Daffodil Narcissus 'King's Grove' (1)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'King's Grove' is a captivating plant typically known for its beautiful spring blooms. The flowers are characterized by their classic daffodil shape, which includes a central trumpet-like corona surrounded by a ring of six petal-like tepals. These floral components create a stunning contrast within the bloom, often displaying vibrant yellow hues throughout. The trumpet may exhibit a slightly different shade or even a golden tone, highlighting its prominence when compared to the surrounding tepals. The leaves of this plant are slender and long, displaying a rich green color that provides a lovely backdrop to the bright flowers above. The overall appearance of Narcissus 'King's Grove' exudes a sense of cheerfulness and can add a touch of springtime charm to any garden setting.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
King's Grove Daffodil, King's Grove Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'King's Grove'
- 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 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Narcissus 'King's Grove' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens, parks, and landscapes with its striking blooms.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides food and habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, daffodils typically require minimal care, making them suitable for novice gardeners.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it re-emerges each spring, offering a long-lasting planting investment.
- Cold Tolerant: It is capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, making it suitable for many climates.
- Multiplication: Bulbs can multiply over time, offering more plants with each passing season.
- Spring Indicator: Its blooming period signals the beginning of spring, often bringing joy and color after the winter season.
- Erosion Control: The root structure can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain circumstances.
- 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
- Narcissus 'King's Grove', commonly known as Daffodil, can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a range of yellow hues depending on the concentration of the flower extract.
- The bulbs of the Daffodil can be utilized in the production of glue, as they contain adhesive properties when crushed and mixed with specific solvents.
- Crushed Daffodil petals can be mixed into candles to add a spring-like fragrance and a touch of color to the wax.
- Daffodil plants can be used as companions for fruit trees to repel rodents due to their toxic nature, which deters pests from gnawing on tree bark.
- The flowers of the Daffodil can be used to create an eco-friendly pest repellent spray by boiling the flowers in water and using the solution in gardens.
- Daffodil blooms can be floated in bowls of water to create decorative centerpieces for tables at events or as a part of eco-friendly home décor.
- The sap of the Daffodil stem contains compounds that can be used to prevent other cut flowers from wilting, acting as a natural flower preservative when mixed in water.
- Artists may use the crushed flowers or bulbs of the Daffodil to create botanical inks for painting or calligraphy, adding a natural element to their artwork.
- The sturdy leaves of the Daffodil can be used in weaving small crafts or baskets as an alternative to traditional materials like willow or reed.
- Used in photography, the vibrant yellow blossoms of the Daffodil can serve as a natural backdrop or subject for still life images and botanical studies.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Narcissus is traditionally associated with good fortune and wealth, and in Feng Shui, it can be used to enhance these areas. Place the Narcissus in the wealth corner of the home or office, which is the southeast sector, to attract abundance and prosperity. Also, because the Narcissus blooms in spring, it is used to symbolize a fresh start or renewal, so you might place it in living areas to promote new beginnings.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus typically blooms in early spring, making it a symbol of the renewal that comes with the season.
- Vanity and Self-obsession: According to Greek mythology, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, leading the flower to be associated with narcissism.
- Prosperity and Wealth: In some cultures, the Narcissus is a symbol of good fortune and wealth, especially when it blooms during the New Year.
- Hopes and Dreams: Giving someone a Narcissus may express a wish for their dreams to be realized and for them to achieve success in their endeavors.
- Uncertainty and Disdain: Being associated with self-love and ego, the Narcissus can sometimes symbolize doubt in others' intentions or an inability to see beyond oneself.
- Water
Daffodils, including Narcissus 'King's Grove', should be watered thoroughly at planting and then only as needed to keep the soil moist, especially during their growth and blooming period. After establishment, they are relatively drought-tolerant and usually do not require additional watering unless the weather is particularly dry. Provide about one inch of water per week during active growth. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so it’s important to ensure good drainage and let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings. In general, you might water every week to two weeks, or more sparingly, depending on rainfall and soil conditions.
- Light
Daffodils, including Narcissus 'King's Grove', thrive best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting them would be a location where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate some light afternoon shade, but too much shade can hinder flower production and weaken the bulbs.
- Temperature
Daffodils, including Narcissus 'King's Grove', are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They can survive winter temperatures well below freezing and are hardy in areas where temperatures drop to about -20°F. The ideal growing temperatures for daffodils are between 50°F and 70°F during their active growth and blooming period in the spring. Extreme heat during their dormant period can affect their performance in the following season.
- Pruning
Daffodils, including Narcissus 'King's Grove', require minimal pruning. After blooming, do not cut the foliage until it has turned yellow and died down naturally; this allows the plant to store energy for next year's growth. Remove spent flower heads to prevent seed production but leave the leaves intact. Pruning is generally not needed until the foliage has fully yellowed, which is usually about six weeks after flowering.
- Cleaning
Not needed
- Soil
Daffodils like Narcissus 'King's Grove' thrive best in well-drained soils with a pH of 6 to 7. A soil mix incorporating equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and peat moss or compost is ideal. Good drainage is critical, so ensure the mix is loose and allows for proper water flow.
- Repotting
Daffodils such as Narcissus 'King's Grove' typically do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting is generally only necessary when the bulbs become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years.
- Humidity & Misting
The Narcissus 'King's Grove', commonly known as Daffodil, prefers moderate humidity levels; however, it is relatively tolerant and can adapt to the typical humidity levels found in most homes.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light and cool temperatures for indoor Daffodils.
Outdoor
Place Daffodils in well-drained soil and full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Narcissus 'King's Grove', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life as a bulb, which is a period of dormancy and energy storage. In the growth phase, typically early spring, the bulb sends up shoots that eventually develop into the familiar foliage and bright, trumpet-shaped flowers. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence for its aerial parts, while the bulb remains underground. The leaves will photosynthesize and replenish the bulb's energy reserves before they yellow and die back. The bulb then enters a new cycle of dormancy throughout the hotter summer months and potentially colder autumn, lying in wait for the next spring to repeat the growth and flowering process. Year after year, this cycle continues, with the plant potentially multiplying by producing new bulbs that will grow into separate plants.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus 'King's Grove', commonly referred to as the Daffodil, is typically propagated through bulb division. This is the most popular and efficient method for this plant species. Propagation by bulbs is best done in the late summer to early fall after the foliage has died back. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate any offsets, which are smaller bulbs that have formed at the base of the main bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters), spaced about 3-5 inches (7.62-12.7 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. It is important to ensure that the area they are planted in is well-drained, as daffodils do not thrive in waterlogged soil. It typically takes a couple of years for the offsets to mature into flowering size bulbs.