Daffodil Narcissus 'Ormeau' (2)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Ormeau', widely known as a variety of daffodil, is a flowering plant that boasts distinctive characteristics akin to its relatives in the daffodil family. The plant produces beautiful flowers that are a harmonious blend of colors, typically featuring a prominent trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of six floral segments. These segments are often referred to as petals, and together, they create a classic daffodil blossom. The corona of the Narcissus 'Ormeau' exhibits a rich hue that can vary slightly but is generally in a striking shade that catches the eye. The surrounding petals are a softer color, usually a shade of cream or pale yellow, which contrasts pleasantly with the corona's more vibrant tone. This color contrast is one of the daffodil's most captivating features, making it a favorite for gardeners and flower enthusiasts. The daffodil's leaves are slender and long, emanating from the base of the plant. These leaves are typically a deep green and have a slightly fleshy texture. They form an attractive backdrop for the flower, highlighting its colors and providing structural support. As a bulbous plant, Narcissus 'Ormeau' emerges from bulbs that are planted beneath the soil. These bulbs enable the plant to survive through different seasons, storing energy to ensure the daffodil's annual return. Overall, the appearance of Narcissus 'Ormeau' is characteristic of the grace and beauty that is synonymous with daffodils, featuring a lovely floral display that heralds the arrival of spring. Its charming blooms bring joy and a splash of color to gardens, signifying rejuvenation and new beginnings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Ormeau'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, including the Narcissus 'Ormeau', is toxic to humans. It contains alkaloids such as lycorine that can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea if ingested. In some cases, more severe symptoms can occur, such as convulsions or serious cardiac arrhythmias. Handling the bulb might also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodil, encompassing the Narcissus 'Ormeau', is also poisonous to pets. Ingesting any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can lead to symptoms like vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. If a pet consumes a significant quantity, the poisoning can be fatal. Immediate veterinary care is advised if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 4 inches (0.4 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Daffodil 'Ormeau' adds vibrant yellow hues to the garden in spring, contributing to a visually appealing landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: Spring-flowering daffodils like 'Ormeau' attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils are generally easy to grow and maintain, requiring minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once daffodils are established, they have a degree of drought tolerance, making them suitable for gardens with limited water availability.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils are typically resistant to deer and rodents, reducing the risk of damage from wildlife.
- Longevity: Daffodils are known for their ability to naturalize and return for many years, offering long-term garden enjoyment.
- Seasonal Interest: Daffodils like 'Ormeau' mark the arrival of spring, providing early seasonal interest in the garden.
- Versatile Planting: They can be used in borders, pots, or as cut flowers, offering versatility in garden design and usage.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Perfumery: Narcissus 'Ormeau', also known as daffodil, can be used in the fragrance industry as its scent is popular in perfumery for creating floral and fresh accords.
- Natural dye: The petals of daffodils can be used to produce a range of yellow or orange dyes for coloring fabrics and crafts.
- Photography prop: Daffodils can serve as a beautiful subject or background in photography, contributing to the aesthetics of springtime or floral shots.
- Artistic inspiration: The striking appearance of the daffodil has inspired numerous artists to create paintings, drawings, and sculptures based on its form.
- Floral water: The essence of daffodils can be infused into water to create a lightly scented floral water for use in home scenting or as a linen spray.
- Educational tool: Daffodils can be used in botanical studies and horticultural education to teach about plant life cycles and hybridization methods.
- Culinary garnish: Though not edible, daffodil flowers can be used as a non-toxic garnish for plating and presenting dishes in upscale culinary settings.
- Moth deterrent: Historically, dried daffodil bulbs were believed to help deter moths when placed in linen closets, though this may not be scientifically proven.
- Companion planting: Daffodils can deter certain rodents and pests and thus are often planted among vegetables and fruit trees as a natural pest management practice.
- Landscape design: Daffodils are used by landscape architects to create 'bulb rivers' or masses of flowering bulbs that provide a stunning visual impact in gardens and parks.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- New Beginnings: Narcissus, or the daffodil, is often associated with spring and thus symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the daffodil represents prosperity and is believed to bring good fortune, especially if blooming on New Year's Day.
- Hope: The daffodil's bright and cheery presence is viewed as a symbol of hope and optimism for the future.
- Self-Reflection: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, this flower can represent self-obsession or vanity, as well as the importance of looking inward.
- Resilience: The hardiness and the ability of daffodils to grow under adverse conditions is often seen as a symbol of resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Unrequited Love: Another interpretation of the Greek myth suggests the daffodil symbolizes unrequited love and the pain of rejection.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Ormeau', should be watered thoroughly at planting time and then only as needed to keep the soil moist, not waterlogged. In general, watering once a week with about 1 inch of water, which equates to about 0.6 gallons per square yard, should suffice during their growing season. Once the flowers have bloomed and the leaves start to yellow, you can reduce watering as the plant is entering dormancy. Over-watering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure good drainage and if there's been significant rain, you might not need to water at all.
LightDaffodils like Narcissus 'Ormeau' thrive in full to partial sunlight. They perform best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that gets morning sunlight but is shaded in the hottest part of the afternoon is ideal to prevent the flowers from fading quickly.
TemperatureDaffodils such as Narcissus 'Ormeau' are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they perform best in cooler climates with temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. They can survive winter freezes and are capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 20°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures above 80°F may stress the plants and affect blooming.
PruningPruning of daffodils, like the Narcissus 'Ormeau', is not necessary for the health of the plant; rather, it's done for aesthetic reasons to remove spent blooms. Deadhead the flowers after they fade but leave the foliage in place until it has yellowed and withered, which is usually about 6 weeks after blooming. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the following year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodils, including Narcissus 'Ormeau', is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part sand will foster healthy growth. Adding compost or well-rotted manure provides essential nutrients.
RepottingDaffodils such as Narcissus 'Ormeau' typically do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted only when the bulbs have multiplied and become crowded, usually every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Ormeau', are generally tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements. Average room humidity is typically suitable for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Daffodil 'Ormeau' begins its life cycle with a dormant period, typically underground as a bulb, which can survive winter conditions. In early spring, as temperatures rise and days get longer, the bulb breaks dormancy and sends up shoots, which soon produce foliage and stems. The plant enters its flowering stage, producing characteristic bright yellow flowers, sometime between late winter and early spring. After pollination, which can be effected by wind or insects, the flowers will eventually wither, and the plant will form seeds. Once the seeds are mature, the plant disperses them, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, the foliage dies back, and the plant re-enters dormancy, with the bulb storing energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Ormeau', commonly known as the daffodil, is typically propagated by dividing and replanting its bulbs. The best time to do this is after the foliage has died back, usually in late spring to early summer. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of bulbs from the ground using a spade or fork, taking care not to damage the bulbs. Shake off any excess soil and gently pull apart the bulbs, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point. Replant the bulbs at the same depth from which they were taken, which is typically about 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep, spacing them about 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 centimeters) apart. Water the newly planted bulbs well to settle the soil around them. This method of propagation enables the grower to increase their daffodil stock and maintain the health of the plant by reducing overcrowding.
