Daffodil Narcissus 'Serena Lodge' (4)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Serena Lodge' is a distinctive plant known for its elegant and showy flowers. The flowers of this narcissus variety, commonly known as daffodil, feature a unique combination of colors. The petals are typically white or cream, providing a fresh, clean background for the contrasting cup or corona, which may exhibit shades of yellow, orange, or pink. The cup often has a frilled or ruffled edge, adding to the ornate nature of the bloom. Depending on the variety, the cups can also be slightly flared or trumpet-shaped. The daffodil has a distinctive flower structure with each bloom comprising a central cup surrounded by typically six petal-like segments called the perianth. The flowers are borne on individual sturdy stalks that rise from a clump of strap-shaped, green, and sometimes bluish-green foliage. These leaves form a dense tuft at the base of the stalks, creating an organized and tidy appearance in the garden. The blooms of the Narcissus 'Serena Lodge' appear in the spring, marking the transition from winter to warmer months with their vibrant display. The flowers not only catch the eye with their beauty but are also known to emit a delightful fragrance that is sweet and inviting, an attribute much-loved by garden enthusiasts. Overall, Narcissus 'Serena Lodge' exudes a charm that can brighten up gardens and outdoor spaces. Its ornamental value, along with its fragrant flowers, make it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil
Common names
Narcissus 'Serena Lodge'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, the common name for Narcissus 'Serena Lodge', is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulb being the most poisonous. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes more severe effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, and convulsions if a large amount is ingested. Handling daffodil bulbs can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in some individuals.
To pets
Daffodil, the common name for Narcissus 'Serena Lodge', is also toxic to pets. Similar to humans, all parts of the daffodil plant contain toxins, mainly lycorine and other alkaloids. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, symptoms can include vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, and even respiratory depression in severe cases. The bulb contains the highest concentration of toxins, so ingestion of the bulb is particularly dangerous and can lead to more severe symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
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- Ornamental Value: The Narcissus 'Serena Lodge', commonly known as the Daffodil, adds visual appeal to gardens with its striking blooms in spring.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils are known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Pest Resistance: Daffodils are generally resistant to pests, making them a hassle-free addition to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they can survive periods of low water availability, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial plant, Daffodils bloom every year, offering a long-term, recurring display.
- Spring Bulb Companion: They pair well with other spring bulbs, allowing for a varied and colorful spring garden.
- Habitat Support: Daffodils can provide early spring nectar for pollinators such as bees when other sources are scarce.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Serena Lodge' can be used in botanical art and illustration due to its distinctive blooms which serve as an interesting subject for artists.
- The scent of Narcissus, when extracted, can be used in perfumery to create fragrances with a spring-like, floral note, though its potent essence must be used sparingly.
- These flowers are sometimes used in educational environments to teach botany and horticulture students about plant breeding and hybridization techniques.
- The Narcissus is occasionally utilized in the culinary field as an edible decoration on upscale pastries and desserts, after ensuring they are free from harmful substances.
- In the floristry industry, Narcissus bulbs are forced to flower out of season to provide blooms for special occasions that fall outside of their natural blooming period.
- Narcissus flowers are often incorporated into wedding bouquets and arrangements, symbolizing new beginnings and happiness.
- They are sometimes used in the production of natural dye, with different parts of the plant yielding various shades, suitable for fabrics like wool or silk.
- In crafting, dried Narcissus flowers can be used to create potpourri mixes that bring a pleasant, long-lasting scent to rooms or drawers.
- They are also used in psychological studies on plant perception and the effects of living plants in work and living spaces on human well-being.
- Narcissus 'Serena Lodge' bulbs can be used in companion planting to deter rodents, as certain compounds found in them can be repellent to these pests.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Vanity or Self-Obsession: Named after the Greek mythological character Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, this flower commonly represents narcissism or excessive self-love.
- New Beginnings: Often associated with the end of winter and the arrival of spring, the Narcissus, also known as the daffodil, symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings.
- Prosperity and Wealth: In some cultures, daffodils are considered lucky and are believed to bring good fortune, representing prosperity and wealth.
- Uncertainty: Daffodils can also signify uncertainty or unrequited love, reflecting the one-sided affection Narcissus had for his own image.
- Inner Reflection: The Narcissus can invite introspection, urging individuals to look within and consider the balance between self-awareness and self-absorption.
WaterDaffodils, including the 'Serena Lodge', generally require watering every week to maintain moisture during their growing season, especially if the weather is dry. They typically need about 1 inch of water per week, which is equivalent to approximately 0.623 gallons for a square yard of soil. It’s important to water directly at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. When the plant starts to go dormant after flowering, reduce watering as the bulb prefers a dry resting period. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can cause bulb rot.
LightDaffodils, including the 'Serena Lodge' variety, thrive in full sun to partial shade. For the best bloom, place them where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. A spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade can be ideal, especially in hotter climates where strong afternoon sun can be too intense. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as too little light can hinder flower production.
TemperatureDaffodils like the 'Serena Lodge' prefer cool to moderate temperatures and are typically hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9. They can generally tolerate winter lows down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be protected from extreme cold with mulch or brought indoors in regions where temperatures drop below this range. Daffodils favor daytime temperatures between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for ideal growth.
PruningPruning daffodils, such as 'Serena Lodge', is not required for the health of the plant, as they are low-maintenance. However, once blooming is finished, you should deadhead the spent flowers to prevent seed pod formation, which can divert energy from the bulb. Do not cut back the foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally, usually 6 to 8 weeks after flowering, as this period allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Serena Lodge' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal to ensure good drainage and nutrient content.
RepottingDaffodils like 'Serena Lodge' are typically repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they become overcrowded, usually shortly after flowering has finished.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils, including 'Serena Lodge', prefer average room humidity and do not require special humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a bright spot, cool temperature, and water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Narcissus 'Serena Lodge', commonly known as the Daffodil, begins with a period of dormancy where the bulb is underground and inactive, typically during the summer months. In autumn, roots start to grow as temperatures drop and soil moisture increases. The growth continues over the winter, and in early spring, the Daffodil emerges from the ground, with leaves and a flower stalk growing rapidly. The plant blooms, producing a single flower or sometimes multiple flowers, depending on the cultivar, usually in late winter to early spring. After flowering, the leaves photosynthesize to produce energy, which is stored in the bulb for the next growing season. Once the leaves yellow and die back, the plant returns to dormancy, completing its annual cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'Serena Lodge', commonly known as a variety of daffodil, is usually propagated through division of bulbs, which is the most popular method for this plant. Propagation is best performed in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of daffodil bulbs once the foliage has yellowed and gently separate the bulbs by hand, being sure to avoid damaging them. Each offset bulb that has developed a basal plate can be replanted to grow a new plant. Ideally, these should be planted at a depth of about 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) and spaced around 3 to 6 inches (about 7.5 to 15 centimeters) apart, ensuring they have ample room to grow and adequate exposure to sunlight.
