Daffodil Narcissus 'Rip van Winkle' (4)
ABOUT
'Rip van Winkle' is a distinctive variety of daffodil that is well-known for its unique and heavily fringed flowers. Unlike the typical smooth perianth of most daffodils, the petals of this variety are split into multiple segments, giving the blooms a disheveled, almost shaggy appearance that somewhat resembles a chrysanthemum. This creates a starburst effect, with the segments often curled or twisted, adding to the flower's charm and whimsy. The flower color is usually a bright golden yellow, with the flurry of segments centered around a darker yellow or slightly orange cup or trumpet. These vibrant blooms emerge on solitary stems, each stem usually bearing a single flower that acts as a bold focal point amidst the plant's foliage. The foliage is slender, strap-shaped, and green, providing a backdrop that contrasts with the showy flowers. The leaves emerge from the base of the stem and can be quite lush, creating a tuft of greenery at ground level from which the flower stems rise. This daffodil typically blooms in the springtime, adding a burst of color and texture to the garden as it awakens from the winter dormancy.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Rip van Winkle Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Rip van Winkle'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, including the 'Rip van Winkle' variety, contains toxic alkaloids like lycorine that are poisonous if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and in rare situations, death. Handling the bulb can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingesting any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can cause symptoms like vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, and even respiratory depression. In severe cases, daffodil poisoning can be fatal to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its unique, double flowers that resemble a ruffled version of the traditional daffodil.
- Easy to Grow: Requires minimal maintenance and is suitable for a range of garden conditions, making it an easy addition for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
- Early Spring Blooming: One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, providing a cheerful display after the winter months.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Not typically favored by deer or rodents, helping to keep the flowers intact throughout their blooming period.
- Naturalizing: Can spread and multiply over the years, creating a fuller, more robust garden display with time.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, tolerates dry conditions well, making it suitable for regions with lower rainfall.
- Long Lasting Blooms: Has a prolonged flowering period which can last several weeks, offering a sustained burst of color.
- Cut Flower Use: Suitable for cutting and using in floral arrangements, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making it a viable option for many temperate regions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: Daffodil 'Rip van Winkle' with its unique double petals is a popular choice for photographers looking to capture the beauty of spring blooms in gardens and floral arrangements.
- Educational tool: Botany students study the Daffodil 'Rip van Winkle' to learn about plant genetics and the variations that arise from selective breeding.
- Craft projects: Dried Daffodil 'Rip van Winkle' flowers can be used in pressed flower art, providing a textured and intricate addition to bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed pieces.
- Literature and poetry inspiration: The distinct appearance of Daffodil 'Rip van Winkle' often inspires writers and poets to include it in their work as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings.
- Color inspiration: The vibrant yellow hue of Daffodil 'Rip van Winkle' is used as a reference point for artists and designers seeking natural color inspiration for their work.
- Festival decoration: Daffodil 'Rip van Winkle' is used during spring festivals and parades for float decoration or to create wearable floral adornments due to its bright, cheerful appearance.
- Gardening workshops: Garden aficionados use Daffodil 'Rip van Winkle' in workshops to teach the basics of bulb planting and care, as it's a hardy variety that's easy to grow.
- Theme gardens: Daffodil 'Rip van Winkle' is often used in thematic garden designs that aim to display a collection of rare and unusual flowers.
- Photoperiod research: The blooming period of Daffodil 'Rip van Winkle' is sometimes studied by horticulturists to understand the effects of light and temperature on flowering times.
- Perfume industry: Although not primarily used for scent extraction, Daffodil 'Rip van Winkle' can be a source of inspiration for perfumers looking to replicate the fresh aroma of spring flowers.
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 Renewal: The narcissus plant often blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the start of a new season or chapter.
- Self-Absorption: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, it represents excessive self-love and vanity, as Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, the blooming of a narcissus is associated with good fortune and wealth due to its bright and vibrant flowers.
- Hope: Its ability to thrive in the early days of spring also serves as a symbol of hope and the persistence of life.
- Chinese New Year: In Chinese culture, the narcissus is often associated with the Lunar New Year and symbolizes good luck and happiness in the coming year.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Rip van Winkle', need to be watered deeply so that the water reaches the roots where it's needed most. Generally, during the active growing season in the spring, watering once a week with about 1 inch of water is sufficient, which translates to roughly 0.6 gallons for an average-sized pot. Adjust the watering if rainfall occurs to avoid overwatering. After they bloom and the foliage begins to die back, you can reduce watering. Ensuring proper drainage is crucial to prevent bulb rot.
LightDaffodils thrive in a spot where they receive full to partial sunlight. Ideally, planting your Narcissus 'Rip van Winkle' in an area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight will provide the light conditions necessary for robust growth and blooming. However, they can tolerate light afternoon shade, which can be beneficial in very hot climates.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and can survive a range of temperatures. The Narcissus 'Rip van Winkle' can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit but will go dormant until spring. The ideal temperature range for active growth and flowering is between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to protect them from extreme heat and frost.
PruningPruning daffodils, including Narcissus 'Rip van Winkle', involves deadheading spent flowers to promote bulb energy for the next season. It’s not necessary to prune the foliage until it yellow and begins to die back, usually several weeks after blooming. Do not prune the leaves early as they are essential for photosynthesis, which replenishes the bulb for next year.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodil 'Rip van Winkle' thrives in well-draining soil with added organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. The ideal soil should be neutral to slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts loam to one part sand and one part organic material is suitable for optimal growth.
RepottingDaffodils like 'Rip van Winkle' typically do not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted every 3 to 5 years, or when you notice that the bulbs have crowded the pot and flowering has diminished.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Rip van Winkle' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require any special humidity considerations as long as typical outdoor conditions are met. Room humidity indoors is generally sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Rip van Winkle' in bright, indirect light and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleDaffodil 'Rip van Winkle' begins its life cycle with a period of dormancy as a bulb underground, typically resting during the summer months. In late autumn to early winter, roots develop and the bulb starts absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. Following this, leaves and a flower stalk emerge from the bulb in early spring, with the distinctive double-flowered, yellow blooms of 'Rip van Winkle' opening to the sunlight. After flowering, the plant undergoes photosynthesis to replenish the bulb's energy reserves; the foliage remains green for several weeks before yellowing. As the foliage dies back, the plant reenters dormancy, with the bulb surviving underground. The cycle repeats yearly, with bulbs potentially multiplying over time, leading to clumps of daffodils.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The daffodil variety known as 'Rip van Winkle' is primarily propagated through division of bulbs, a practice typically carried out in the late summer to autumn, after the foliage has died back and the bulbs have gone dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate the smaller offset bulbs from the mother bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters), ensuring they are spaced approximately 3-4 inches (7.5-10 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. This method favors the development of strong root systems and healthy new plants, ensuring a beautiful display of flowers in the following spring. Division helps to invigorate the parent plants and increases the number of daffodils in your garden.
