Tazetta Daffodil Narcissus 'Petrel' (5)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Petrel' is widely recognized for its alluring flowers, which show an immaculate display of white. The plant produces blooms that are characterized by their classic daffodil shape, consisting of a central trumpet or cup surrounded by a whorl of six petal-like tepals. The trumpet of the 'Petrel' is typically a bit shorter and broader compared to some other daffodil varieties, and it carries the same pure white as the surrounding tepals, which can give the bloom a harmonious, uniform look. The petals are usually smooth and may display a subtle curvature that lends a graceful appearance to the flower. Multiple blooms may perch atop each stem, clustered closely together to create a more pronounced display of white that stands out against the plant's fresh green foliage. The leaves are long and slender, with a slightly arching habit that supports the overall aesthetic of the plant. Narcissus 'Petrel' exudes a fresh, sometimes sweet fragrance that is particularly notable on warm days, which adds to its charm in a garden setting or when cut for arrangements. As with most daffodils, this variety is a herald of spring, often one of the earlier blooms to punctuate the end of winter with its bright and hopeful presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Tazetta Daffodil, Paperwhite
Common names
Narcissus 'Petrel'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil 'Petrel' is considered toxic to humans. It contains alkaloids such as lycorine, which can cause symptoms if ingested. The most common symptoms of daffodil poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, it can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even systemic complications if not treated appropriately.
To pets
Daffodil 'Petrel' is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Similar to its effects on humans, ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and excessive drooling. In severe cases, symptoms can escalate to cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression, and could potentially be life-threatening if a large enough quantity is consumed and treatment is not administered promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 inch [2.54 cm]
Spread
1 inch [2.54 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Narcissus 'Petrel', commonly known as Tazetta daffodil, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its clusters of white, fragrant flowers that bloom in early spring.
- Low Maintenance: Tazetta daffodils are easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, making them suitable for many gardeners with varying levels of experience.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering and making them suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Pest Resistance: They are generally resistant to pests and diseases, which helps to minimize the need for chemical treatments and promotes a healthier garden environment.
- Naturalizing: Tazetta daffodils have the ability to naturalize, meaning they can spread and multiply over time, creating a denser and more impressive display of flowers year after year.
- Cold Hardy: They are cold-hardy plants, capable of surviving and blooming even after harsh winters in a wide range of hardiness zones.
- Wildlife Attraction: While they tend to be resistant to deer and rodents, the flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, providing a source of nectar early in the season when few other flowers are in bloom.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Perfume Industry: Daffodil 'Petrel' is used in perfumery for its rich and heady fragrance, serving as a key note in floral scents.
- Art and Literature: The daffodil has a long-standing association with inspiration, often appearing in poetry and paintings as a symbol of creativity and the arrival of spring.
- Weddings and Celebrations: Due to their bright and cheerful appearance, daffodils like 'Petrel' are used in wedding bouquets and decorations, particularly for spring weddings.
- Dye Production: Daffodil flowers, while not commonly used for dyeing, can produce a yellow dye that could be used for small-scale textile projects.
- Garden Companions: Daffodils can be planted among vegetables like tomatoes to deter rodents, as the bulbs are toxic and not favored by pests.
- Eco-Friendly Rodenticides: In areas where rodents are a problem, daffodil bulbs could potentially be used as a natural rodenticide due to their toxic nature.
- Photography: With their striking appearance, daffodils are often subjects of horticultural and macro photography, celebrating the intricate details of flowers.
- Cultural Festivals: Daffodils, including 'Petrel', feature in spring festivals and events celebrating local horticulture and heritage in many countries.
- Teaching Aid: In education, daffodils can provide an excellent tool for teaching biology and botany, especially concerning bulb growth and plant life cycles.
- Potential Biomonitoring: While not a common practice, daffodils could potentially be used as biomonitors to study the presence of certain environmental pollutants due to their sensitivity to specific soil conditions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil can be used in Feng Shui to bring good fortune as it symbolizes wealth, good luck, and prosperity, especially when placed in the wealth corner of a home or office, which is the southeast corner of the space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: 'Petrel' daffodils bloom in early spring, marking the end of winter and symbolizing the start of a new cycle or chapter in life.
- Self-love: Linked to the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, daffodils can represent self-esteem and the importance of loving oneself.
- Vanity: In the context of the same myth, they may also denote excessive self-involvement or vanity.
- Prosperity: Often associated with good fortune, especially in Chinese culture, where they are seen as bringing wealth and good luck when they bloom during the Lunar New Year.
- Unrequited Love: The daffodil's association with Narcissus can extend to the sorrow of unreciprocated feelings, as he was unable to leave his own reflection and died beside it.
WaterThe Paperwhite Narcissus, which 'Petrel' is a cultivar of, should be watered thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. During active growth, this may mean watering every few days, ensuring that the plant receives a deep watering that allows moisture to reach the roots without leaving the plant in standing water. The frequency of watering might be once every 7 to 10 days, but this can vary based on environmental conditions like heat and humidity. Provide approximately one quart of water for container-grown plants at each watering session. Reduce watering once the flowering has finished and allow the soil to dry out completely before storing the bulbs for dormancy.
LightPaperwhite Narcissus thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. The ideal spot would be in a room with a large window that provides plenty of light but shields the plant from direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. A northern or eastern-facing window would provide the optimal light conditions for the 'Petrel' cultivar to flourish.
TemperaturePaperwhite Narcissus prefers temperatures range from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit during its growing phase, with cooler temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night to promote strong blooms. The plant can tolerate temperatures down to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to freezing conditions. After blooming, a period of dormancy in cooler temperatures is beneficial.
PruningPruning the Paperwhite Narcissus 'Petrel' involves deadheading spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance and prevent seed formation, which conserves the plant's energy. Remove yellow or dead foliage as well, typically after the leaves have died back naturally post-flowering. Annual pruning is usually sufficient, and the best time is after the foliage has yellowed or dried, indicating the end of the plant's growth cycle.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Paperwhite Narcissus 'Petrel' thrives in a soil mix that provides excellent drainage. The ideal mix can be made from equal parts of potting soil, sand, and perlite or vermiculite. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, so aiming for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 will create the best growing conditions for this plant.
RepottingPaperwhite Narcissus 'Petrel' typically does not require frequent repotting. These plants are often grown as annuals and disposed of after blooming; however, if you're maintaining them, repotting every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingPaperwhite Narcissus 'Petrel' prefers average to moderate home humidity levels. There is no need for high humidity; maintaining humidity between 40-60% is perfectly adequate for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area away from direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of 'Petrel' Daffodil, also known as Narcissus 'Petrel', begins with a period of dormancy when the bulb lies inactive underground. In early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, growing leaves and a stem that leads to the development of the characteristic white flowers with a central trumpet. After flowering, the plant undergoes a period of photosynthesis where the leaves collect energy from the sun, which is then stored in the bulb for the next season. Once the leaves yellow and wither, the plant enters a second dormancy period during the summer months. Throughout the fall, the bulb remains dormant, conserving energy for the next growth cycle. In subsequent years, this cycle repeats, with the bulb potentially dividing to form offsets that will grow into new plants, thus propagating the Daffodil 'Petrel'.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Narcissus 'Petrel,' commonly known as Tazetta Daffodil, is typically propagated through division of bulbs. The best time for this is after the foliage has died back, usually in late summer to fall. To propagate, one should carefully lift the clump of bulbs with a garden fork, gently separate the bulbs, and then replant them at a depth of around 6 inches (15.24 cm) into well-draining soil, ensuring that they are spaced about 5 to 6 inches (12.7 to 15.24 cm) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs well to help establish roots. This method allows clusters of bulbs to be reduced in size to prevent overcrowding and stimulates flowering as individual bulbs gain more space and nutrients.
