Daffodil 'Jersey Lace' Narcissus 'Jersey Lace' (2)
ABOUT
'Jersey Lace' is a large-cupped daffodil to 50cm, flowering in mid-spring. The 10cm blooms have pure white outer petals with a ruffled, yellow and orange cup
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Jersey Lace'
- Characteristics
Life 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: Narcissus 'Jersey Lace', commonly known as Daffodil, has attractive, lacy white petals and a soft yellow cup, adding elegance to any garden.
- Early Spring Blooms: As one of the early bloomers of spring, it provides vibrant color after the dull winter months.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are hardy and adaptable, making them easy to grow in a variety of soil conditions with minimal care.
- Naturalizing: They have the ability to naturalize, meaning they spread and return more abundantly each year.
- Pest Resistant: Daffodils are typically resistant to pests and deer, which makes them a hassle-free choice for gardens.
- Low Maintenance: These plants require little maintenance once established, with no need for pruning or deadheading.
- Drought Tolerance: Once settled in, daffodils can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Longevity: Daffodil bulbs can last for many years, ensuring long-term enjoyment of their blooms.
- Cut Flower: The blossoms make for excellent cut flowers, bringing the beauty of spring indoors.
- Symbolic Flower: Daffodils signify rebirth and new beginnings, often associated with spring and Easter festivities.
- Medical Properties
- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Art and Craft Projects: The delicate, lacy flowers of Narcissus 'Jersey Lace' can be pressed and used in botanical art and craft projects such as homemade greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Educational Tools: As an example of plant breeding and hybridization, this cultivar can be used in educational settings to teach about horticulture and the science of plant genetics.
- Floral Arrangements: Narcissus 'Jersey Lace' can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of spring and elegance to interior decor with its unique ruffled edges.
- Photography Subjects: Garden photographers may use these beautiful blooms as subjects to practice macro photography skills and capture the intricate details of the petals.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the flowers can occasionally be used as an ornamental garnish for plating in high-end culinary presentations.
- Perfume Industry: The scent profile of 'Jersey Lace' may be used in the creation of perfumes; however, direct extraction from the flowers would be uncommon.
- Garden Competitions: The unique appearance of 'Jersey Lace' makes it a good candidate for garden and flower show competitions.
- Special Occasion Gifts: As bulbs or potted plants, 'Jersey Lace' can be gifted to gardening enthusiasts for occasions such as Mother's Day or as a symbol of spring renewal.
- Winter Holiday Decor: Dried or silk Narcissus 'Jersey Lace' flowers can be used to create winter-themed wreaths and centerpieces due to their snowflake-like petal arrangement.
- Color Dye: Historically, some plants in the Narcissus family might have been used to extract color for natural dyes, though this is not a common practice today, it's a potential use for the creative hobbyist.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: Narcissus 'Jersey Lace', commonly known as Daffodil, often symbolizes renewal and the coming of spring, representing new starts and growth due to its early blooming.
- Inspiration and Creativity: The bright appearance of the Daffodil has been associated with creativity and the stimulation of new ideas, often representing an inspiration for artists and poets.
- Self-Love and Vanity: The name "Narcissus" is tied to the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, hence the flower can symbolize self-love and sometimes excessive self-focus or narcissism.
- Prosperity and Wealth: In some cultures, Daffodils are believed to bring good fortune and wealth, particularly when they are the first to bloom in the new year.
- Respect and Regard: Gifting Daffodils can be a gesture of high respect and regard, suggesting mutual appreciation between the giver and recipient.
- Hope: The bright and cheerful bloom of the Daffodil serves as a symbol of hope and encouragement to those facing challenges.
- Water
Daffodils, including the 'Jersey Lace' variety, should be watered thoroughly at planting and then consistently as they begin to grow. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, so watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard should suffice. However, this can vary depending on soil type and weather conditions; sandy soils require more frequent watering than clay soils. Once the daffodils have finished flowering and the leaves start to yellow, you can reduce watering as they enter dormancy. Overwatering can cause bulb rot, so make sure the soil drains well.
- Light
Daffodils, such as 'Jersey Lace', prefer full to partial sunlight to thrive. The best spot for daffodils would be an area where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate light shade, but too much shade can result in fewer blooms. Therefore, planting them in a spot that has sun exposure for a good part of the day is ideal.
- Temperature
Daffodils, including 'Jersey Lace', are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They can survive winter conditions down to -20°F and are often one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. The ideal growing temperatures for daffodils are between 50°F and 60°F. Hot temperatures above 90°F may shorten the bloom time and can cause stress to the bulbs if not properly shaded or mulched.
- Pruning
Daffodil 'Jersey Lace' doesn't require much pruning, but deadheading the spent flowers after blooming can promote better bulb energy for the next season. Do not cut the foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally—usually a few weeks after blooming. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the next growing season. Pruning the foliage too early can weaken the bulb.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Daffodils prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix for 'Jersey Lace' daffodils would be a blend of loamy garden soil, peat moss or compost, and a handful of sand to improve drainage. Regular application of bulb fertilizer or bone meal can also promote healthy growth.
- Repotting
Daffodils, like 'Jersey Lace', typically do not need to be repotted frequently. They are usually replanted every 3 to 5 years or when the bulbs become overcrowded. It's best to repot after the foliage has died back in late spring or early summer when the bulbs are dormant.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodils, including the 'Jersey Lace' variety, are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions. These plants thrive outdoors where the humidity naturally fluctuates.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place 'Jersey Lace' daffodils near a sunny window and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant 'Jersey Lace' daffodils in full sun to partial shade in the fall.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Narcissus 'Jersey Lace', commonly known as Daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which enters a period of dormancy typically in late summer to early fall. During dormancy, the bulb conserves energy in preparation for the next growing season. In late winter to early spring, environmental signals such as temperature changes prompt the bulb to break dormancy and start sprouting shoots and roots. The plant then emerges from the soil, producing green leaves and a stem that leads to the development of its distinctive trumpet-shaped flower, which typically blooms in early to mid-spring. After flowering, the Daffodil directs energy back into the bulb as the foliage dies back, allowing the storage of nutrients for the next growth cycle. The cycle repeats yearly, with the bulb potentially dividing and producing offsets that can be separated to propagate new plants.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Narcissus 'Jersey Lace', commonly known as daffodil, is typically propagated through division of its bulbs after the foliage has died back in late spring or early summer. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of bulbs from the ground using a garden fork, making sure not to damage the bulbs. Gently separate the bulbs at the natural division points, ensuring that each section has at least one growth point. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth three times the height of the bulb, spaced around 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growing space. This method of propagation is advantageous as it not only helps to rejuvenate overcrowded clumps, enhancing flowering performance, but also increases the number of plants in your garden.