Daffodil Narcissus 'Jacob Maurer' (6)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Jacob Maurer', also known as a daffodil, features an enchanting display of blooms, each composed of a central bell-shaped structure surrounded by a star-shaped array of petals. The central bell, often referred to as the corona or cup, usually exhibits a vibrant contrasting color, making it a striking focal point of the flower. The petals radiate around this centerpiece, creating a harmonious symmetry that can captivate any onlooker with its beauty. The daffodil's petals are typically soft to the touch and may display a gentle curve as they reach outwards, adding to the overall gracefulness of the flower's form. Depending on the variety, the outer petals can take on a cream to a bright yellow hue, providing a cheerful display that is often associated with the onset of spring. The foliage of the Narcissus 'Jacob Maurer' consists of slender, sword-shaped leaves that have a vibrant green color. These leaves grow upright from the base of the plant, creating a lush backdrop that highlights the trumpet-like flowers perched atop sturdy stems that stand proudly above the foliage. Together, the leaves and blooms create a visual dance of color and form that is characteristic of this delightful perennial. As a whole, the Narcissus 'Jacob Maurer' presents a delightful addition to any garden, offering a burst of color and a classic beauty that heralds the transition from winter to spring. Its presence in a garden can bring about a sense of renewal and joy to those who encounter its blossoming display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Jacob Maurer Daffodil, Jacob Maurer Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Jacob Maurer'
ToxicityTo humans
Narcissus, commonly known as daffodil, is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain a compound called lycorine and other alkaloids, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases can lead to more serious symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and in rare cases, even death.
To pets
Daffodils are also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingesting any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart arrhythmias, convulsions, and a serious drop in blood pressure. Large ingestions can be fatal. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if a pet is suspected of ingesting daffodils.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Adds color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes with its attractive blooms.
- Easy Maintenance - Requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those with limited gardening experience.
- Spring Bloom - It's one of the first plants to flower in spring, signaling the end of winter and providing early food for pollinators.
- Naturalizing - Propagates easily, spreading over time to create a beautiful, naturalized area in the garden.
- Cut Flower - Makes excellent cut flowers, with a long vase life, which can be used in floral arrangements.
- Rodent Resistance - Generally resistant to rodents, which helps prevent damage to the garden by these pests.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The flowers of the daffodil can be pressed or dried to create natural artwork or bookmarks, preserving their beauty in a decorative form that lasts much longer than the fresh blooms.
- Dried daffodil petals can be used in potpourri mixes, adding a spring-like fragrance and bright color to the mix.
- The daffodil's bulb contains a substance called galanthamine, which can be used in the horticultural industry to induce flowering in certain plants.
- Daffodils can be used as a natural dye source, where the flowers provide varying shades of yellow to textiles or crafts.
- The flowers of the daffodil can be used in making scented floral water or incorporated into homemade perfumes for a light and refreshing scent.
- During blooming season, daffodils can serve as a live compass in gardens as their blooms tend to open facing the sun, indicating its approximate direction.
- Daffodil bulbs can be used to prevent rodents from invading gardens or flower beds as the bulbs are toxic and disliked by many rodent species.
- Flower arrangers can use daffodil stems that have gone past their prime to provide structure to floral arrangements, using the strong stems to hold other flowers in place.
- Daffodils can be incorporated into a vegetative buffer zone for water runoff areas, where their roots can help reduce soil erosion and filter contaminants.
- The presence of daffodils in the garden can create habitats for beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, providing them with an early spring food source.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: As a symbol of spring, the Narcissus 'Jacob Maurer', commonly known as the daffodil, heralds the end of winter and the arrival of new life, often associated with the idea of rebirth.
- Self-Reflection: Deriving from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, the daffodil is sometimes used to symbolize self-awareness and introspection.
- Vanity: Again related to the tale of Narcissus, the daffodil can represent excessive self-love or vanity.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils symbolize wealth and success, particularly when they are the first to bloom at the end of winter.
- Hope: The bright and cheerful bloom of the daffodil is often associated with hope and encouragement, particularly during challenging times.
- Unequaled Love: In the language of flowers, daffodils are said to convey a message of unrequited love, with the bloomer standing alone amongst its blooms.
WaterDaffodils, the most common name for Narcissus 'Jacob Maurer', should be watered thoroughly when planted, ensuring the soil is moist after planting. During active growth, particularly in the spring when they are flowering, they should receive about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. In the absence of rain, this equates to watering with approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot weekly. After blooming, reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back to encourage the bulbs to go dormant. Overwatering or prolonged soggy soil can lead to bulb rot, so it's important to allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings.
LightDaffodils thrive in areas where they can get full sun to partial shade. The best spot for them is one that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some light afternoon shade, particularly in areas with hot springs, but they will bloom most prolifically in full sun conditions.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and can survive winter temperature drops to as low as 10°F. The ideal temperature for daffodils, once in growth, ranges from 50°F to 70°F during the day. At night, temperatures can comfortably drop to between 40°F and 50°F. Extreme heat or temperatures above 90°F can stress the plants and affect their growth and blooming cycle.
PruningDaffodils should be deadheaded as soon as the flowers start to wilt, which means removing the spent flower heads to prevent seed production and encourage the bulb to store energy. They should not be pruned back until the foliage has yellowed and died down naturally, usually about six weeks after flowering. Annual pruning after flowering encourages stronger bulbs and better blooms the following year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils like Narcissus 'Jacob Maurer' prefer well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. The best soil mix is a combination of loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure. The ideal pH for this plant ranges from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Jacob Maurer' typically do not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should only be repotted if the clumps become overcrowded, which generally occurs every 4 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Jacob Maurer' are relatively tolerant of different humidity levels and do not require a specific humidity range. Average indoor humidity is generally sufficient for these bulbs.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Jacob Maurer', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life as a bulb planted in the fall before the ground freezes. In the spring, the bulb breaks dormancy with warming soil temperatures, and green shoots emerge from the ground. Following shoot emergence, the plant develops a sturdy stem and a flower bud that blooms into a distinctive trumpet-shaped flower, typically in late winter to early spring. After flowering, the plant undergoes a period of photosynthesis, where the foliage gathers energy from the sun and stores it in the bulb for next year's growth. Once the leaves yellow and die back, the plant enters a dormant stage during the summer months. The cycle resumes with the next cycle of cooling temperatures in the fall, prompting the bulb to prepare for the next spring's growth and bloom.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The Narcissus 'Jacob Maurer', commonly known as daffodil, is generally propagated through division of bulbs, a straightforward process that is best performed in late summer or early fall. After the foliage has died back, carefully lift the bulbs from the soil with a spade or fork, taking care not to damage them. You'll notice that the main bulb often has smaller bulbs, called offsets, attached. Gently separate these offsets from the mother bulb. Each offset should have a portion of the base plate to ensure it contains the necessary roots and nutrients to thrive. Replant the bulbs at a depth three times the height of the bulb, approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart, in well-drained soil with adequate sunlight. Water the newly planted bulbs well to help establish their roots before the winter.
