Daffodil Narcissus 'Rising Star' (7)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Rising Star' is a captivating variety of daffodil known for its striking blossoms. This plant produces beautiful flowers featuring a combination of vibrant colors. Each flower is characterized by a prominent central cup or corona that is often a different hue compared to the surrounding petals. The central cup is usually a rich and vivid shade, creating a stark and beautiful contrast against the softer, more delicate color of the outer petals which are typically a creamy white or pale yellow. The petals are arranged in a radial pattern around the central trumpet, exuding elegance and symmetry that is so characteristic of daffodils. The leaves of a Narcissus 'Rising Star' are slender, long, and blade-like with a dark green color that provides a lush background to the vibrant blooms. During the blooming period, the plant produces clusters of flowers that rise above the foliage on sturdy, upright stalks that give the flowers a poised appearance as if they are reaching toward the sky. These daffodils have the power to light up any garden space with their cheerful demeanor and are a symbol of the renewal and vitality of spring.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Rising Star'
- Toxicity
To humans
The Narcissus 'Rising Star', commonly known as Daffodil, is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the Daffodil contain alkaloids that can cause poisoning. Symptoms of Daffodil poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting Daffodil parts can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, coma, and in extreme cases, death.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of the Daffodil can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, convulsions, and potentially serious drops in blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, when a large amount is ingested, it can result in death.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe Western Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal - The Narcissus 'Rising Star' adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant blooms and distinctive shape.
- Pollinator Attraction - Its flowers can attract bees and other pollinators that are beneficial to the ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow - This plant is known for being hardy and easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Seasonal Interest - With its spring blooming season, it provides a burst of color after the winter months.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for various climates.
- Deer Resistance - Often resistant to deer, which can be helpful in areas where deer predation is a common problem for gardeners.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- The leaves of the daffodil can be used in the process of making certain dyes, producing colors that range from green to brown depending on the mordant used.
- Daffodils are sometimes used in perfumery as a source of fragrance, particularly for creating springtime-themed scents.
- Fibers from daffodil stems can be extracted and utilized in the manufacture of handmade paper or crafts.
- Due to their iconic and recognizable shape, daffodils are frequently employed in art and floral photography practices.
- In horticultural therapy, daffodils are grown to offer aesthetic enjoyment and therapeutic activities for individuals in healthcare facilities.
- Daffodils can be used as indicators of seasonal change in educational programs to teach children about the patterns of nature.
- Daffodil bulbs are sometimes used in companion planting to deter rodents from crops, as many pests find them unpalatable.
- The sap of daffodils contains crystals of calcium oxalate called raphides, which have been studied for use in certain biochemical applications.
- Used in symbolism and events, daffodils are a national symbol for Wales and are worn on St. David's Day.
- As a model organism in research, daffodils may be used in plant science studies due to their growth patterns and bulb development.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus typically blooms in early spring, making it a symbol of rebirth and the coming of a new season.
- Vanity and Self-Admiration: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, who was known for his beauty and fell in love with his reflection, this flower can represent narcissism and self-absorption.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, particularly in Chinese traditions, the Narcissus is believed to bring good fortune and wealth, especially when it blooms during the Chinese New Year.
- Hope and Inspiration: The Narcissus 'Rising Star' can be seen as a symbol of hope, inspiring individuals to aspire to their own success and 'rise' to meet their goals.
- Inner Reflection: Due to its association with the tale of Narcissus, the flower can also symbolize the need for introspection and the value of recognizing one's inner beauty or worth.
- Resilience: As a hardy plant that can push through cold soil to bloom, the Narcissus is also a symbol of resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Unrequited Love: In Western symbolism, Narcissus flowers can sometimes represent unrequited or self-centered love, tied to the tragic love stories from their Greek origins.
- Water
The Daffodil 'Rising Star' should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week, but this frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. It's best to water early in the morning, providing enough water to reach the roots without leaving the soil soggy. A general rule is to provide about one gallon of water per square foot every week during active growth periods in the spring. Reduce watering after the flowering period as the foliage begins to yellow and die back. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure proper drainage.
- Light
Daffodils 'Rising Star' thrive in full sun to partial shade. They do best with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. An ideal spot would be in an area that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot afternoons. Too little light can result in elongated, weak stems and fewer flowers.
- Temperature
Daffodils 'Rising Star' prefer cool to moderate climates, performing best when the daytime temperatures are between 50°F and 70°F. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 15°F, but they should be protected from extreme cold and heavy frost. Ideal growing conditions occur in spring when temperatures are consistently cool but above freezing.
- Pruning
Pruning of Daffodils 'Rising Star' involves deadheading spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and to prevent seed pod formation, which can divert energy from the bulb. Pruning is generally done after flowering, but foliage should be left in place until it yellows and dies back naturally, usually in late spring or early summer.
- Cleaning
Not needed
- Soil
Daffodils, including 'Rising Star', thrive best in well-draining loamy or sandy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix incorporating compost or well-rotted organic matter can enrich the soil and promote healthy growth. Avoid waterlogged conditions as they can cause bulb rot.
- Repotting
Daffodils, such as 'Rising Star', generally do not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted or divided only when they become overcrowded, typically every 3 to 5 years.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodils like 'Rising Star' prefer average humidity levels and do not require special humidity conditions. They are tolerant of outdoor fluctuations and can thrive in the ambient humidity found in most temperate regions.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place daffodils in bright indirect light and cool temperature.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Narcissus 'Rising Star', commonly known as Daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which undergoes dormancy during cold months. In late winter to early spring, environmental cues such as temperature increase and daylight changes trigger the bulb to break dormancy, initiating the growth of roots, shoots, and foliage. The plant soon develops a flower stalk, which leads to the blooming stage, showcasing the distinct daffodil flower with a central trumpet surrounded by petal-like tepals, typically in shades of yellow or white. After pollination, which may involve insects such as bees, the flower wilts and the plant forms a seed pod, although many cultivated daffodils are propagated through bulb division rather than seed. The leaves remain for a period, during which photosynthesis helps to replenish the bulb's energy reserves. Finally, as temperatures rise in late spring or early summer, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, and the bulb enters a period of dormancy until the cycle restarts.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Narcissus 'Rising Star', commonly known as Daffodil, is through division of bulbs. This is typically done in the fall after the foliage has died back. Gardeners should carefully dig up the bulbs, making sure not to damage them, and gently separate any small bulbs, known as bulblets, that have formed at the base of the parent bulb. These bulblets can then be replanted immediately at a depth about three times their height, in well-drained soil with access to full or partial sun. It generally takes a couple of years for these new bulbs to mature and produce their own flowers.