Narcissus 'Little Soldier' (10)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Little Soldier' is a daffodil variety that showcases distinctive traits. The blooms of 'Little Soldier' are particularly striking, composed of a central trumpet-like corona surrounded by a whorl of petal-like tepals. The corona's color is often a deep, vibrant hue that contrasts with the lighter, often paler tepals radiating around it. Typically, in daffodils, these outer tepals are arranged in a star-like formation. The foliage of 'Little Soldier' is also characteristic of daffodils, consisting of slender, sword-shaped leaves that emerge from the base of the plant. These leaves are a rich green, providing a fresh and verdant backdrop to the bright flowers that rise above them on sturdy stalks. Upon blooming, 'Little Soldier' brings a cheerful note to gardens, often signaling the arrival of spring. The flowers may appear singly or in clusters, depending on how the bulbs have been planted and how they have naturally multiplied. The overall impression of Narcissus 'Little Soldier' is one of elegance and cheer. Its ornamental value is heightened by the contrast between the bold coronas and the delicate structure of the surrounding tepals, making it a beloved choice for gardeners wanting to add a splash of color to their early-season garden beds or borders.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Little Soldier'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil is the most common name for the plant Narcissus 'Little Soldier'. Daffodils contain toxic alkaloids including lycorine, which is present in all parts of the plant. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious effects like irregular heart rhythms, tremors, convulsions, and potentially could be life-threatening if enough is consumed.
To pets
Daffodil is the most common name for the plant Narcissus 'Little Soldier' when considering its toxicity to pets. Daffodils are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with the bulbs being the most poisonous part. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, symptoms may include vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart arrhythmias, convulsions, and potentially could lead to severe weakness, collapse, or even death in very severe cases.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Landscape: The Narcissus 'Little Soldier', also known as the daffodil, adds striking color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes with its bright yellow flowers and distinctive trumpet-shaped corona.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of climates, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, daffodils will return year after year, often multiplying and spreading, which can provide long-term value and beauty in the garden.
- Spring Bloomer: Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter and providing cheerful color after the dull, cold months.
- Cut Flower Use: The blooms of the daffodil are long-lasting when cut and arranged in vases, bringing spring indoors and brightening homes with their fresh appearance.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: These flowers contain certain alkaloids that typically deter deer, squirrels, and other rodents, protecting your garden from unwanted grazers.
- Support for Pollinators: While in bloom, daffodils provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the ecosystem.
- Symbolic Meaning: Daffodils hold various symbolic meanings, such as rebirth and new beginnings, and are often associated with spring festivals and celebrations.
- Easy to Naturalize: Daffodils have the ability to naturalize easily, meaning they can adapt to wild settings and create natural-looking drifts of color in the landscape.
- Diverse Planting Options: They are versatile in landscaping and can be planted in borders, rock gardens, containers, and woodland settings for varied aesthetic appeal.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Little Soldier', commonly known as daffodil, can be used in cut flower arrangements to add a bright, cheerful element to bouquets and indoor decorations.
- The bulbs of daffodils can be forced in pots indoors to create early spring displays before they naturally bloom outdoors.
- Daffodils can be planted in grassy areas where they will naturalize, creating a seasonal wildflower meadow appearance.
- These flowers can be used in wedding decorations and themes, especially for spring weddings, adding a touch of natural elegance.
- Daffodil petals can be crystallized with egg whites and sugar, and then used as edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- The plant can be used in companion planting to deter rodents and other animals from gardens, as they tend to avoid the area due to the toxicity of the bulbs.
- Daffodil bulbs can be used in "in-situ" experiments in schools to teach children about plant growth and photosynthesis.
- Daffodils can be used in floral photography and art, serving as a subject for artists and photographers due to their vibrant colors and shapes.
- The dried seed pods of daffodils can be utilized in crafting, adding texture and interest to handmade wreaths and other decorative items.
- The strong stems of daffodils are sometimes used in small structural floral designs, helping to support other more delicate flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is traditionally associated with good fortune and prosperity in Feng Shui. Placing these flowers in the home, especially during the Chinese New Year, is believed to invite wealth, luck, and a positive start to the year. They should be placed in areas of the house that need energizing, such as a living room or a home office, to enhance the flow of Chi and attract positive energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth: Narcissus, commonly known as daffodil, often blooms in early spring, symbolizing the renewal and the coming of new beginnings after the winter season.
- New Beginnings: The daffodil's emergence from the cold ground is also a sign of nature's awakening and often represents the start of new ventures or experiences in life.
- Unrequited Love: The myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, lends the flower a symbolism of self-love and the idea of love that is not returned by others.
- Vanity: In connection to the Narcissus myth, daffodils can also come to represent excessive self-involvement or conceit, reflecting Narcissus's obsession with his image.
- Prosperity: Daffodils blooming in abundance signal the end of winter and are often associated with good fortune, prosperity, and success, especially when they bloom without damage from the last frosts.
- Hope: The bright yellow color of traditional daffodils is frequently seen as a symbol of positivity and hope, offering a cheerful perspective and optimism for the future.
- Forgiveness: In some cultures, daffodils represent forgiveness and are given as a gesture of mending fences or reconciling differences between people.
- Inspiration: The daffodil's ability to revive each spring without fail can be an inspiration to people, reminding them of the power of resilience and persistence.
- Respect: Giving daffodils may also be a sign of deep respect, indicating the giver's high regard for the receiver.
- Chivalry: In some contexts, daffodils can symbolize chivalry and noble intentions, reflecting an honorable and courteous behavior towards others, especially in traditional or romantic settings.
WaterThe Daffodil 'Little Soldier' should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this equates to about once a week, but the frequency may increase during periods of drought or high temperatures. When watering, aim to provide about 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil, ensuring the water reaches the roots but avoiding waterlogging the soil. Reduce watering once the flowering has finished and the leaves start to yellow and die back, as this signifies the beginning of the plant's dormancy period.
LightThe Daffodil 'Little Soldier' thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it will receive ample light. Avoid locations with full shade, as this can impede flowering and overall plant vigor.
TemperatureThe Daffodil 'Little Soldier' prefers moderate temperatures and can survive in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. The ideal temperature for growth and flowering is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can endure winter freezes and has a minimum temperature tolerance down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning of the Daffodil 'Little Soldier' is minimal and typically involves deadheading spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance. Remove the flower heads once they have faded but leave the foliage intact until it has yellowed and died back naturally, which usually happens in late spring or early summer. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy for the next growing season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodils like 'Little Soldier' thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Mix equal parts of loam, sand, and compost to create a fertile, airy medium that prevents waterlogging and nourishes bulbs.
RepottingDaffodils like 'Little Soldier' are typically not repotted often. After planting, they can remain in the same spot for several years and are repotted or divided only if they become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like 'Little Soldier' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require special humidity conditions when grown outdoors in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Narcissus 'Little Soldier', commonly known as the Daffodil, begins its life cycle with a dormant bulb that once planted, typically in the fall, awaits the cool temperatures to stimulate root growth. As winter proceeds, the chilling period ends and with the arrival of spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, sending up a flower stalk and leaves. The plant then blooms, displaying its characteristic yellow or white flowers with a central trumpet-shaped corona, which is essential for attracting pollinators. After flowering, pollination occurs, leading to the development of seed capsules, though many gardeners deadhead the flowers to redirect energy to the bulb. As the growing season progresses, the foliage photosynthesizes and stores energy back in the bulb for the next cycle. Finally, once the leaves yellow and die back, the plant re-enters dormancy until the following spring, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Little Soldier', commonly known as the daffodil, is most effectively propagated by dividing and replanting the plant's bulbs. Division should take place in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. To propagate, carefully dig up the entire clump of daffodil bulbs. Gently separate the bulb cluster into individual bulbs, making sure not to damage the basal plate which is where the roots grow out. Each bulb should have some roots attached. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) and about 3 to 6 inches (7.62 to 15.24 centimeters) apart in soil that drains well and where they will receive full to partial sun. This method allows the bulbs to establish in their new location and emerge in spring with vigorous growth.
