Daffodil Narcissus 'Rugulosus' (7)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Rugulosus', commonly known as the Daffodil, carries its signature charm in its flowers and foliage. Its blooms, usually vibrant and eye-catching, are a sight to behold when they emerge. The petals are arranged in a whorl, often in a stunning display that may vary from pale to vivid tones, typically with a trumpet-shaped central corona that distinguishes it from other flowering plants. The petals may exhibit a ruffled or smooth texture, depending on the particular variety. They stand out against the plant’s backdrop of slender, sword-like leaves that are a deep, rich green, providing a complementary canvas for the flowers to truly shine. These leaves emerge from the base of the plant, creating a tuft of greenery that frames the striking blossoms. The Daffodil's flowers and foliage come together to create a captivating display, making it a popular choice for gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Rugulosus Daffodil, Rugulosus Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Rugulosus'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil is considered toxic if ingested due to the presence of lycorine and other alkaloids. Ingestion can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious effects such as cardiac arrhythmias or central nervous system problems. Handling daffodil bulbs may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If ingested, it can cause symptoms like vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, it may lead to major tissue damage or even death. All parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain toxic alkaloids that can be harmful to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Narcissus 'Rugulosus', also known as Daffodil, provides aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes with its unique ruffled petals and bright colors.
- Pollinator Attraction: Daffodils attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils are known for being hardy and require minimal care once established, making them suitable for many gardeners.
- Deer Resistance: Daffodils are typically resistant to deer, which can help protect gardens in areas where deer are a problem.
- Pest Resistance: These plants are not prone to serious pest problems, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Drought Tolerance: Daffodils have good drought tolerance once established, making them suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with low water availability.
- Spring Bloom: Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter and bringing early color to the landscape.
- Forcing Ability: Daffodils can be forced to bloom indoors, enabling the enjoyment of their flowers out of season.
- Naturalization: Daffodils have the ability to naturalize, meaning they can spread and multiply over time in suitable conditions, creating larger displays each year.
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 Production: The Narcissus 'Rugulosus', commonly known as Daffodil, can be used to create yellow dyes for textiles, using its petals.
- Perfumery: The essential oils obtained from Daffodils can be used to create perfumes with a unique floral scent.
- Eco-friendly Pest Control: Planting Daffodils around certain crops can naturally repel unwanted pests due to their toxic properties.
- Art and Craft: Daffodils can be pressed and included in botanical art pieces due to their vibrant colors and distinctive shapes.
- Photography Subject: The unique shape and color of the Rugulosus variety makes it a captivating subject for botanical photographers.
- Landscape Design: The striking appearance of Daffodils can be used to create visual impact in garden designs and public parks.
- Symbolism and Memorials: Daffodils are often planted in memory gardens as they symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.
- School Projects: The entire lifecycle of the Daffodil, including the Rugulosus variety, can be used for educational purposes in school biology projects.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not edible, Daffodils may be used as decorative non-toxic elements on food platters or around buffets.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried Daffodil petals can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDaffodil, which is the most common name for Narcissus 'Rugulosus', can be used in Feng Shui to attract good luck, fortune, and to ensure that your home embodies a sense of renewal and vitality, especially during the spring season. It is recommended to place daffodils in areas where new energy is desired or in the wealth corner (southeast) of your home or garden to boost prosperity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-love: The name "Narcissus" comes from the story of Narcissus in Greek mythology, who fell in love with his own reflection. Thus, the flower symbolizes self-love and self-appreciation.
- Renewal and New Beginnings: As narcissus blooms in the spring, it's often associated with rebirth and new beginnings, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a fresh start.
- Vanity: Reflecting the myth of Narcissus, the flower can also symbolize excessive self-admiration and vanity.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, narcissus is seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, often connected to its bright, golden color.
- Uncertainty and Egotism: The flower might represent a degree of uncertainty or egotism, linking back to its namesake's inability to leave his own reflection.
WaterThe common name for Narcissus 'Rugulosus' is daffodil, and it prefers to be watered thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, but this can vary depending on the climate and weather conditions. Daffodils require about one gallon of water per square foot every week during their active growth phase. Allow the water to soak deeply into the soil to encourage root development. During the dormant period, after the flowers have died back, significantly reduce watering to prevent bulb rot.
LightDaffodils favor bright, indirect sunlight and should be positioned in a spot that receives partial to full sun exposure for most of the day. Direct afternoon sunlight might be too intense and can potentially damage the leaves and flowers, so a location with morning sun and afternoon shade can be ideal. Avoid placing them in deep shade, which can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureDaffodils can tolerate a range of temperatures but thrive best in cooler conditions between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive short periods of temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but are at risk if it gets colder. During their active growing season, keeping them in their ideal temperature range encourages optimal growth and flowering.
PruningPruning daffodils involves deadheading the spent flowers to prevent seed pod formation and encourage bulb development for next season. Pruning should be done as soon as the flowers wilt but leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally. This is usually done once a year, after the flowering period is over.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil's ideal soil mix is well-draining with a pH of 6.0-7.0, consisting of loamy soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.
RepottingDaffodils should be repotted every 1-2 years, best done after the foliage has died back post-bloom.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils prefer average humidity levels; excessively high humidity can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a bright spot, water sparingly, ensure good drainage.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot, well-drained soil, plant in autumn.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Daffodil 'Rugulosus' begins its life as a bulb planted in the fall before the onset of frost, where it remains dormant until early spring. With the arrival of warmer temperatures and sufficient moisture, it germinates, sending up shoots that develop into the plant's characteristic green, strap-like foliage. In spring, flower stalks emerge from the center of this foliage, culminating in the blooming of the plant's distinct yellow flowers, often marked by a ruffled or wrinkled trumpet-shaped corona. After the blooming period, the plant goes through a phase of photosynthesis and energy storage, replenishing its bulb for the next growing season. Once the foliage dies back usually in late spring or early summer, the daffodil 'Rugulosus' enters a period of dormancy during the hotter summer months. The cycle repeats annually, with the bulb dividing and producing offsets or daughter bulbs, which can be separated and planted to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Daffodil 'Rugulosus', like other daffodils, is commonly propagated by dividing the bulbs after the foliage has died back, generally in late summer to fall. This method takes advantage of the natural bulb division that occurs as part of the plant's growth cycle. You gently dig up the clump of bulbs and carefully separate them, ensuring that each offset has a portion of the base plate to generate roots. The separated bulbs are then replanted at a depth of approximately 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) and spaced about 3 to 6 inches (approximately 7.5 to 15 centimeters) apart, allowing adequate room for root spread and future growth. This straightforward approach is effective because each bulb is essentially a self-contained unit capable of producing a new plant.
