Daffodil Narcissus 'Jersey Star' (4)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Jersey Star' is commonly known as a daffodil. This particular cultivar stands out for its showy, fragrant flowers. Each flower is characterized by a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by six petal-like tepals. The corona is usually a striking contrast in color compared to the tepals, which can range from pure white to a soft cream. The 'Jersey Star' variety often boasts a corona that may show a rich yellow hue that can sometimes have an orange or even a pinkish tinge. The surrounding tepals are typically elongated and may have a slight curve to them, giving the flower an elegant and graceful appearance. The foliage of the daffodil 'Jersey Star' consists of long, narrow, strap-like leaves. These leaves are a deep shade of green which adds to the visual contrast against the bright and cheerful blooms. This daffodil typically produces one flower per stalk, but it may occasionally have more. It is a popular choice for spring gardens due to its appealing look and pleasant fragrance which can attract various pollinators. When in bloom, the 'Jersey Star' daffodil is a herald of spring and often used in cut flower arrangements due to its longevity and beautiful form.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Jersey Star'
ToxicityTo humans
The daffodil, specifically the Narcissus 'Jersey Star', contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine. If ingested, it can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, tremors, convulsions, and even death.
To pets
The daffodil, or Narcissus 'Jersey Star', is toxic to pets. If ingested, the bulbs, leaves, or flowers can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes heart arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Severe poisoning could potentially be fatal, especially in smaller animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 4 inches [0.4 meters]
Spread
1 foot [0.3 meters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Western Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Narcissus 'Jersey Star', commonly known as Daffodil, has a high ornamental value due to its bright, showy flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils typically require minimal upkeep, making them an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Spring Blooming: As an early spring bloomer, the Daffodil 'Jersey Star' provides one of the first splashes of color after winter, signaling the arrival of warmer weather.
- Naturalizing Ability: Daffodils have the ability to naturalize, meaning they can spread and proliferate over time, creating larger and more impressive displays each year.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: Daffodils are known to be resistant to deer and rodents, which often avoid eating them due to their unpalatable taste.
- Longevity: Daffodils, including the 'Jersey Star', are long-lived perennials that return year after year with proper care.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flower Arrangements: The 'Narcissus Jersey Star' is often used in floral arrangements due to its eye-catching star-shaped blooms and pleasant fragrance, adding a sophisticated touch to bouquets and indoor displays.
- Photo Shoots: The vibrant and unique appearance of 'Jersey Star' daffodils makes them a popular choice for photographers seeking to add natural beauty to spring-themed photo sessions.
- Botanical Art: Artists may use 'Jersey Star' daffodils as a subject for botanical illustration, capturing the delicate details of the flowers in paintings or drawings.
- Garden Competitions: 'Jersey Star' daffodils can be cultivated and showcased in horticultural competitions, where unique and perfectly bloomed specimens are prized.
- Learning Tool: These daffodils can be used in educational settings, such as botany classes, to teach students about plant reproduction and bulb growth cycles.
- Perfumery: The scent of the 'Jersey Star' daffodil can inspire perfumers to create floral fragrances with its fresh and distinctive aroma as one of the notes.
- Color Inspiration: The rich yellows and whites of 'Jersey Star' daffodils can serve as a palette for interior designers or artists looking for color inspiration for their projects.
- Festival Decor: In spring festivals or during Easter celebrations, 'Jersey Star' daffodils are utilized as natural decor due to their festive and bright appearance.
- Landscape Design: Landscape architects can incorporate 'Jersey Star' daffodils into garden plans to create seasonal interest and add clumps of bright color in perennial borders.
- Eco-Friendly Coffins: The flowers from 'Jersey Star' daffodils can be incorporated into biodegradable funeral arrangements such as eco-friendly coffin decorations, complementing green burial practices.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil is used in Feng Shui to attract good fortune and to reinforce personal wealth sectors. It is often placed in the home or office to encourage the flow of positive energy (Chi) and to bring about prosperity.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love: The Narcissus, particularly the 'Jersey Star', is often associated with self-love, inspired by the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his own reflection. This can serve as a reminder of the importance of self-esteem and self-appreciation.
- Renewal: As a plant that blooms in the early spring, Narcissus 'Jersey Star' symbolizes new beginnings and the rejuvenation of nature after winter, suggesting the theme of rebirth and fresh starts.
- Vanity: Due to the same Greek myth, the Narcissus can also come to symbolize excessive self-admiration and vanity, serving as a cautionary emblem against self-absorption.
- Hope: The bright, star-like flowers of the Narcissus 'Jersey Star' offer a sense of hope and are often seen as a light in the darkness of winter, signifying brighter times ahead.
WaterFor Daffodil 'Jersey Star', water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this might mean watering once a week, but this frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Provide enough water so that it reaches the roots without causing standing water; using about one gallon per square yard every week during the growing season is a good measure. During dormant periods, usually in the late fall to winter, reduce watering significantly, only making sure the bulbs do not completely dry out.
LightDaffodils 'Jersey Star' prefer full sun to light shade. Ideally, plant them in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hot climates, but too much shade may result in poorer flowering.
TemperatureDaffodils 'Jersey Star' thrive in temperatures that are generally between 50°F and 70°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 20°F, but the bulbs should not be exposed to extended periods of freezing temperatures without soil cover. Conversely, they can handle short spells of temperatures up to 80°F, but prolonged heat may inhibit flowering.
PruningDaffodils 'Jersey Star' require minimal pruning. Deadhead spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed formation. After flowering, allow leaves to remain until they yellow (usually by early summer) before removing them; this helps the plant to gather energy for the next year's bloom. Pruning should not be necessary except for removing dead foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Jersey Star' prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix is one part loam, one part peat moss or compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite. This composition ensures adequate drainage and nutrient retention.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Jersey Star', typically do not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They are typically repotted every 3 to 5 years or when the bulbs outgrow their current space.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Jersey Star' thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. They do not require any special humidity adjustments when planted in the ground.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately damp.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleDaffodil 'Jersey Star' starts its growth cycle with the germination of seeds or the sprouting of bulbs as temperatures rise in late winter or early spring. Leaves emerge first, followed by a central flower stalk that bears single or multiple star-shaped blossoms. After flowering, the plant goes through pollination and if successful, develops seed pods. Once seeds mature, the aerial parts of the plant begin to die back as it enters a period of dormancy during the summer. During dormancy, the plant conserves energy in the bulb, which is underground. With the onset of the following spring, the cycle restarts with the bulb sending up new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Jersey Star', commonly known as Daffodil, can typically be propagated through division of bulbs, which is the most popular method. This propagation is best done in the late summer to early fall, after the leaves have died back and the plant has gone dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate any offset bulbs that have formed. Replant the bulbs at a depth approximately three times their height, spacing them about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart to allow for growth. It is crucial to ensure that the bulbs are planted in well-drained soil with adequate sunlight to promote healthy growth in the following spring.
