Daffodil Narcissus 'Silent Valley' (1)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Silent Valley', commonly known as daffodil, is a perennial plant with a distinctive appearance. The flower is typically characterized by its bright, cheerful color - usually a crisp white. Each bloom possesses a central trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of petal-like tepals. The trumpet may exhibit a slight cream or yellowish tint, offering a subtle contrast to the pure white tepals, which are arranged in a whorl and are broad and slightly overlapping. The leaves of the daffodil are narrow, long, and strap-shaped, displaying a deep green hue that complements the flowers. Daffodils are commonly associated with the renewal and vitality of spring due to their early blooming. They grow from bulbs, which enable them to reappear with their charming blossoms year after year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Silent Valley'
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus 'Silent Valley', commonly known as daffodil, is toxic to humans. All parts of the daffodil contain alkaloids that can cause poisoning, especially the bulb. If ingested, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes more severe effects like heart arrhythmias or neurological problems. Handling the bulbs may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive drooling, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias or central nervous system involvement. The bulb is the most toxic part, but all parts of the plant can be harmful if ingested by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Narcissus 'Silent Valley' adds visual interest to gardens with its pure white flowers and attractive foliage.
- Easy to Grow: It requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it exhibits a good level of drought resistance, thus conserving water.
- Pest Resistance: It is relatively resistant to many common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cold Hardiness: As a hardy plant, it can survive in cooler climates with minimal protection.
- Long Blooming Period: The flowers of the Narcissus 'Silent Valley' have a lengthy blooming period, which can extend the visual appeal in the garden.
- Symbolism: Often associated with rebirth and new beginnings, it can add a layer of meaning to landscapes and gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: It attracts beneficial insects like bees, which are important for pollination in the garden ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: The petals of the daffodil can be used in the creation of natural dyes for fabrics, lending a range of soft yellow hues to textiles.
- Art and illustration: Due to their distinct shape and bright colors, daffodils can serve as an inspiring subject for botanical artists and illustrators.
- Cut flower arrangements: Daffodils, including the 'Silent Valley' variety, are popular in floral arrangements and can bring a touch of spring indoors.
- Photography: Their striking appearance makes daffodils a favored subject for photographers, particularly in spring garden landscapes.
- Eco-friendly pest control: Daffodil bulbs are known to contain a substance that can be toxic to rodents, thus they sometimes are planted to naturally deter these pests from gardens.
- Companion planting: Daffodils are often planted alongside other plants as they are believed to deter certain insects and animals, thereby protecting the neighbouring plants.
- Floating decorations: The blooms can be floated in bowls of water to create simple yet elegant table decorations for spring-themed events.
- Memory gardens: Daffodils are commonly associated with remembrance and are planted to create memory gardens or in memorial events since they return year after year.
- Wedding bouquets: Their bright yellow blooms are sometimes incorporated into bridal arrangements or wedding decorations for a splash of color.
- Garden borders: Daffodils, due to their hardiness and early flowering, are used to create vibrant garden borders that herald the arrival of spring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is commonly used in Feng Shui to attract good fortune, wealth, and stability. It is especially potent when placed in the wealth corner of a home, which is the southeast corner of any room or space, to enhance the energy of abundance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love: The Narcissus 'Silent Valley', commonly known as the daffodil, is often associated with self-love, as the Greek myth of Narcissus tells of a young man who falls in love with his own reflection.
- Renewal: Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal of life after the winter months.
- Unrequited Love: In some traditions, daffodils can symbolize unrequited love, possibly stemming from the idea that Narcissus rejected the advances of others to remain fixated on himself.
- Hope: The bright and cheerful appearance of daffodils symbolizes hope and encouragement.
- Vanity: Because of the Narcissus myth, daffodils can also represent vanity and excessive self-admiration.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils are believed to bring good fortune and are associated with prosperity.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Silent Valley', generally require consistent moisture during the growing season, but they do not like to be waterlogged. Water daffodils thoroughly at planting to settle the soil around the bulbs. Thereafter, provide about one inch of water per week, which is roughly equivalent to 0.6 gallons per square yard, especially if rainfall is less than this amount. Once the plants have finished blooming and the foliage has begun to die back, watering can be reduced as they enter dormancy. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to bulb rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining.
LightDaffodils prefer full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for your Narcissus 'Silent Valley' would be in an area where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they can still perform well with some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates where the midday sun might be too intense. Avoid placing them in deep shade, as this will reduce their vigor and flowering potential.
TemperatureNarcissus 'Silent Valley' daffodils thrive in a range of temperatures but prefer cooler climates for optimal growth. They can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. During the growing season, a temperature range between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for these daffodils. Temperature extremes, either below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, can be detrimental to the plant's health and blooming.
PruningPruning daffodils such as Narcissus 'Silent Valley' is generally not required for the health of the plant. However, it is recommended to deadhead the spent flowers to promote bulb strength. Leave the foliage in place until it yellows and begins to die back naturally, which is usually about six weeks after blooming. This allows the daffodil to gather energy for next year’s bloom. Cutting back the foliage too soon can weaken the bulb.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodil 'Silent Valley' is well-draining, enriched with compost or organic matter, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A combination of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part perlite or sand can provide the ideal structure and nutrients needed.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Silent Valley,' typically do not need frequent repotting and are often replanted every 3 to 5 years. They are usually repotted after the bulbs have multiplied and the clumps have become overcrowded in their current space, which can hinder blooming.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Silent Valley' thrives in average humidity conditions and does not have specific humidity requirements. As long as the natural outdoor humidity or typical indoor humidity levels are maintained, this plant should grow well without the need for any special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and water when top soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with partial to full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDaffodil 'Silent Valley' begins its life cycle with a period of dormancy, where the bulb rests underground during the cold months. As temperatures rise in spring, leaves and a flower stem emerge from the bulb, leading to the blossoming of its characteristic white flowers. After flowering, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth where the leaves photosynthesize to replenish the bulb's energy reserves. Once the leaves yellow and die back, the plant returns to dormancy, conserving energy within the bulb. Throughout the summer and fall, the bulb lies dormant until the cycle recommences with the next spring's warm temperatures. The plant may also propagate by producing offsets, or daughter bulbs, which gradually grow into genetically identical plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Narcissus 'Silent Valley', commonly known as daffodil, is typically propagated through division, a popular and straightforward method that gardeners use to increase their stock of bulbs. The best time to propagate daffodils is in the late summer to fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of daffodil bulbs without damaging them. Gently separate the individual bulbs from the main clump, taking care to maintain as many roots as possible on each bulb. Replant the separated bulbs immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), spacing them about 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) apart to ensure ample room for growth. This encourages the development of new clumps that will bloom in the following seasons.
