Daffodil Narcissus 'Kingscourt' (1)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Kingscourt' is a type of daffodil with an attractive and noteworthy appearance. It typically features large, showy flowers that are known for their bright, sunny disposition. Each bloom is characterized by a distinctive trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of six petal-like tepals, which together form a harmonious structure reminiscent of a traditional daffodil. The color of the 'Kingscourt' is particularly striking, with the trumpet usually presenting a richer, deeper hue contrasted against the lighter-colored tepals. The tepals themselves are usually a pale yellow or cream, providing a delicate backdrop to the vibrant corona, which may range in color from a vivid yellow to a deeper golden or even orange tone. This contrast adds depth and visual interest to the flower. The leaves of the Narcissus 'Kingscourt' are slender and long, with a dark green color that complements the florid display above. They grow at the base of the stem in a basal rosette and can be quite numerous, adding a lush, verdant context to the bright flowers. In its growing environment, the 'Kingscourt' daffodil brings a touch of early-to-mid spring vibrancy. The plant provides an excellent source of early pollen for bees and other pollinators, thereby contributing to the health of the local ecosystem. Overall, the Narcissus 'Kingscourt' daffodil is a stunning plant that captures the essence of spring with its cheerful flowers. Its beautiful trumpet-shaped blooms make it a favorite in gardens, floral arrangements, and in naturalized areas where its bright blossoms can herald the changing seasons.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Kingscourt Daffodil, Kingscourt Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Kingscourt'
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus 'Kingscourt' is commonly known as the daffodil. Daffodils contain toxic alkaloids such as lycorine, predominantly in their bulbs, but all parts of the plant are considered to be toxic if ingested. If someone ingests any part of a daffodil, it can cause symptoms like vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, tremors, and even heart problems. In severe cases, ingesting daffodil can lead to significant poisoning and medical intervention should be sought.
To pets
The daffodil, including the Narcissus 'Kingscourt' variety, is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Consuming any part of the plant, particularly the bulb, can cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory depression. In severe cases, if a pet ingests a considerable amount of the plant, it could result in a serious poisoning that requires immediate veterinary attention.
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 foot (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Western Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Narcissus 'Kingscourt', commonly known as Daffodil, has bright, cheerful flowers that can enhance the beauty of any garden or landscape.
- Ease of Care: Daffodils are low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, which is ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Blooming: As early spring bloomers, daffodils are among the first flowers to emerge after winter, heralding the arrival of warmer weather.
- Perennial Growth: Daffodils are perennial plants, meaning they can return for several years, providing long-term value from a single planting.
- Pest Resistance: Daffodils are naturally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils have the ability to spread and naturalize an area over time, creating a larger display of flowers as years go by.
- Symbolism: Daffodils are often associated with rebirth and new beginnings, making them a meaningful addition to gardens and landscapes.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some bulbous plants, daffodils are not considered invasive and will not overtake other plantings in the garden.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils are not a preferred food source for deer and rodents, helping to protect your garden from unwanted grazers.
- Color Variety: The 'Kingscourt' variety offers a distinct color and form, adding diversity to the floral palette of any garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Kingscourt' can be pressed and used in crafting, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in scrapbooking for its beauty and delicate structure.
- As a natural dye, the petals of the plant can create unique hues for textiles or in art projects.
- The bulbs can be used for a science experiment to understand plant growth and the effects of sunlight and water.
- Faded Narcissus 'Kingscourt' flowers can be added to compost piles to enrich the soil as they break down.
- The sturdy stems can be used as natural supports for other weaker-stemmed plants in your garden.
- Dried floral arrangements often feature Narcissus 'Kingscourt' for their lasting ability to hold shape and color.
- Photographers may utilize the flowers as subjects or backdrops for macro photography to capture the intricate patterns.
- The plant's distinct scent can be extracted and used in homemade potpourri mixtures to freshen up your living spaces.
- Narcissus 'Kingscourt' floral water can be created through distillation and used in perfumery for its fresh and appealing fragrance.
- In educational settings, the plant's growth cycle can be observed and documented to teach botany or life cycle lessons.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: The flower is named after Narcissus, a character from Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection. This association lends the flower symbolic meaning related to self-admiration and vanity.
- New Beginnings: Often one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.
- Renewal: Similar to its representation of new beginnings, daffodils are also seen as a sign of the renewal that comes with spring.
- Unrequited Love: According to legend, Narcissus's self-obsession led him to ignore the advances of the nymph Echo, making daffodils a symbol of unrequited love.
- Chivalry: In some cultures, the daffodil is associated with chivalry and regard due to its bright and upright appearance.
- Hope: The bright yellow hue of the traditional daffodil is seen as a color of hope, signifying the coming of spring after winter and the promise of a bright future.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Kingscourt', prefer to be watered deeply and allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Usually watering once a week with about 1 gallon of water is sufficient, but this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. It's important to water the soil around the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. During the growing season, especially when buds and flowers are forming, keeping the soil consistently moist is crucial. After blooming, watering can be reduced as the plant begins to go dormant.
LightDaffodils need a spot with full sun to partial shade to thrive best. They prefer to receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Placing them in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from fading quickly if you live in an area with intense midday sun.
TemperatureNarcissus 'Kingscourt' daffodils are hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but they prefer the cooler temperatures of spring between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive a frost, but sustained temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may lead to poor performance or damage to the plant.
PruningDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Kingscourt', benefit from deadheading after blooms fade to redirect energy to the bulb rather than seed production. However, don't remove foliage until it has yellowed and withered, which is usually six weeks after flowering. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodil 'Kingscourt' should be well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loamy garden soil, peat moss or compost, and sand or perlite is ideal.
RepottingDaffodils, including the 'Kingscourt' variety, generally do not require frequent repotting and are typically replanted every three to five years, or when they become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like 'Kingscourt' prefer average to slightly above-average humidity levels; however, they are adaptable and do not require specific humidity conditions to thrive when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep in cool conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with full to partial sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Kingscourt', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life as a bulb planted in autumn before the first frost. The bulb remains dormant until early spring when the temperature and soil conditions trigger it to sprout, sending up shoots and then producing distinctive yellow flowers. After flowering, the plant undergoes a period of photosynthesis and nutrient accumulation in the bulb while the foliage remains green. Once the leaves die back, the daffodil enters a period of summer dormancy. Throughout this time, the bulb remains underground and divides or produces offsets, leading to more plants the following year. The cycle repeats itself when temperatures drop in the late year, and the bulb is induced to start the next growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Kingscourt', commonly known as the Daffodil, is typically propagated through the division of its bulbs. The best time for this process is after the foliage has died back and the plant has become dormant, usually in late summer to autumn. The method involves carefully digging up the mature bulbs and gently separating the smaller offset bulbs, known as bulbils, that form at the base of the parent bulb. These separated bulbils can then be replanted immediately at the correct depth of about 6 inches (152 millimeters) and spaced 3 to 6 inches apart (76 to 152 millimeters). This allows them to establish roots and begin growth before the onset of winter, ensuring a display of blooms in the following spring.
