Daffodil Narcissus 'Pimpernel' (2)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Pimpernel' is a captivating plant commonly known as a type of daffodil. It boasts attractive flowers, each featuring a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a wreath of petals. These petals are typically an alluring shade of soft orange to apricot, creating a warm and inviting display. The central trumpet may have a deeper, more saturated color, often presenting a striking contrast to the more delicate hue of the surrounding perianth segments. The blooms of the Narcissus 'Pimpernel' exude a sweet fragrance, adding an additional layer of appeal to the sensory experience of the plant. The leaves are slender and long, providing an elegant backdrop of green that complements the vivid colors of the flowers. They emerge from the base of the stem and are generally sword-shaped with a slightly arching form. Grouped together, the blooms create an eye-catching cluster that is often the highlight of a spring garden. The delicate yet showy appearance of the Narcissus 'Pimpernel', along with its delightful scent, makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts. Although naturally associated with the spring season, this plant continually captivates onlookers with its charming colors and graceful posture whenever it is in bloom.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Pimpernel'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil is potentially toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, daffodil poisoning can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and even coma. The bulb is considered the most toxic part and can be mistaken for onions, posing a risk when foraging or mistakenly ingested.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, symptoms may include vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, and possibly respiratory depression. The bulb is the most toxic part, and ingestion of it can lead to severe poisoning, and in some cases, can be fatal. It is important to prevent pets from accessing any part of the daffodil plant to avoid these risks.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot 4-6 inches (40-50 cm)
Spread
1 foot 4-6 inches (40-50 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Narcissus 'Pimpernel' is widely appreciated for its striking flowers, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms can attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, which contribute to the health of the overall garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: As a hardy perennial, Daffodil requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Bloomer: It heralds the arrival of spring with its early flowers, providing a cheerful display after the winter months.
- Cut Flower Use: The blooms are ideal for cutting and creating indoor floral arrangements, bringing spring beauty into the home.
- Naturalizing: Daffodil has the ability to spread and naturalize in an area, filling the space with color over time without needing to be replanted each year.
- Deer Resistance: They are typically resistant to deer, which makes them a good choice for gardens in areas with a high deer population.
- Symbolism and Tradition: Daffodils carry rich symbolism, representing renewal and hope, and are often associated with springtime festivals and celebrations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Perfume Industry: Narcissus 'Pimpernel' is used in perfumery for its sweet fragrance, contributing to the creation of floral scents.
- Floral Arrangements: Its attractive flowers make Narcissus 'Pimpernel' a popular choice for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Photography: The striking appearance of Narcissus 'Pimpernel' makes it a sought-after subject for botanical photographers and artists.
- Education: Botanical gardens and horticultural courses use Narcissus 'Pimpernel' to teach about plant morphology and bulb growth.
- Festivals: Narcissus 'Pimpernel' is often featured in spring festivals and garden shows due to its vibrant blooms.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers may be used as a decorative, non-edible garnish for special dishes at high-end restaurants.
- Crafts: Dried Narcissus 'Pimpernel' flowers can be used in crafting, such as making potpourri or pressed flower art.
- Literary Inspiration: The beauty of Narcissus 'Pimpernel' often inspires poets and writers in their works.
- Dyeing Fabric: The pigments of Narcissus 'Pimpernel' flowers can sometimes be used in the natural dyeing of fabrics.
- Wedding Decor: Due to its association with new beginnings, the Narcissus 'Pimpernel' is sometimes included in wedding bouquets and venue decorations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiNarcissus is often considered to represent good fortune and prosperity in Feng Shui. To use Narcissus in this practice, you might place it in the wealth corner of your home or business (the southeast area based on the Bagua map), to help encourage the flow of positive energy related to abundance and manifesting wealth.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: Named after the myth of Narcissus, a figure who fell in love with his own reflection, the narcissus flower (often referred to as daffodil) commonly symbolizes self-adoration and vanity.
- Renewal: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, narcissus often represents new beginnings and the arrival of spring, symbolizing rebirth and rejuvenation.
- Uncertainty: In the language of flowers, narcissus can sometimes denote uncertainty or unrequited love, reflecting the story of Narcissus who loved only himself.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, narcissus is a symbol of wealth and good fortune. It's often associated with Chinese New Year and is believed to bring prosperity in the coming year.
- Respect: Despite its association with narcissism, the flower also conveys respect, as it can be seen as honoring oneself without the negative connotations of vanity.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Pimpernel', should be watered thoroughly at planting and then regularly during their active growth period. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, which is approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard if rainfall is scarce. Once established, daffodils are quite drought-tolerant and usually require less watering. In the fall, after the first few frosts, you can reduce watering as the plants go dormant. Always avoid overwatering, as this can lead to bulb rot.
LightDaffodils like Narcissus 'Pimpernel' thrive in areas with full to partial sunlight. The best spot for these flowers would be a location where they can enjoy at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. They can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon, but too much shade can impede flowering.
TemperatureDaffodils such as Narcissus 'Pimpernel' perform well in a range of temperatures but prefer a climate where winters are cold enough to provide a dormant period. They can generally tolerate winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and up to the mid-70s during their growth period. The ideal temperature for daffodils is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during active growth and flowering.
PruningDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Pimpernel', should be pruned by deadheading the spent flowers to promote bulb strength. However, leave the foliage intact until it has turned yellow, which usually happens around six weeks after blooming. Prune by cutting back the dead foliage once it's yellow to tidy up the plant and allow the bulbs to focus on storing energy for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the daffodil 'Pimpernel' is well-draining, fertile loam with added organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of two-thirds loam and one-third organic material will create a suitable growing environment for these bulbs.
RepottingDaffodils, including the 'Pimpernel' variety, typically do not need to be repotted frequently. They can be left undisturbed for several years in the same spot unless they become overcrowded. In general, daffodils are usually lifted and divided every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and flowering potential.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Pimpernel' prefers average humidity conditions and can tolerate the varied humidity levels commonly found in outdoor garden settings. While specific humidity levels are not required, ensuring good air circulation can help prevent any fungal disease that might arise in conditions with high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Pimpernel' daffodil in a bright, cool spot indoors.
Outdoor
Plant 'Pimpernel' daffodil in sun to partial shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Narcissus 'Pimpernel', commonly known as the daffodil, begins with a dormant bulb which breaks dormancy upon experiencing the cool temperatures and shorter days of late fall to early winter. As temperatures rise and daylight increases in spring, the bulb sends up green shoots that develop into long, narrow leaves and a central flower stalk. The stalk bears a single flower, typically characterized by its bright yellow hue and distinctive trumpet-shaped corona, which blooms for a period of six weeks on average. Following the blooming period, the plant enters a phase of photosynthesis and energy storage, during which the leaves gather sunlight and the plant directs energy back into the bulb for the next growing season. After the leaves yellow and wither, the plant returns to dormancy through the hot summer months. This cycle repeats annually, with the bulb potentially producing offsets or new bulbs that contribute to the spread and continuation of the daffodil's life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Narcissus 'Pimpernel', commonly known as a type of daffodil, is predominantly propagated by division, which is best done in late summer, after the foliage has died back. This process involves digging up the bulbs once they have become dormant and carefully separating the clumps into individual bulbs. Each bulb should have a portion of the base and some roots attached. It is then planted at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, spaced 3 to 6 inches apart. Careful handling during this process is crucial to avoid damaging the bulbs, which could affect the subsequent growth.
