Daffodil Narcissus 'Red Devon' (2)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Red Devon' is a striking plant mainly known for its beautiful flowers. The blooms are typically a vibrant yellow with a prominent, cup-shaped corona that is a brilliant orange-red, giving the flower a two-tone effect that is quite eye-catching. The petals are arranged in a whorl around the corona and are generally broad and slightly overlapping, presenting a star-shaped appearance when viewed from above. The flower stems are sturdy and upright, bearing the blooms aloft so they are easily seen. The leaves of the Narcissus 'Red Devon' are long and slender, with a deep green color that provides a perfect backdrop for the bright flowers. The leaves grow from the base of the stem and may have a slightly arching form. The overall look of the plant is one of cheerful, bright coloration that acts as a herald of spring when the flowers are typically in bloom. The 'Red Devon' is particularly prized for its unusual corona color, setting it apart from the more common all-yellow or white varieties. This plant adds drama to any garden setting or floral arrangement with its vivid hues and elegant flower form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Red Devon Daffodil, Red Devon Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Red Devon'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, including the variety 'Red Devon', contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine and others primarily in the bulb but also in the leaves and flowers. If ingested, these can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, or significant drops in blood pressure. Handling the bulbs may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The bulb contains the highest concentration of harmful alkaloids, but all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in pets can include vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and even respiratory depression. In severe cases, ingestion can cause convulsions or a serious drop in blood pressure, potentially leading to death.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
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- Attracts Pollinators: Narcissus 'Red Devon' is known to attract bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: This type of daffodil is considered easy to grow, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Color: It provides vibrant red-orange hues to the garden in late spring, adding to the seasonal color diversity.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils are generally resistant to deer and rodents, reducing the need for protective measures.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Narcissus 'Red Devon' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Naturalizing: This plant is capable of naturalizing, meaning it can multiply and spread over time, creating a fuller garden display.
- Cut Flower: The blooms of this daffodil make excellent cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets.
- Longevity: Daffodils are perennial and can live for many years, providing long-term benefits to the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: The flowering of Narcissus 'Red Devon' marks the transition from winter to spring, providing early seasonal interest.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, these plants require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscaping.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Creative writing inspiration: The vivid bloom of the narcissus 'Red Devon' can serve as a muse for poets and writers, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings in literature.
- Color inspiration: The unique color of narcissus 'Red Devon' can be used by artists and designers for creating color palettes in visual art projects or fashion designs.
- Dye source: The petals of narcissus 'Red Devon' can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, albeit not commonly practiced.
- Culinary decoration: Although not edible, the flowers of the narcissus 'Red Devon' can be used for decorative purposes in culinary presentations.
- Photography subject: The striking appearance of narcissus 'Red Devon' makes it a great subject for botanical photography and photo competitions.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of the narcissus 'Red Devon' can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for celebrations.
- Scented sachets: Dried narcissus 'Red Devon' flowers can be placed in sachets to naturally scent drawers and wardrobes.
- Fragrance development: The scent of narcissus 'Red Devon' can be analyzed and replicated for use in perfumery, although it's not a common process.
- Horticultural therapy: Caring for narcissus 'Red Devon' plants can be incorporated into horticultural therapy programs to improve mental health and well-being.
- Craft projects: Pressed narcissus 'Red Devon' flowers can be used in crafting activities such as creating bookmarks, greeting cards, or decoupage art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus, commonly known as the daffodil, is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of new life and beginnings.
- Unrequited Love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, this flower can symbolize self-love and narcissism, leading to associations with unrequited love.
- Honor: In some cultures, daffodils represent honor, and they are often worn or given as a symbol of respect.
- Prosperity: Due to their bright yellow color resembling that of gold, daffodils can symbolize prosperity, good fortune, and wealth.
- Hope: The bright bloom of the daffodil serves as a visual reminder that challenges eventually give way to brighter days, embodying a message of hope and encouragement.
WaterDaffodils, including the 'Red Devon' variety, require consistent moisture during the growing season. When actively growing in the spring, water the daffodils thoroughly once a week, ensuring they receive about 1 inch of water each time, which translates to about 0.5 gallons for a small garden area. If the weather is dry, water them twice a week. Once the flowers have faded and the leaves start to yellow, you can reduce watering as the plant will go dormant until the next season.
LightDaffodils, such as the 'Red Devon', thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot for these plants is an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Avoid heavily shaded areas which can lead to poor flowering.
TemperatureDaffodils like 'Red Devon' are hardy and can withstand winter cold, often surviving in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for daffodils is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They are heat-tolerant and will go dormant over the summer when the temperatures rise.
PruningDaffodils like 'Red Devon' should be deadheaded after the flowers fade to promote bulb strength, but the foliage should be left to die back naturally. Do not cut back the foliage until it has completely yellowed, usually about 6 weeks after blooming. This helps the plant to store energy for the next flowering season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodils, like Narcissus 'Red Devon', is well-drained and fertile, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure will encourage healthy growth. Sand or perlite can improve drainage if the soil is too heavy.
RepottingDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Red Devon', do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted only when the bulbs become overcrowded, typically every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Red Devon', are not particularly sensitive to humidity levels and will tolerate a range of conditions. Average room humidity is generally adequate for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Daffodils in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Daffodils in well-drained soil with partial to full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Red Devon', commonly known as the Red Devon Daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in autumn before the first frost. The bulb remains dormant over winter, conserving energy for the upcoming growing season. In early spring, the foliage emerges, followed by the single flower stalks which bear bright red-orange flower crowns with a darker orange trumpet, a characteristic bloom of the Red Devon. After the daffodil flowers, it enters a post-blooming phase where it continues to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the next growing season; during this time, the foliage should not be cut back. Once the leaves die back typically in late spring or early summer, the plant enters a period of dormancy throughout the hot summer months. The cycle then repeats the following autumn when it's time to plant new bulbs or when existing bulbs reproduce and sprout new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Red Devon', commonly known as the Red Devon daffodil, is typically propagated through division, which is best done in the late summer to early fall after the foliage has died back. To propagate Red Devon daffodils, carefully lift the clumps of bulbs from the ground using a garden fork, being mindful not to damage the bulbs. Gently separate the bulbs, making sure that each section has at least one growth point. Smaller offset bulbs, known as bulblets, can be replanted immediately while maintaining a depth about three times the height of the bulb, usually around 6 inches (15 centimeters). This encourages the new bulbs to establish and grow before the onset of winter, ensuring a vibrant display of blooms in the following spring.
