Daffodil Narcissus 'Patrick Hacket' (1)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Patrick Hacket' is a type of daffodil characterized by its striking flowers. These blossoms are a true focal point with their large, showy coronas and petals. The color of the blooms is often a vibrant yellow, sometimes with the cup or corona of the flower displaying a slightly different shade, which may be a deeper yellow or even orange, creating a beautiful contrast with the surrounding petals. The individual flowers are typically composed of a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of larger, petal-like tepals. The flowers grow at the end of sturdy, upright stems, which emerge from clumps of narrow, strap-like green leaves that are somewhat fleshy in texture. The overall impression is of a cheerful, sunny plant that heralds the advent of spring with its bright and uplifting blooms.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Patrick Hacket'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Daffodil, including the variety 'Patrick Hacket', is indeed toxic to humans. If ingested, any part of the plant can cause poisoning. The primary toxic components are alkaloids, such as lycorine, which is found in the bulbs, leaves, and flowers. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and convulsions. It is crucial to keep all parts of the daffodil away from children and adults who might accidentally ingest plant material.
To pets
Daffodil, which describes the 'Patrick Hacket' variety as well, poses a risk of toxicity to pets. Every part of the plant, especially the bulbs, is poisonous when ingested by animals such as dogs and cats. The primary toxic agents are alkaloids, including lycorine. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in pets can range from vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation to more serious signs such as low blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal, so prompt veterinary attention is needed if a pet consumes any part of a daffodil. It is essential to prevent pets from accessing these plants to avoid accidental ingestion.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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
- Decorative Appeal: The Narcissus 'Patrick Hacket' adds beauty to gardens with its striking flowers and foliage.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate in a variety of soil conditions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which can enhance pollination of nearby plants.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant blooms in spring, providing a splash of color after the winter season.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and can thrive without excessive attention.
- Naturalizing: It can spread over time to create natural drifts of color in the landscape.
- Cutting Garden Suitability: The flowers are suitable for cutting and can be used to create floral arrangements.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Dye Source: The flowers of the Narcissus can be used to create a yellow-orange dye for fabrics and other materials.
- Garden Composting: Used Narcissus flowers and plant material can be composted to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for gardens.
- Biodegradable Mulch: Dried Narcissus plant matter can be spread over garden beds to serve as a natural, biodegradable mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Photography Subject: Narcissus flowers are a popular subject for photographers, offering an opportunity to capture their intricate beauty and vibrant colors.
- Artists' Inspiration: The distinct appearance of Narcissus can inspire artists to create paintings, illustrations, and other forms of art.
- Floral Arrangements: Narcissus stems and blooms can be used in floral arrangements and bouquets for their appealing look and fragrance.
- Perfumery: Despite exclusion of medical properties, the scent of Narcissus can be used as an inspiration for creating perfumes without therapeutic claims.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers can serve as an aesthetic garnish for culinary dishes, assuming all parts are non-toxic and have been properly verified.
- Education and Research: Narcissus plants can be used as educational tools in botany and horticulture studies, illustrating plant growth and development.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried Narcissus petals can be scattered as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti in celebrations.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: Narcissus flowers bloom in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the start of a new growth cycle.
- Self-love: The name Narcissus comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a youth who fell in love with his own reflection, representing self-admiration and self-centeredness.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the Narcissus is considered a symbol of wealth and good fortune, especially when it blooms during the Chinese New Year.
- Inspiration: The bright and cheerful appearance of the Narcissus flower is often linked to creativity and inspiration, encouraging people to embrace new ideas and endeavors.
- Hope: The Narcissus is a sign of hope for many, as its emergence is a reminder that even after the darkest winter, life continues and beauty returns.
- Water
Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Patrick Hacket', require consistently moist soil during their growing season in the spring. Watering should be thorough, allowing the water to penetrate deeply into the soil, encouraging the roots to grow downwards. Generally, daffodils should be watered once a week with about 1 inch of water. During the active growth period, this translates to about half a gallon for a small cluster of bulbs. After blooming, reduce watering frequency as the foliage begins to die back and allow the soil to dry out somewhat before dormancy.
- Light
Daffodils thrive in areas where they receive full to partial sunlight. The ideal spot for Narcissus 'Patrick Hacket' is in a location where they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates, but too much shade can reduce flowering. Ensure they're planted in an area that isn't overshadowed by trees or buildings to get the best bloom.
- Temperature
Daffodils are hardy and can survive a range of temperatures, but they prefer cooler climates. Narcissus 'Patrick Hacket' does well in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand winter temperatures down to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit and will typically require a period of cold dormancy to bloom properly in the spring. Avoid planting in areas that experience prolonged temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit during their growth period.
- Pruning
Pruning daffodils like Narcissus 'Patrick Hacket' mostly involves deadheading the spent flowers to encourage better growth for the next season. You can snip off the flower heads after they have faded but leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and dies back naturally. Never cut back the green leaves because they are necessary for photosynthesis, which replenishes the bulb for the next year. Pruning is only needed once the flowering is complete, usually at the beginning of summer.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Daffodil 'Patrick Hacket' thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix would consist of loamy soil, with added compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage.
- Repotting
Daffodils, such as 'Patrick Hacket', typically do not require frequent repotting. They can be left undisturbed in the ground for several years until the clumps become overcrowded, usually every 3-5 years.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodil 'Patrick Hacket' is tolerant of average outdoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. The plant will do well in the natural variations of outdoor humidity.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist in growth.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs 2-4 inches deep in autumn, in a sunny spot.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Narcissus 'Pritchard Hacket', commonly known as Daffodil, begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in well-drained soil in late summer to late autumn before the ground freezes. During spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sends up shoots that develop into distinctive flowers, usually between March and April, depending on the climate. After blooming, the flower wilts and the plant enters a period of photosynthesis where the foliage gathers nutrients and stores them in the bulb for the next year. As summer progresses, the leaves yellow and die back, marking the plant's entry into dormancy. The bulb remains dormant throughout the hot summer months and the cold winter. With the arrival of the next spring, the cycle begins anew as the bulb sprouts fresh foliage and new blooms.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Narcissus 'Patrick Hacket', commonly known as Daffodil, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this plant. This process should be done in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the daffodil bulbs, taking care not to damage them. Once unearthed, gently separate the bulbs from the main clump, ensuring each division has at least one growing point. These individual bulbs can then be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) and spaced about 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Replanting should be done in well-drained soil in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. This encourages the bulbs to establish themselves before the winter and to flower the following spring.