Daffodil Narcissus 'Pineapple Prince' (2)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Pineapple Prince' is commonly known as a daffodil. This particular variety is renowned for its striking flowers, which are a distinctive feature of the plant. Each flower has a bright yellow perianth made up of six petal-like tepals that radiate outwards, creating an inviting, star-shaped base. At the center of these tepals stands a contrasting, cup-like structure called the corona which is often referred to as the trumpet or the crown. The corona of 'Pineapple Prince' has a ruffled appearance with frilled edges and is slightly paler in color, providing a beautiful contrast against the vivid yellow of the tepals. This daffodil variety exudes a fresh, tropical charm that the name 'Pineapple Prince' aptly conveys. When in bloom, the plant presents a cheerful display that is often associated with the onset of spring. The foliage consists of slender, sword-shaped leaves that are an attractive shade of green, providing a complementary backdrop to the brilliant blooms. The overall look of the 'Pineapple Prince' daffodil is one of elegance and brightness, with the flowers typically arranged singly on sturdy stems that rise gracefully above the foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Pineapple Prince'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodils, including the 'Pineapple Prince' variety, contain a toxic alkaloid called lycorine. If ingested, any part of the plant can cause symptoms of poisoning. These may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingesting daffodils can lead to more serious effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and even convulsions. It is important for humans to avoid consuming any part of a daffodil due to its toxic nature.
To pets
Daffodils, including the 'Pineapple Prince' variety, are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The entire plant, especially the bulbs, contains the alkaloid lycorine and other compounds that can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes even heart problems or seizures. Ingesting daffodils can result in serious health consequences and thus it is critically important to keep these plants out of reach of pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Narcissus 'Pineapple Prince' adds beauty to gardens with its attractive, creamy-yellow flowers that resemble pineapples.
- Ease of Care: This daffodil variety is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Spring Bloomer: As a spring-flowering bulb, it provides early color to gardens after the winter months.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of your garden's ecosystem.
- Naturalizing: Over time, the bulbs can multiply, spreading throughout the garden and creating natural drifts of color.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils are generally resistant to deer and rodents, reducing the likelihood of damage from these animals.
- Cut Flower Use: The flowers are suitable for cutting and arranging in bouquets, adding a touch of spring indoors.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus flowers can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, imparting subtle yellow hues to textiles when the petals are boiled with the fabric.
- Dried Narcissus petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, offering a light, airy fragrance to the blend and adding aesthetic appeal with their color and shape.
- These flowers can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, who may capture the intricate patterns and colors of 'Pineapple Prince' to create visually stunning works.
- Pressed Narcissus flowers can be used in crafting, such as in handmade paper or to embellish greeting cards and bookmarks, due to their relatively flat shape when dried.
- The blooms of Narcissus 'Pineapple Prince' can be a food-safe decoration for desserts like cakes and pastries, offering an elegant touch to culinary presentations.
- Narcissus bulbs can be forced indoors during winter to provide a touch of spring in the colder months, serving as an educational tool to teach botany or gardening.
- These flowers can be used as natural confetti at celebrations, like garden weddings, where petals may be gently tossed into the air for a biodegradable alternative to paper or plastic confetti.
- Narcissus 'Pineapple Prince' can be woven into a flower crown or garland for festive occasions, adding a vibrant and fresh element to costumes or traditional dress.
- Flower water infused with Narcissus can be used as a linen spray for bedding or clothing to impart a gentle, refreshing scent.
- Narcissus plants can be used as a living mulch in the garden; their dense growth in the spring can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is traditionally associated with good fortune and is thought to attract wealth when placed in the home during the Lunar New Year. It is often recommended to place the plant in the wealth corner of the home, which is typically the southeast corner, to tap into prosperity energy and bring positive vibes to the occupants of the space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The daffodil, being one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings.
- Unrequited Love: In the Greek myth of Narcissus after whom the flower is named, the daffodil is associated with self-love and vanity but also the unrequited love of others for Narcissus.
- Prosperity: Daffodils, heralding the start of spring, are believed to bring good fortune, hence they symbolize prosperity.
- Inspiration: The bright bloom of the daffodil is often seen as a symbol of inspiration and creativity.
- Renewal: As a perennial flower that returns each year, daffodils represent renewal and the persistence of life.
- Hope: The daffodil's vibrant and uplifting appearance gives it the symbol of hope.
WaterDaffodils, including 'Pineapple Prince', typically require consistent moisture during their growing season but do not like to be waterlogged. Water them thoroughly when the soil appears dry at a depth of about an inch. During the active growth period in spring, watering once a week with about a quart of water per square foot is usually sufficient. After they bloom and the leaves start to yellow, gradually reduce watering as they enter dormancy. Over the summer, when they are dormant, daffodils require no additional watering unless it's exceptionally dry.
LightDaffodils, including 'Pineapple Prince', thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. The best spot for them is a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can also do well in a spot that has morning sun and afternoon shade, which can protect them from the intense heat in warmer climates.
TemperatureDaffodils, such as 'Pineapple Prince', prefer cooler temperatures and will bloom in early to mid-spring when the temperatures are generally between 50°F and 65°F. They are cold hardy and can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F. The ideal temperature range for daffodils to thrive is typically between 50°F and 70°F.
PruningDaffodils like 'Pineapple Prince' require minimal pruning. After flowering, only remove the flower heads to prevent seed production. Allow the leaves to remain until they yellow and wither, which typically takes about six weeks, as this helps the plant store energy for next year's blooms. Do not tie or braid the foliage during this time as it can impede the replenishing of the bulb.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodil 'Pineapple Prince' is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, with an ideal pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loamy garden soil, peat or compost, and sand or perlite would create an optimal growing environment for this plant.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Pineapple Prince,' are typically grown from bulbs and do not need frequent repotting. They should be repotted only when the bulbs become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Pineapple Prince' prefers moderate humidity conditions. It does not require high humidity levels and can thrive in the average humidity found in most homes and outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with full to partial sunlight exposure.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Pineapple Prince Daffodil, like other daffodils, begins with a dormant bulb that awakens in the spring. As temperatures rise, the bulb sends up shoots that develop into sturdy stems and foliage. Following this, a bud emerges which eventually blossoms into the characteristic yellow flower, often with a contrasting cup, that resembles a pineapple's rough texture, hence the name. The flowering stage persists for several weeks before the petals fade and the plant enters into the seed-development phase, if pollination has occurred. As the seeds mature, the foliage begins to die back, and the plant re-enters dormancy, conserving energy in the bulb for the next growing season. In non-ideal conditions or in gardens, gardeners often deadhead the flowers to prevent seeding and encourage the bulb to conserve energy directly, skipping the seed development stage.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Narcissus 'Pineapple Prince', commonly known as the daffodil, is typically propagated through division of bulbs. The best time to propagate daffodils is in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the bulbs have gone dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clumps of daffodil bulbs and gently separate them by hand, making sure that each section has at least one growing point. The separated bulbs can then be immediately replanted at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters), spaced 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. This method leverages the natural reproductive cycle of the daffodil, ensuring a high success rate and rapid establishment of new plants.
