Daffodil Narcissus 'Sabrosa' (7)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Sabrosa' is a captivating flowering plant commonly known as daffodil. This variety showcases a striking bloom structure with a harmonious blend of colors. The flower consists of a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by six petal-like tepals, which create a star-like appearance when viewed from above. The central corona exhibits a soft, creamy hue, often with a gentle gradient that may transition to a more vibrant shade at the rim, which can be a deeper yellow or even slightly orange depending on the individual flower. The tepals that encircle this central cup are typically a clear, bright yellow, which contrast sharply with the corona, making the blossoms quite eye-catching. The flowers emerge from upright, slender, green stalks that rise elegantly above the foliage. The leaves are long and slender as well, with a deep green color and a slightly fleshy texture, giving the plant a lush, grassy backdrop which serves to highlight the vivid yellow of the blooms. This daffodil typically blooms in the spring, adding cheerful color to gardens and landscapes. The blossoms have a symmetrical, orderly appearance and are often celebrated for their classic daffodil form, which is associated with the arrival of spring.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil
Common names
Narcissus 'Sabrosa'
- Toxicity
To humans
Daffodil, including the Narcissus 'Sabrosa', contains toxic alkaloids like lycorine that are harmful if ingested, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious effects such as cardiac arrhythmias or neurological complications. Handling the bulbs might also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodil toxicity to pets, especially cats and dogs, occurs when any part of the plant is ingested. It contains lycorine and other toxic compounds that can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Ingesting large quantities can lead to serious health issues and could be potentially fatal.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 4 inches (0.4 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Easy to Grow: Narcissus 'Sabrosa', commonly known as daffodil, is known for being hardy and easy to grow, requiring minimal care once established.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Daffodils produce beautiful, vibrant flowers that brighten gardens and landscapes in the spring.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to beneficial pollinators such as bees, which help in the pollination of other plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, daffodils are relatively drought-tolerant, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: The bulbs and flowers are generally resistant to deer and rodents, reducing the risk of damage from wildlife.
- Perennial Growth: As perennials, daffodils return each year with minimal maintenance, providing long-term value for the garden.
- Mass Planting Impact: Daffodils are often used for mass plantings due to their uniformity and striking appearance when in bloom.
- 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
- Cut Flower Arrangements: The Narcissus 'Sabrosa' is often used in floral designs owing to its appealing fragrance and bright, cheerful blooms, which can bring a touch of spring into the home.
- Photography Subject: Its unique beauty makes it a popular choice for photographers, particularly in springtime garden shoots or as part of a floral composition for artistic photography.
- Wedding Bouquets: Owing to their springtime association and delicate appearance, Narcissus 'Sabrosa' can be incorporated into wedding bouquets for a natural and romantic touch.
- Garden Design: Landscape designers may use Narcissus 'Sabrosa' to create color themes in gardens or to line walkways due to its orderly growth habit.
- Botanical Studies: Botany students and horticulturists might study Narcissus 'Sabrosa' to understand bulbous plant growth, propagation, and blooming patterns.
- Perfumery: The scent of Narcissus 'Sabrosa' can be used as inspiration or a component in the creation of perfumes and scented products.
- Eco-friendly Dye: Petals of the Narcissus 'Sabrosa' can potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, though this is a less common application.
- Educational Tool: In education, the plant can serve as a living example to teach about pollination, plant life cycles, or spring season characteristics in biological studies.
- Festive Decor: During festive periods in spring, such as Easter, the flowers can be used to decorate homes or venues, symbolizing new beginnings and the season's joy.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the enchanting forms and colors of Narcissus 'Sabrosa' as a muse for paintings, drawings, and other artistic creations.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: Narcissus blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a fresh start or new chapter in life.
- Hospitality: In some cultures, the Narcissus is a symbol of welcoming and generosity, often associated with ensuring that guests feel comfortable and esteemed.
- Hope: Its arrival is often seen as a harbinger of hope, with its bright flowers standing as a promise that sunnier days are ahead after the dark cold of winter.
- Self-love: Derived from the Greek myth of Narcissus, the plant often represents self-admiration and the love of one's own beauty.
- Wealth and Good Fortune: In the East, notably China, the Narcissus is believed to bring good luck and prosperity, especially around the Lunar New Year.
- Vanity: Again, thanks to the Greek myth, the Narcissus can symbolize excessive self-love and vanity, as a cautionary reminder of its potential downsides.
- Inner Reflection: Narcissus can invite introspection, encouraging a look inward to find one's core values and purpose.
- Water
Daffodils, which include the Narcissus 'Sabrosa', should be watered thoroughly at planting time and during active growth, but they do not like to be water-logged. Once established, daffodils typically rely on natural rainfall and do not require additional watering except during prolonged dry spells. To water daffodils, provide about an inch of water per week, which equates to about 0.62 gallons per square foot every seven days. It's important to reduce watering after the flowers have bloomed and the leaves begin to yellow, signaling the end of the growing season.
- Light
Daffodils, such as Narcissus 'Sabrosa', thrive in full to partial sunlight. They are best planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they can tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates where some afternoon shade may be beneficial.
- Temperature
Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Sabrosa', prefer a temperate climate. They typically require a period of cold dormancy and are hardy in a range of temperatures. They can survive winter lows of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and are comfortable in the spring when temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to the plant.
- Pruning
Pruning daffodils, including Narcissus 'Sabrosa', mainly involves removing spent flower heads to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. Allow the foliage to die back naturally before cutting it down to the base, this typically occurs 6 to 8 weeks after flowering. Do not prune the leaves until they yellow and wither, as they provide essential nutrients to the bulbs for the next flowering cycle.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Daffodil 'Sabrosa' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix can be created using equal parts loam, sand, and compost to ensure proper drainage and nutrition. Regular amendment with organic matter helps maintain soil health.
- Repotting
Daffodils like 'Sabrosa' generally do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot or divide clumps only when they become overcrowded, typically every 3 to 5 years.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodil 'Sabrosa' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special consideration regarding atmospheric moisture, thriving in the typical humidity found naturally in outdoor environments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Plant in bright indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
- Life cycle
Narcissus 'Sabrosa', commonly known as Daffodil, begins its life cycle as a dormant bulb, which breaks dormancy in late winter or early spring, when it develops roots, a shoot, and leaves. The shoot grows upwards, and a flower bud emerges, which blossoms into the characteristic trumpet-shaped flower, usually in early to mid-spring. After flowering, the daffodil focuses on photosynthesis and energy storage, with the leaves remaining green for a period of time. Once the above-ground parts die back, the plant re-enters dormancy during the summer, with the bulb storing the energy necessary for the next growth cycle. The bulb may also produce offsets during this dormant period, which can eventually grow into new plants. Finally, the cycle resumes with the next season's growth from the same bulb, which will have increased in size and vigor, or from the new offsets if they have separated from the parent bulb.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'Sabrosa', commonly known as a type of daffodil, is predominantly propagated through the division of its bulbs. The best time for dividing daffodil bulbs is in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. To propagate, carefully dig up the mature bulbs and gently separate the smaller bulbs, or offsets, that have formed around the base of the parent bulb. These offsets can be directly replanted at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) and spaced approximately 5 to 6 inches (around 12 to 15 centimeters) apart. Water them in well after planting to help settle the soil. This method of division encourages clonal reproduction, ensuring that the new plants will carry the same characteristics as the original. It's a straightforward and cost-effective way to expand your daffodil collection.