or offsets, should be of a decent size indicating that they have enough energy stored to survive on their own, generally about the size of a nickel (2 cm in diameter). After separating them, plant the bulbs at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) with the pointed end upwards and spaced about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. By the next spring, these newly planted bulbs should begin to sprout and eventually flower, giving rise to new 'Ice Follies' daffodils.
