Daffodil Narcissus 'Romance' (2)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Romance' commonly known as daffodil, is a perennial bulbous plant with striking features. The daffodil bears a singular flower on each stem, showcasing a unique combination of colors. The flower has a traditional trumpet-shaped corona that is a pronounced and ruffled cup, which often comes in a warm, inviting shade that varies from soft peach to pink, contrasting with the perianth segments that are lighter, almost creamy white, giving the flower a delicate yet eye-catching two-toned effect. The petals spread gracefully around the cup and can sometimes have a slightly swept-back form, beautifully framing the central cup and enhancing its decorative aspect. The plant's leaves are long and narrow, emanating from the base, forming a cluster that is dark green with a glossy surface and slightly arching form. This balance of color and structure makes the daffodil 'Romance' a popular choice in gardens for its appealing aesthetic and its heralding of the spring season.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Romance'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, which includes the Narcissus 'Romance', is toxic to humans. All parts of the plant, especially the bulb, contain poisonous alkaloids such as lycorine. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting the daffodil may lead to dehydration, disturbances in heart rhythm, and even convulsions, though such extreme reactions are rare.
To pets
Daffodil is also toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet consumes any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, they can experience vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The primary toxic alkaloid responsible for these symptoms is lycorine. Ingesting large quantities can be fatal, so immediate veterinary care is advised if a pet ingests this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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- Decorative Appeal: Produces attractive, fragrant flowers that enhance the aesthetics of any garden or floral arrangement.
- Ease of Care: Generally easy to care for and can thrive without extensive gardening knowledge or effort.
- Pest Resistance: Often resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for climates with less rainfall.
- Repeat Blooming: Capable of re-blooming, providing multiple displays of flowers during its growing season.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in spring, offering early-season color when many other plants have not yet flowered.
- Bulb Multiplication: The bulbs can multiply over time, allowing gardeners to divide and spread them to other areas or share with friends.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Source: The petals of daffodils can be used to extract color for natural dyes, though the result may not be as vivid as with other plants.
- Craft Material: Dried daffodil petals can be incorporated into paper-making or used in potpourri for a subtle fragrance and decorative appearance.
- Garden Pest Repellant: Planting daffodils around a garden can help deter certain rodents and deer, which find them unpalatable due to their toxicity.
- Companion Planting: Daffodils can be used in companion planting to help protect vegetables like tomatoes by masking their scent from pests.
- Indicator Species: Daffodils can serve as an indicator for spring's arrival, as they are among the first flowers to bloom in the season.
- Photography Prop: Daffodils can be used as a natural prop in outdoor photography to enhance the visual appeal of springtime photos.
- Fish Poison: In some cultures, the toxic properties of daffodils were historically used to stun fish, making them easier to catch.
- Flower Shows: Daffodils can be cultivated for entry into flower shows, challenging gardeners to produce the most aesthetically pleasing specimens.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried and crumbled petals of daffodils can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at events.
- Floral Art: Artists may use daffodils in pressed flower projects, creating artwork and decorations by pressing and preserving the flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is associated with good fortune and is believed to bring positive energy when placed in the wealth corner of a home or office, which according to Feng Shui principles is the southeast corner of a space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, 'Romance' Narcissus symbolizes self-admiration and vanity.
- New Beginnings: Often associated with the end of winter and the arrival of spring, daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils are believed to bring good fortune and are seen as a sign of future success.
- Unrequited Love: Another association stemming from the myth of Narcissus is the theme of unrequited love, where the object of affection does not return feelings.
- Respect and Esteem: Presenting someone with daffodils is often a way of showing high regard and ensuring that the recipient knows of the giver's respect.
WaterDaffodils, which include the Narcissus 'Romance', should be watered thoroughly at planting time and then not watered again until the leaves emerge unless there is an unusually dry spell. Once in active growth, they prefer about 1 inch of water per week, which may come from rainfall or supplemental watering. During the growing season, if there isn't sufficient rain, provide additional water, equating to a gallon per square yard every week. After blooming, reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightDaffodils thrive in full to partial sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily. They perform best when planted in a spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions. Avoid placing them in deep shade, as this will result in poor flowering.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but perform best when the daytime temperature averages between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand winter cold down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, while hot conditions above 90 degrees Fahrenheit may lead to poor performance. The ideal temperature facilitates proper growth and flowering.
PruningPruning daffodils involves deadheading spent blooms to redirect energy from seed production back into the bulb for next year's growth. Cut back the flower stalks to near the base after flowering but leave the foliage intact until it yellows and withers, usually about six weeks later, to allow for energy absorption. Pruning is usually done annually, after the blooming period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodils, including Narcissus 'Romance', should be well-draining and fertile. A mix of loam, sand, and peat is ideal; adding compost can also enrich the soil. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Romance', typically do not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot or divide the bulbs if the clumps become overcrowded or if flowering diminishes, generally every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Romance' prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and do not require special humidity conditions to thrive. Average room humidity is usually sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool room.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDaffodil 'Romance' starts its life as a bulb, planted in the fall before the winter freeze. The bulb remains dormant until early spring, when the temperature and soil conditions trigger the growth of green shoots. These shoots develop into stems and foliage, and a bud forms which then blooms into the characteristic trumpet-shaped flower commonly seen in daffodils. After flowering, the daffodil 'Romance' enters a period of senescence, where the leaves yellow and die back, and the plant directs energy back into the bulb for the following season. During the summer, the plant remains dormant underground, conserving resources. The cycle begins anew each fall when temperatures cool, setting the stage for the next season’s growth and bloom.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Narcissus 'Romance', commonly known as daffodil 'Romance', is often propagated by dividing the bulbs. The ideal time to divide daffodil bulbs is in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. To propagate, carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate them by hand, making sure that each division has at least one growing point or 'nose'. Replant the bulbs immediately at a depth about three times the height of the bulb, which typically translates to 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep, to ensure they establish before winter. Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to settle the soil around them. This division method enables the daffodil 'Romance' to maintain vitality and ensures flowering the following spring.
