Daffodil Narcissus 'Loch Owskeich' (2)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Loch Owskeich' is a variety of daffodil, which is a perennial plant known for its distinctive spring blooms. This daffodil features flower blossoms that have a prominent trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of petal-like structures known as tepals. The flowers are usually a bright, cheerful yellow, although some daffodil varieties can come in other colors. The corona may contrast in color with the tepals, sometimes acquiring a more intense or subtle hue than the surrounding petals. The leaves of the daffodil are narrow, long, and slightly grayish-green in color, forming a tuft from the base of the plant. They have a somewhat fleshy texture which allows them to withstand the cool temperatures of early spring when daffodils typically start to bloom. Daffodils are characterized by their unique bloom shape and form, often a symbol of the onset of spring. The 'Loch Owskeich' cultivar would carry these characteristics, along with any unique coloration or pattern specific to this variety. Its appearance is heralded as a sign of the end of winter and the coming of warmer days.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil.
Common names
Narcissus 'Loch Owskeich'
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus, commonly known as daffodil, is toxic to humans when any part of the plant is ingested. The toxicity is due to alkaloids such as lycorine, which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingesting large amounts can lead to more serious effects such as cardiac arrhythmias or neurological issues. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs, if any part of the plant is ingested. The presence of alkaloids, especially lycorine, can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even more severe reactions like cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression in more extreme cases. Ingesting large amounts can be particularly dangerous and may require 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 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its striking flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Draws in bees and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Suitable for beginner gardeners as it requires minimal care.
- Spring Bloom: One of the early flowers to bloom, signaling the start of spring.
- Naturalizing: Propagates easily and can spread to fill spaces for a natural look.
- Cut Flower Use: Ideal for bouquets due to its attractive blooms and long vase life.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can survive with limited water supply.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of the Narcissus can be used to produce a yellow dye for fabrics and textiles.
- In perfumery: Essential oils extracted from Narcissus flowers are used in perfumery to create floral fragrances.
- As a pest repellent: The strong scent of Narcissus can be used to repel certain rodents and insects from gardens and homes.
- In photography: Narcissus flowers are popular subjects for botanical photography due to their unique beauty and the challenge of capturing their details.
- As an artistic symbol: Narcissus is often used in art and literature to symbolize self-reflection and vanity following the Greek myth of Narcissus.
- For flower arranging: Narcissus is a popular choice in flower arrangements and bouquets for its attractive blooms and fragrance.
- In garden design: Narcissus bulbs can be strategically planted to create stunning visual displays when they bloom in the spring.
- As a teaching tool: Botany educators often use Narcissus plants to teach students about bulbous plant growth cycles and reproduction.
- For commemoration: Some cultures plant Narcissus flowers in remembrance of loved ones or significant events due to their association with new beginnings and rebirth.
- As a wedding decoration: Narcissus flowers are sometimes incorporated into wedding decor for their aesthetic appeal and to symbolize good fortune in the couple's future.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The daffodil, which is another name for the Narcissus, is one of the first perennials to bloom after the winter frost, symbolizing the coming of spring and the promise of new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Inspiration: Daffodils are often associated with creativity and inspiration, perhaps due to their bright appearance and early blooming, which can invigorate the senses and spark artistic thoughts.
- Self-love: Named after the Greek mythological character Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, daffodils are sometimes used to represent self-love and self-adoration.
- Renewal: With their bright, jovial bloom at the end of winter, daffodils symbolize the renewal of life and the shedding of the old, ushering in a renewed sense of vitality and life.
- Forgiveness: In certain cultural contexts, daffodils can denote forgiveness, perhaps because of their gentle appearance and the way they humble themselves by drooping their heads.
- Respect: Presenting daffodils to someone can convey mutual respect and recognition of the person's unique voice or contribution.
- Unrequited Love: According to the legend of Narcissus, this flower can also symbolize unrequited love, highlighting the pain and sorrow of love that is not returned.
- Prosperity: In some traditions, daffodils are associated with good fortune and are believed to bring prosperity to those who include them in their homes or lives.
WaterDaffodils, including the variety Narcissus 'Loch Owskeich', prefer to be watered moderately. During the growing season, water them thoroughly once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. They typically require about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation. When the daffodil leaves start to die back after flowering, reduce watering as the plant is entering dormancy. Over-watering or allowing them to sit in soggy soil can lead to bulb rot.
LightDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Loch Owskeich', thrive in areas that receive full to partial sunlight. The ideal spot for these plants is one where they can bask in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partially shaded locations can also be suitable, especially if the light is bright and dappled. Avoid deeply shaded areas, which can lead to poor flowering.
TemperatureDaffodils generally prefer cooler climates and Narcissus 'Loch Owskeich' is no exception. They can typically survive winter temperatures as low as 15°F and do well with a temperature range of 50°F to 70°F during the growing season. It's important to ensure that the bulbs are planted in well-drained soil before the first frost, as they require a cold period to trigger spring blooming.
PruningNarcissus 'Loch Owskeich' daffodils don't require traditional pruning, but deadheading - the removal of spent flowers - can encourage better blooms next season. Once the flowers fade, snip them off at the base of the stalk. However, do not cut back the foliage until it has turned yellow and died back naturally, which is typically a few weeks after flowering. This process allows the plant to store energy for the next growing season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodil 'Loch Owskeich' thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix consisting of two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part sand or perlite would create an ideal environment for healthy growth.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Loch Owskeich', generally do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. It's best to repot or divide the clumps when they become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years, to maintain vigor and flowering.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Loch Owskeich' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but performs best in conditions that replicate its natural outdoor environment. Avoiding excessively high humidity is key to preventing rot and fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in fall, full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe Narcissus 'Loch Owskeich', commonly known as Daffodil, begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in well-drained soil, usually in the fall before the first frost. The bulb experiences a period of dormancy, through the winter, which is necessary for the biological processes that trigger spring growth. With the arrival of spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, sending up leaves and a flower stalk; this is the vegetative growth stage followed by the flowering stage, where the plant produces its characteristic yellow or white trumpet-shaped flowers. After flowering, the plant enters the senescence stage where the leaves and flower wilt and die back, but the bulb remains underground where it stores energy for the next growth cycle. During the summer, the plant remains dormant underground, conserving energy for the next year. The cycle repeats annually, with the bulb multiplying by producing offsets or daughter bulbs, which can be separated and planted to produce new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Loch Owskeich', commonly known as the daffodil, is often propagated through dividing and separating the bulbs. The most popular time to carry out this process is in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. To propagate daffodils by bulb division, carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate them, making sure that each division has at least one growing point or bud. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth three times the height of the bulb, which is typically about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), and space them about 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 centimeters) apart to ensure they have enough room to grow. Water the newly planted bulbs well to settle the soil around them and to help initiate root growth before the cold weather sets in. This method is highly effective for increasing your daffodil numbers and ensuring blooms in subsequent springs.
