Daffodil Narcissus 'Ice Wings' (5)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Ice Wings' is characterized by its pure white petals and a delicate cup at the center that may have a creamy or pale yellow hue. The flowers bloom in an elegant trumpet shape, a hallmark of the daffodil family to which it belongs, and they are known for being delightfully fragrant. The plant typically bears several blooms on each stem, creating a lush bouquet effect when clusters of these stems emerge. The foliage of Narcissus 'Ice Wings' is slender and strap-like, presenting in a fresh green color that complements the stark white of the flowers. The leaves emerge from the base of the stem, providing a verdant backdrop for the striking blooms atop.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil.
Common names
Narcissus 'Ice Wings'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodils, including the variety 'Ice Wings', contain alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested. The entire plant is considered poisonous, but the bulbs are the most toxic part. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting daffodil parts can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, convulsions, and potentially, if a large amount is consumed, it can be life-threatening. Medical attention should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Daffodils, such as 'Ice Wings', are toxic to pets. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, it may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. The ingested plant material may also cause a drop in blood pressure or convulsions. Poisoning from daffodils can be serious and potentially fatal, so immediate veterinary care is crucial if a pet has consumed any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 foot (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5 foot [15 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Narcissus 'Ice Wings' is known for being easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions with minimal attention once established.
- Spring Color: This plant offers early spring blooms, providing bright white flowers that can enliven a garden after the winter months.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its graceful white petals and contrasting yellow cup, Ice Wings adds visual interest and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms attract bees and other pollinators, which are vital for the health of gardens and the wider ecosystem.
- Long Blooming Period: Narcissus 'Ice Wings' has a relatively prolonged flowering period compared to some other spring bulbs, offering color for a longer duration.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: The daffodil is typically resistant to deer and rodents, reducing the likelihood of damage by wildlife.
- Perennial Nature: As a perennial, it will return year after year, providing lasting value and reducing the need for annual planting.
- Multiplication Over Time: The clumps of bulbs will naturally multiply over time, providing more plants for division and spreading, which can expand your garden display or be shared with others.
- Minimal Pest and Disease Problems: Narcissus 'Ice Wings' lacks serious pests and diseases, making it a robust addition to the garden without the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatility in Landscape Design: It's suitable for a range of landscape designs including borders, pots, rock gardens, and naturalizing in grass.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: The Narcissus 'Ice Wings' can be an excellent subject for botanical photography due to its unique white petals and delicate structure.
- Art Inspiration: The distinct form and pure white color of the flower can inspire artists for paintings, drawings, and other forms of visual art.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture and botany teachers often use plants like Narcissus 'Ice Wings' to demonstrate plant anatomy and pollination to students.
- Crafting: Dried Narcissus 'Ice Wings' flowers can be used in crafting, such as in making handmade paper or potpourri.
- Fragrance Extraction: Although not commonly known, the light scent of Narcissus 'Ice Wings' can be used in the production of perfumes or home fragrances.
- Holiday Decorations: Narcissus 'Ice Wings' can be used to create natural and festive wreaths or table centerpieces for holidays, especially in spring-themed arrangements.
- Fashion Accessory: Fresh or dried flowers of Narcissus 'Ice Wings' can be integrated into fashion accessories like hairpins or brooches.
- Marker of Seasonal Change: This plant serves as an indicator of spring's arrival, which can be important for timing seasonal festivals or agricultural activities.
- Color Dye: The petals of Narcissus 'Ice Wings' can be used to produce a light yellow dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly eaten, the flowers can occasionally be used as an ornamental garnish for specialty dishes, assuming they are free of pesticides.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil, a common name for Narcissus 'Ice Wings', is not frequently mentioned in classical Feng Shui practice. However, generally in Feng Shui, daffodils can be used to bring positive energy, particularly associated with wealth, into the home when placed in the wealth corner, which is the southeast corner of a space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: Considering the story of Narcissus in Greek mythology, for whom the plant is named, it represents self-love and narcissism, as Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection.
- Renewal: The Narcissus, or daffodil, is often associated with spring and thus signifies rebirth and new beginnings.
- Unrequited love: Some believe the Narcissus symbolizes unrequited love, again stemming from the myth in which Narcissus could not attain the object of his affection.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils represent wealth and success, and are believed to bring good fortune.
- Vanity: Owing to its connection with the Narcissus myth, the daffodil can also be a symbol of vanity and excessive self-involvement.
WaterDaffodils, including 'Ice Wings', prefer evenly moist soil and should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry, which typically equates to about once a week. During the active growth period in spring, provide approximately one gallon of water per square yard each week, depending on weather conditions. After blooming, reduce watering as the foliage begins to yellow and die back. Overwatering or allowing the bulbs to sit in soggy soil can lead to bulb rot, so proper drainage is essential. Watering can be discontinued once the foliage has died back completely, as the bulbs enter dormancy.
LightDaffodils such as 'Ice Wings' thrive in full sun to partial shade. The best location is an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can hinder flower production. Placing daffodils in a bright and sunny spot will ensure abundant blooms.
TemperatureDaffodils, like 'Ice Wings', prefer a temperate climate and will blossom best when daytime temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods of colder weather, down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but sustained freezing temperatures can be damaging. Ideally, daffodils should be planted in an area where the temperature remains within their preferred range throughout the growing season.
PruningPruning daffodils like 'Ice Wings' is simply a matter of deadheading spent blooms to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed development, which can divert energy from the bulb. Leave the foliage intact until it yellows and begins to wither, usually six weeks after blooming, to allow the plant to photosynthesize and store energy for the next season. Pruning or tying the foliage before it has naturally died back can weaken the bulb.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Daffodil 'Ice Wings', a well-draining, fertile soil is ideal, with a preferred pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of loamy soil, compost, and some sand or perlite promotes good drainage and fertility. Regular fertilization during the growing season can enhance bloom performance.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Ice Wings', typically do not need frequent repotting. They can be left underground for several years and should be divided and repotted every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils, such as 'Ice Wings', are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions. Average ambient humidity is generally sufficient, without the need for any special measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Daffodil 'Ice Wings' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Daffodil 'Ice Wings' in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Ice Wings', commonly known as the daffodil or jonquil, begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in the fall before the first frost. The bulb lies dormant underground through the winter, withstanding the cold weather until early spring, when temperature triggers it to begin growth. Shoots emerge from the soil, followed by long, strap-like leaves, and then the distinctive white flowers with their trumpet-shaped coronas. After blooming, which can last for up to six weeks, the flowers die back, and the plant enters a period of photosynthesis to replenish the bulb's energy stores. As summer progresses, the leaves yellow and wither, signaling the onset of dormancy where the bulb rests once again. This cycle repeats annually, with the bulb potentially dividing to form new bulbs and thus new plants over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The ideal time to propagate Narcissus 'Ice Wings', commonly known as the Ice Wings daffodil, is in late summer to fall, after the plant has finished flowering and has started to go dormant. The most popular method of propagation for Ice Wings daffodil is by dividing the bulbs. Once the foliage has begun to die back, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate the offsets, which are the smaller bulbs that have formed at the base of the mother bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth approximately double their height. For example, if the offset is 2 inches tall, it should be planted about 4 inches deep (or 5 centimeters deep, to be planted about 10 centimeters deep). Water the newly planted bulbs well to help establish them before the onset of winter.
