Daffodil 'Salome' Narcissus 'Salome' (2)
ABOUT
'Salome' is a large-cupped daffodil with flowers to 9cm across, the broad perianth segments cream, the cup opening yellow and fading to peach-pink
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Salome'
- Characteristics
Life 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
- Attracts Pollinators: Narcissus 'Salome' attracts bees and other beneficial insects that play a role in pollination.
- Spring Color: This daffodil variety provides early spring blooms, adding color to gardens after winter.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils are known to be hardy and require minimal care once established.
- Naturalizing: Over time, Narcissus 'Salome' can spread and naturalize in the landscape, creating larger displays each year.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils are typically resistant to deer and rodents, making them a good choice for areas with wildlife.
- Long-lasting Blooms: Daffodils have a long flowering period, allowing for extended enjoyment of their blooms.
- Forcing Capabilities: This variety of daffodil can be forced to bloom indoors, bringing spring beauty inside during the colder months.
- 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
- Narcissus 'Salome' petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a range of soft yellow to greenish hues depending on the mordant used.
- The bulbs can be utilized as a pest repellent in gardens, as certain compounds found in the bulbs are known to deter moles and voles.
- When dried, the petals of Narcissus 'Salome' can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a pleasant and lasting fragrance.
- Fibers from the leaves may be used for papermaking, creating textured and decorative handmade papers.
- The spent flowers can be added to compost heaps as a green compost material to break down and enrich the soil with nutrients.
- Narcissus flowers, including 'Salome', can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, often being used as subjects in fine art and photography projects.
- In some cultures, the Narcissus 'Salome' is used as a symbol in poetry and literature to convey themes of vanity or unrequited love.
- During blooming season, they can be used as indicators of spring's arrival in educational programs that focus on phenology and seasonal changes.
- Narcissus 'Salome' can be planted as a companion plant for certain vegetables to camouflage their scent and thus protect them from pests.
- The plant's distinctive trumpet-shaped blooms can be used in molecular gastronomy, as a delicate container for amuse-bouche or other culinary presentations.
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: Commonly associated with spring, the narcissus 'Salome', often referred to as the daffodil, symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, as it is one of the first flowers to bloom when winter ends.
- Unrequited Love: In the Greek mythology, where the term 'narcissus' is derived, it is a symbol of unrequited love, representing Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Honor: Daffodils are known to symbolize honor, due to their regal bearing and the bright yellow or golden color often associated with nobility and respect.
- Inspiration and Creativity: The daffodil is also a symbol for inspiration and creativity, often used to encourage someone to harness their inner muse.
- Forgiveness: In certain cultural contexts, the daffodil can represent forgiveness, perhaps due to its gentle, nodding head that can be seen as a nod of understanding.
- Hope: The bright yellow hue of the daffodil trumpets hope and optimism, making it a common gift for those who need a bright light in their lives.
- Water
Daffodil 'Salome' prefers to be watered deeply and allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. During its growing season in the spring, water once a week with about 1 gallon of water per square foot. It's important to reduce watering after the flowers have faded and the leaves begin to yellow, which signifies the plant is entering dormancy. In the fall, you should water sparingly, just enough to keep the soil slightly moist if there isn't any rainfall. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure good drainage in the soil.
- Light
Daffodil 'Salome' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting is in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Bright, indirect light will also promote healthy growth if full sun isn't possible, but too much shade can reduce flowering.
- Temperature
Daffodil 'Salome' can survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F and can tolerate up to 75°F during the growing season. The ideal temperature range for robust growth and flowering is between 50°F and 65°F. Daffodils need a period of cold dormancy, approximately 13 weeks at 41°F to 50°F, to perform well in the spring.
- Pruning
Daffodil 'Salome' does not require extensive pruning, but deadheading the spent flowers after blooming is beneficial. Do not cut the foliage until it has died back naturally, usually 6 weeks after flowering, as the leaves provide energy for the bulb to produce next year's blooms. The best time for pruning is when the leaves yellow and become unsightly.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Daffodil 'Salome' prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix can be achieved with equal parts of loamy soil, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure to provide adequate nutrients. Ensure the soil is loose and not compacted to allow for proper root growth and drainage.
- Repotting
Daffodils, including the 'Salome' variety, are typically grown from bulbs and do not require frequent repotting. They can be left undisturbed for several years. It's often best to repot or divide the bulbs once they become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years, to maintain vigor and flower production.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodil 'Salome' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. It thrives outdoors in various climates and is generally not humidity-sensitive like some other indoor plants.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Daffodil 'Salome' in a bright spot, avoiding direct heat sources.
Outdoor
Ensure full to partial sun and well-draining soil for Daffodil 'Salome'.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Narcissus 'Salome', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is a dormant stage allowing the plant to survive adverse weather conditions. In early spring, the bulb starts to sprout, sending up shoots that develop into long, narrow leaves and a central stalk that bears the flower. The flower blooms typically in late winter to early spring, showcasing a white perianth with a softer, creamy-coloured cup at the center. After pollination, the flower fades and the plant directs energy into seed production, although gardeners often deadhead the flowers to encourage the plant to store energy back into the bulb. Once the foliage has died back, the daffodil returns to dormancy, conserving energy in its bulb throughout the summer and fall. Each year the bulb can produce offsets, leading to the gradual spread of the daffodil in the garden as part of its perennial growth habit.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Narcissus 'Salome', commonly referred to as daffodil, is through dividing and replanting its bulbs. The best time to propagate daffodils by bulb division is after the foliage has died back in late spring or early summer. Once the foliage has yellowed, dig up the daffodil bulbs carefully with a garden fork, avoiding damage to the bulbs. Clean off the soil and gently separate any small bulbs that have formed around the base of the parent bulb. These smaller bulbs, called offsets, can be planted immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until autumn. When replanting, place the bulbs about 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep and at least 6 inches apart in well-drained soil and in a location that receives full to partial sunlight. This simple method ensures the continued growth and proliferation of the lovely Narcissus 'Salome' in your garden.