Daffodil Narcissus 'Radjel' (4)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Radjel' is a captivating plant commonly known as daffodils. It showcases a stunning display of flowers that are characterized by a classic trumpet-like corona surrounded by six petal-like tepals, which together form a star-shaped perianth. The blooms of 'Radjel' have a notable coloration – often a brilliant yellow hue that's associated with the cheerful disposition of spring daffodils. The trumpet may feature a different shade or a gradient that accentuates its striking appearance against the backdrop of the softer-colored tepals. These flowers typically emerge from long, slender stalks that rise above the plant’s basal rosette of leaves. The foliage itself is linear and slender, with a deep green color that contrasts the bright flowers. This plant is known for its beauty and is often cultivated in gardens where its blossoms create a vibrant spectacle during their blooming season.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Radjel'
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus 'Radjel' is a type of daffodil, and all parts of daffodils are toxic to humans if ingested. This toxicity is due to the presence of alkaloids such as lycorine and others, which can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious effects like cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression, and even death if a significant quantity is consumed and medical intervention is not promptly sought.
To pets
Daffodils, including Narcissus 'Radjel', are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Eating any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can cause symptoms like vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes even cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Severe cases of daffodil poisoning may lead to convulsions and a drop in blood pressure, and can be fatal if veterinary treatment is not quickly obtained.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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- Ornamental Appeal: Narcissus 'Radjel' provides aesthetic beauty to gardens with their attractive flowers, typically enhancing visual pleasure and landscape design.
- Ease of Cultivation: This variety of daffodil is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of varying expertise levels.
- Spring Blossoming: Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter and the beginning of the growing season.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, Narcissus 'Radjel' returns year after year, offering long-term presence without the need for annual replanting.
- Naturalizing: This plant has the ability to spread and naturalize an area over time, filling spaces and providing a denser floral display.
- Resistance to Pests: Daffodils are generally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: The bulbs and flowers of Narcissus 'Radjel' are not palatable to deer and rodents, making them a practical choice in areas with wildlife.
- Symbolism and Tradition: Daffodils have a rich cultural history and are often associated with rebirth and new beginnings, making them a meaningful addition to any garden.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Radjel', commonly known as daffodil, can be crushed and mixed into a paste for use as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of yellow hues.
- The bulb of the daffodil can be used as a substitute for laundry starch when crushed and mixed with water, giving clothes a crisp texture.
- Daffodil flowers can be used in potpourri mixtures, adding a light, spring-like fragrance to rooms and small spaces.
- The sap from daffodil stems has adhesive properties and can be used in small scale art projects as a natural glue.
- Daffodil bulbs, when planted in a mole-prone area, can help deter moles because they find the scent and taste unappealing.
- Dried and powdered daffodil petals can be used in the creation of plant-based pigments for eco-friendly paints.
- The plant's sturdy leaves can be woven into small handicrafts, such as bookmarks and decorative pieces, after being dried and treated.
- During festive seasons, daffodils can be used as a natural, biodegradable confetti when the petals are plucked and scattered.
- Daffodil flowers can serve as a natural pH indicator in educational science experiments, changing colors in response to acidity or alkalinity.
- In the culinary arts, crystallized daffodil petals can adorn desserts, but caution is essential as the plant is toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: Derived from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, this flower often symbolizes self-admiration and vanity.
- Renewal: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, the daffodil is seen as a symbol of new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Unrequited Love: In the language of flowers, giving a daffodil can also express unrequited love, again harking back to the story of Narcissus.
- Inspiration: The bright appearance of daffodils can symbolize creativity and inspiration, bringing a sense of joy and positive energy.
WaterDaffodil 'Radjel' should be watered deeply to soak the soil around the bulb once a week during the growing season, or more frequently if the weather is particularly dry. It's important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to bulb rot. Supply roughly one inch of water each time, which for potted plants translates to about a half to one gallon depending on the size of the pot and soil drainage. Once the daffodil foliage has died back and the plant is dormant, watering can be reduced significantly.
LightThe Daffodil 'Radjel' thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. A spot that receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day is ideal. However, in areas with very hot midday sun, light afternoon shade will help protect the plant from excessive heat.
TemperatureDaffodils 'Radjel' prefer cool to moderate temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F. They can tolerate temperatures down to freezing and up to about 75°F without issue. They are spring-blooming bulbs, so they are well-suited to spring's fluctuating temperatures.
PruningPruning Daffodil 'Radjel' is more about deadheading spent flowers and removing yellowing foliage after they have finished blooming. It is not necessary to prune daffodils during their growing season, but removing the spent flowers will keep the garden looking tidy. Prune back foliage only once it has turned yellow, which is typically a few weeks after blooming.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for daffodils, including Narcissus 'Radjel', is well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A combination of loamy soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand can optimize drainage and fertility.
RepottingDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Radjel', typically do not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when the clumps become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Radjel' prefer average household humidity levels. They are not particularly sensitive to humidity variations as long as they are grown in well-draining soil and not overwatered.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in well-draining soil, bright indirect light, cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade, enriched well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Narcissus 'Radjel' is Daffodil 'Radjel'. The plant starts its life as a bulb, which, when planted in autumn, remains dormant until early spring. During spring, it sprouts, producing strap-like leaves and a central flower stalk. The flower stalk bears a single, attractive flower, which is typically yellow or white with a trumpet-shaped corona, blooming in late winter to early spring. After flowering, the foliage continues to photosynthesize and stores energy in the bulb for the next growing season. As the foliage dies back in late spring or early summer, the bulb enters a period of dormancy, remaining underground until the next spring cycle begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Narcissus 'Radjel', commonly known as daffodil, is through division of bulbs. This practice is ideally done in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back, indicating the plant's dormancy. Gardeners typically dig up the bulbs and gently separate the offsets, which are smaller bulbs that have formed at the base of the parent bulb, ensuring that each section has at least one growing point. These offsets can then be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) with adequate spacing to allow for growth. This process not only helps propagate new plants but also rejuvenates the older bulbs by reducing competition for nutrients and space.
