Daffodil Narcissus 'Jenny' (6)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Jenny' is commonly known as a daffodil, which is a much-loved flower signifying the arrival of spring. 'Jenny' has a charming appearance with predominantly white petals that are beautifully arranged in a star shape around a softly ruffled, lemon-yellow cup. Over time, the yellow cup can fade to a creamy white, creating a more uniform white flower. This daffodil variety stands out due to its crisp and clean coloration, with the subtle contrast between the cup and petals offering a gentle yet striking visual. The flowers are borne on singular stalks and typically present themselves with one bloom per stalk. Their foliage consists of slender, sword-like green leaves that emerge from the base, providing a lush background for the bright blooms above. The overall look of 'Jenny' is one of elegance and simplicity, making it a popular choice for gardens and floral displays.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Jenny Daffodil, Jenny Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Jenny'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, specifically the variety 'Jenny', contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine that can cause poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning often include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to tremors, cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and in rare instances, can be fatal due to the impact on the central nervous system.
To pets
Daffodil is also toxic to pets, with cats, dogs, and horses being susceptible to its poisonous effects. The primary toxic principle in daffodils, the alkaloid lycorine, causes symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Ingesting any part of the daffodil, especially the bulbs, can lead to severe poisoning and, in extreme cases, could be fatal if not treated promptly by a veterinarian.
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
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Narcissus 'Jenny' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes with its beautiful white flowers and striking form.
- Ease of Cultivation: This plant is easy to grow, adaptable to various conditions, and relatively low-maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Bloom: It blooms in early spring, providing one of the first splashes of color after the winter months.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial plant, Narcissus 'Jenny' will return year after year, keeping gardens vibrant with minimal effort.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, which are beneficial for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Resilience to Pests: The plant has a natural resistance to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Source: The flowers of Narcissus 'Jenny' can be used to create a yellow dye for fabrics, providing a natural coloring option.
- Fragrance Extraction: The scent of 'Jenny' daffodils can be used in perfumery, capturing the essence of spring in fragrances and scented products.
- Potpourri Ingredient: Dried petals of 'Jenny' daffodils can add visual and olfactory appeal to homemade potpourri mixes.
- Crafts and Decorations: Fresh or dried 'Jenny' daffodils can be incorporated into floral crafts, such as wreaths or centerpieces for events and home decor.
- Photography Subjects: Gardeners and photographers may use 'Jenny' daffodils as picturesque subjects due to their striking appearance in spring photography.
- Educational Tool: Botany and horticulture students can study 'Jenny' daffodils to learn about plant growth, propagation, and spring-flowering bulb characteristics.
- Mood Enhancer: The bright, cheerful flowers of 'Jenny' daffodils can be used to boost mood and create a positive ambiance in living spaces or work environments.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use 'Jenny' daffodils as a source of inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other art forms to capture their delicate beauty.
- Wedding Bouquets: Due to their elegant shape and color, 'Jenny' daffodils can be included in wedding bouquets or floral arrangements for spring weddings.
- Symbolic Gestures: Given their traditional association with rebirth and new beginnings, 'Jenny' daffodils can be used in ceremonies or gift-giving to symbolize hope and renewed start.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is considered to bring good fortune and prosperity when placed in the wealth corner of a home or business, which is the southeast corner according to Feng Shui principles.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: The Narcissus 'Jenny' typically blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the advent of a new growth cycle.
- Self-Love: Named after the myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, this flower often represents self-admiration and self-esteem.
- Vanity: In connection to the mythological story, the Narcissus flower can also symbolize excessive self-love and vanity.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, particularly in the East, Narcissus is associated with wealth, good fortune, and prosperity due to its lush, full blooms.
- Hope: Given as a gift, the Narcissus can represent hope and encouragement to the recipient.
- Rebirth: Because it is one of the first flowers to appear in the year, it is often associated with the notion of rebirth and eternal life.
WaterFor the daffodil Narcissus 'Jenny', water thoroughly immediately after planting and then wait until the soil is dry before watering again. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, depending on the soil and climate. During the growth season, ensure that the daffodils receive about 1 inch of water per week. Overwatering can be harmful, so it's better to err on the side of caution. Once the flowers have bloomed and the leaves start to yellow, you can reduce watering as the plant is entering dormancy.
LightDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Jenny', thrive in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for them would be where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If planted under deciduous trees, they can benefit from the sunlight before the trees fully leaf out in spring.
TemperatureDaffodils like Narcissus 'Jenny' prefer cooler climates and can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F. They flourish in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F during their growing season. It's important to protect them from extreme heat, as temperatures consistently above 90°F may cause dormancy or damage the bulbs.
PruningPruning daffodils like Narcissus 'Jenny' typically involves removing spent flower heads to prevent seed production. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally without cutting it, as this will help the bulb to store energy for next year's growth. Dead leaves can be removed once they have yellowed and withered, typically 6 weeks after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodil 'Jenny' should be well-draining, with a mix of loam, sand, and compost. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0 is optimal for this plant.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Jenny', typically don't require frequent repotting and should be repotted only when they become overcrowded, roughly every 3-4 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Jenny' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and doesn’t require specific humidity conditions for growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with some direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with partial to full sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Jenny', commonly known as a variety of daffodil, begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in well-drained soil in the fall before the first frost. The bulb will overwinter, with root development occurring underground in preparation for spring growth. In early spring, green shoots emerge from the bulb, developing into long, narrow leaves and a central flower stalk that bears a single, fragrant flower, usually white with a yellow trumpet. After flowering, the daffodil enters a period of photosynthesis, storing energy in the bulb for the next season; during this time, the foliage should not be cut back until it naturally yellows and withers. Once the foliage has died back, the plant goes dormant through the summer months. The cycle resumes again in the fall when cooler temperatures trigger the next cycle of root development.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Narcissus 'Jenny', commonly known as daffodil, is through division of bulbs. This vegetative propagation technique is ideally carried out in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. Gardeners dig up the bulbs, gently separate them by hand, and then replant them immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (or approximately 15 centimeters) in well-drained soil. This encourages the development of new bulb offsets, which will eventually grow and flower in subsequent seasons. Each separated bulb should be planted with the pointed end facing upwards and spaced about 3 to 6 inches apart (7.5 to 15 centimeters), allowing adequate room for growth. Care should be taken to minimize damage to the bulbs during the division process to prevent disease.
