Daffodil Narcissus 'My Story' (4)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'My Story' is a captivating variety of daffodil known for its unique and showy appearance. Sporting double flowers, it presents layers of creamy-white petals that often have a soft, buttery hue. In the center of these lush blooms, one can find ruffled segments that sometimes showcase a touch of peach, apricot, or a soft orange, giving it a particularly rich and multi-dimensional look. The central cup, typically a defining feature in daffodils, is reimagined in My Story as an intricate and opulent cluster of overlapping petal-like pieces. The vivid blooms exude a sweet and alluring fragrance that heralds the arrival of spring. Cradling these striking flowers are sturdy, upright stems, which rise above the strap-like foliage. The leaves are a deep, cheerful green, providing a lovely contrast to the elaborate flowers and adding to the plant's overall verdancy. It's a delight in any garden with its opulent flowers that evoke a sense of romance and luxury.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil.
Common names
Narcissus 'My Story'
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus 'My Story' is commonly known as the daffodil. Daffodils are toxic to humans if ingested. They contain a compound called lycorine, which is concentrated mainly in the bulb but is present in all parts of the plant. If any part of the daffodil is ingested, it can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and even death, although such extreme reactions are rare.
To pets
The Narcissus 'My Story', commonly referred to as the daffodil, is toxic to pets. Consuming any part of the daffodil can result in poisoning. Common symptoms of daffodil poisoning in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Ingesting the bulb, which contains the highest concentration of toxic compounds, can be especially harmful, and immediate veterinary care is recommended if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Attracts Pollinators: The Narcissus 'My Story', commonly known as Daffodil, is known to attract bees and other pollinators which are essential for garden health and pollination of other plants.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of climates and soil conditions, making them suitable for many gardens.
- Spring Bloomer: Blooming early in spring, Daffodils provide a splash of color after the winter months, signaling the beginning of a new growing season.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils contain a compound that deters deer and rodents, helping to protect your garden from unwanted grazers.
- Long-lasting Blooms: Daffodils have a long bloom time and can often re-flower for several seasons with minimal care.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils have the ability to spread and naturalize an area over time, creating a stunning display year after year.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Daffodils are relatively drought tolerant, making them suitable for gardens with less rainfall.
- Versatile: Daffodils can be planted in flower beds, borders, containers, and woodland gardens, offering flexibility in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The blossoms of daffodils like Narcissus 'My Story' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or inks, often resulting in a range of yellow hues.
- Fragrance Extraction: Essential oils can be extracted from daffodil flowers to be used in perfumery or aromatherapy for their distinctive and refreshing scent.
- Photography: Photographers may cultivate daffodils such as 'My Story' for their unique color and form, using them as subjects for botanical photography.
- Flower Art: The blooms are often used in flower arranging contests or for educational demonstrations in horticulture due to their unique frilly cups and contrasting colors.
- Garden Pest Management: Daffodils can repel certain rodents, as they are toxic; planting them can protect more vulnerable plants in a garden setting.
- Culinary Garnish: While most parts of the daffodil are toxic if ingested, carefully used petals, free from chemicals, can occasionally decorate high-end dishes as a non-edible garnish.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of daffodils can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative at weddings or celebrations.
- Indicator of Spring: Daffodils such as Narcissus 'My Story' are often used by gardeners and nature enthusiasts as an indicator that spring has arrived due to their early flowering period.
- Learning Tools: These plants may be used by educators to teach students about plant biology, pollination, and the life cycle of perennials.
- Potpourri Ingredients: The dried flowers and parts of daffodils can be added to potpourri mixes, providing a subtle fragrance to the mix.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love - The Narcissus 'My Story', commonly known as the daffodil, symbolizes self-love, stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Rebirth - Daffodils are one of the first perennials to bloom after the winter, signifying new beginnings and the coming of spring, hence symbolizing rebirth and new starts.
- Unrequited Love - Daffodils can also denote unrequited love, again inspired by the tale of Narcissus whose love for himself could not be reciprocated by another.
- Prosperity - In some cultures, daffodils are believed to bring good fortune and are associated with prosperity, especially when bloomed in clusters.
WaterWhen caring for the Daffodil 'My Story', water the plant thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged, generally once a week. During the growing season, increase watering to twice a week. Each watering session for potted plants should consist of about 16-24 ounces of water, depending on the size of the pot. For daffodils in the ground, use about 1-2 gallons per square yard every week, adjusting for rainfall. Reduce watering once the flowers have faded and leaves begin to yellow, signaling the end of the plant’s active growth period.
LightDaffodils, including 'My Story', thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, they should be placed in a spot where they can receive direct sunlight for at least half of the day. However, in warmer climates, dappled shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent the bulbs from overheating.
TemperatureDaffodils 'My Story' are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefer a climate with cool springs and moderately cold winters. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but are best suited to areas where the temperature does not drop below this. The ideal growing temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Daffodils 'My Story' primarily involves deadheading spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed production, which can divert energy from the bulb. Cut back the flower stalks after the blooms have faded, but leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and withers, usually about six weeks later, to allow nutrients to return to the bulb. Pruning is not required during the dormant season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils prefer well-drained soil with a pH of 6 to 7. To create the best soil mix for Narcissus 'My Story', combine two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure. This ensures both good drainage and fertility.
RepottingDaffodils typically don't need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Narcissus 'My Story' should be repotted only when the bulbs become overcrowded, generally every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils prefer average humidity levels. Narcissus 'My Story' will thrive in outdoor conditions where the humidity reflects the natural environment. There is no need to adjust the humidity levels significantly for this plant when grown in most temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light; keep in cool room.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil and full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Daffodil 'My Story' begins its life cycle as a bulb, which lies dormant beneath the soil through winter. In early spring, the bulb sends up shoots followed by distinctive foliage and a sturdy stem, culminating in the blooming of a single large, double-petaled white flower, often with a soft pink or peach-colored center, usually from late winter to early spring. After flowering, the plant directs energy back into the bulb as the leaves photosynthesize to replenish nutrients. Once the leaves yellow and wither, the plant enters dormancy again during the hotter summer months. In subsequent years, the bulb can produce offsets, leading to the growth of new plants nearby. The Daffodil 'My Story' completes its life cycle by yearly repeating this pattern of growth, flowering, and dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Autumn
The most popular method of propagation for the Narcissus 'My Story', commonly known as daffodil, is through dividing and replanting the bulbs. The best time to propagate daffodils by bulb division is in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the bulbs have completed their dormant period. Carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs, and gently separate the smaller offset bulbs from the parent bulb. Each offset, or bulblet, can be replanted to grow into a new plant. Replant these bulblets at a depth three times their height and spaced about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil with good sunlight. The bulblets will develop roots and foliage in the upcoming growing season and may take a few years to produce flowers. This simple clump division ensures healthy growth and proliferation of daffodil bulbs in the garden.
