Daffodil Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day' (2)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day', commonly known as daffodil, presents a striking appearance with its distinctive flowers. This variety of daffodil is characterized by a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of six petal-like tepals. The trumpet is typically a rich, eye-catching hue offsetting the color of the tepals, creating a two-tone effect that is quite captivating. The flowers are carried on sturdy stems above the foliage. Daffodil leaves are long, narrow, and strap-shaped, with a grayish-green to bright green color that provides a fresh backdrop for the blooms. The overall impression is of a cheerful, buoyant plant that brings a bold splash of color to the area where it grows, heralding the arrival of spring with its vivid blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as daffodil is toxic to humans. If ingested, any part of the daffodil can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even more severe effects like cardiac arrhythmias or central nervous system issues. Contact with the sap may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The daffodil is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Especially the bulbs are considered to be the most toxic part of the plant. Severe poisoning could lead to major health complications or even death.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day' adds aesthetic value to gardens with its vibrant yellow flowers and attractive shape.
- Spring Blooming: It heralds the beginning of spring with its early blooms, contributing to the seasonal beauty of a landscape.
- Ease of Care: It is known for being relatively low-maintenance, making it a good choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Naturalizing: The plant has the ability to naturalize, meaning it can spread and propagate itself over time, creating drifts of color.
- Pest Resistance: It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cold Hardy: Being cold-hardy, it can survive colder temperatures, making it suitable for various climates.
- Cut Flowers: Its blooms are long-lasting and can be used for cut flower arrangements, adding cheer indoors.
- Wildlife Attraction: While not attracting a wide variety of wildlife, its blooms can be a source of nectar for certain early-spring insects.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of the Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day' can be used to create a yellow-orange dye for fabrics and crafting projects.
- In perfumery: The blossoms of the plant may be used in the production of perfumes, due to their distinct fragrant notes.
- As a rodent repellent: Planting Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day' in your garden may help deter rodents, as some species are known to dislike their scent.
- Art and illustration: Artists may utilize the beauty of Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day' as a subject for botanical illustrations and nature-inspired artwork.
- Floral water: By distilling the blossoms, a floral water can be produced for use as a room freshener or natural cosmetic ingredient.
- As a photography subject: Due to its vibrant color, it can be used by photographers to capture the signs of spring and the beauty of nature.
- Stamp collection: Images of the Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day' are sometimes featured on postage stamps, making them collectible items.
- As a theme in literature and poetry: The flower often symbolizes rebirth and may be used as a literary motif or symbolism in poetry and stories.
- In potpourri: Dried Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day' blossoms can be included in potpourri mixes for a long-lasting scent.
- Special occasions: Their association with St. Patrick's Day makes them an ideal decoration for celebrations and events related to Irish culture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- New Beginnings: The Narcissus, commonly known as the daffodil, is often associated with the arrival of spring and symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings due to its tendency to be one of the first flowers to bloom as the weather warms.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the Narcissus is seen as a sign of wealth and success, possibly because of its lush, vibrant appearance and its early spring arrival signaling the end of the barren winter.
- Inspiration and Creativity: The bright yellow color and unique shape of the daffodil are thought to stimulate the mind, symbolizing inspiration, imaginative thought, and the creative process.
- Self-Love: Drawing from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, the Narcissus can symbolize self-love, as well as introspection and self-awareness.
- Vanity and Egotism: The same Greek myth that connects to self-love also lends itself to the symbolism of vanity and excessive self-adoration, reminding us of the importance of grounding our self-appreciation in modesty.
WaterDaffodils, including the 'Saint Patrick's Day' cultivar, require moderate watering. When the plant is actively growing and during the flowering period, ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Typically, watering with about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, is sufficient. After flowering, as the leaves begin to yellow, gradually reduce the amount of water. Be careful not to overwater, as daffodils are prone to bulb rot in excessively moist conditions.
LightDaffodils prefer full sun to partial shade. The best spot for the 'Saint Patrick's Day' daffodil would be an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If planted under trees, ensure they can still receive enough light through the filtering canopy, especially in early spring before the trees fully leaf out.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and can survive in a range of temperatures but prefer cooler climates. The 'Saint Patrick's Day' daffodil can tolerate minimum temperatures as low as 20°F and can grow in regions up to USDA hardiness zone 8 where summer temperatures can climb but should not exceed 75°F regularly for ideal growth. During the active growing season, a range of 50°F to 70°F is ideal for this plant.
PruningPruning daffodils, including the 'Saint Patrick's Day' variety, is mostly about removing spent flower heads after blooming, which is known as deadheading. This prevents the plant from spending energy on seed production. Leave the foliage in place until it dies back naturally—usually 6 weeks after flowering—to allow nutrients to return to the bulb. Pruning is not necessary for the health of the plant but can enhance its appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils like Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day' thrive in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A soil pH of 6 to 7 is ideal for these plants. For the best soil mix, combine two parts loam with one part sand and one part compost or well-rotted manure to both nourish and ensure proper drainage.
RepottingDaffodils such as the Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day' typically do not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when you notice that the clumps are overcrowded in their current container.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day', are quite tolerant of a range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity to thrive. Average household humidity levels are usually sufficient for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep in cool temperatures for best growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Daffodil 'Saint Patrick's Day' begins with a dormant bulb which sprouts in late winter to early spring, depending on the climate. Leaves emerge first, followed by a single stem that produces the plant's characteristic yellow flower, with the peak blooming typically aligning with its namesake holiday. After flowering, the leaves continue to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for the next growing season. Once the foliage naturally dies back, the plant goes into dormancy, retreating into the bulb throughout the summer and fall. During this dormant period, the bulb can be divided and replanted to propagate new plants. The cycle repeats each year with the emergence of foliage heralding a new growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Narcissus 'Saint Patrick's Day', which is commonly known as daffodil, is through division of bulbs. This process is ideally carried out in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. Gardeners should carefully dig up the clumps of daffodil bulbs and gently separate them. Each section should have at least one growing point or bud. The separated bulbs can then be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15.24 cm), allowing adequate space for root development. It's important to choose a well-draining location with plenty of sunlight to ensure the best growth for the new plants.
