Daffodil Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' (8)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' is a captivating variety of daffodil known for its distinctive flower display and elegant foliage. The flowers of this plant are particularly striking, featuring a bright white perianth, which are the outer petal-like segments, that radiates around a contrasting cup or corona that can take on a light yellow or creamy hue. The corona itself is ruffled or frilly, adding a touch of intricacy to the flower's appearance. The blossoms of Silver Chimes daffodils are commonly arranged in a delightful, clustered manner, with multiple flowers often blooming together on each individual stem. This clustering bestows a lush, full look to each floral stalk, thus increasing the ornamental appeal of the plant when in bloom. The gracefully arching leaves of the Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' are narrow, long, and a deep green color, which serves as the perfect backdrop for the bright blooms, helping to highlight them and draw attention to their intricate details. The overall impression of the Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' is one of delicate beauty and classical charm, with the snowy blossoms nodding gently in the spring breeze. This plant is often celebrated for its delightful scent, which adds an additional layer of sensory pleasure to its already charming visual display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Silver Chimes Daffodil, Silver Chimes Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Silver Chimes'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, which includes Narcissus 'Silver Chimes', is known to be toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain poisonous alkaloids, with the bulb being the most dangerous part. If someone consumes any part of the daffodil, they may experience symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes even more severe effects such as cardiac arrhythmias or central nervous system issues. Handling the bulbs may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Ingestion, particularly of the bulb, should be avoided to prevent these toxic effects.
To pets
Daffodil, which includes Narcissus 'Silver Chimes', is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The entire plant contains lycorine and other alkaloids, with a higher concentration in the bulb. If pets ingest any part of the plant, they may exhibit symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Ingestion of large quantities can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention. Pet owners should ensure that their pets do not have access to daffodils to prevent potential poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus 'Silver Chimes', commonly known as Daffodil, produces attractive white blooms with a pleasant fragrance, enhancing garden beauty.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive with minimal care, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Pest Resistance: Daffodils are generally resistant to many pests, decreasing the need for chemical treatments.
- Drought Tolerance: They are capable of surviving in periods of low water availability, making them suitable for xeriscaping.
- Long Blooming Period: Daffodils have a prolonged flowering period in the spring, offering a long-lasting display of color.
- Symbolic Significance: Associated with rebirth and new beginnings, daffodils are often planted to symbolize the coming of spring.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils tend to naturalize, or spread, over time, creating larger displays each year without additional planting.
- Cut Flower Use: The blooms of the daffodil make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements due to their durability and appealing scent.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flowers: Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' are excellent for cutting gardens, as their long stems and fragrant blooms make beautiful bouquet arrangements.
- Symbolism in Art: The narcissus flower is often used in art and literature as a symbol of vanity and self-reflection, owing to the Greek myth of Narcissus.
- Moth Repellent: Dried narcissus bulbs have traditionally been used to repel moths from linen closets and wardrobes.
- Floral Displays: Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' can be used in fixed floral displays, providing a unique aesthetic due to their hanging flower heads and fragrance.
- Photography: The distinctive form and color of Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' make them popular subjects for botanical photography and photo contests.
- Wedding Decor: Their springtime bloom and delicate appearance make them a choice for wedding decor, symbolizing new beginnings.
- Gift Planting: A potted Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' can be given as a gift, often symbolizing unrequited love or admiration, depending on cultural context.
- Educational Tool: In gardening classes, learning how to cultivate and care for Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' can introduce students to bulbous plant growth cycles and care.
- Garden Design: Their bright presence and fragrance can be used in sensory gardens designed for the visually impaired.
- Fragrance Extraction: Although not commonly done with this variety, Narcissus flowers can be used to extract essential oils for perfumery and aromatic purposes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' bloom in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the onset of new life and fresh beginnings.
- Self-Reflection: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, this flower represents self-reflection and introspection.
- Pride and Vanity: Reflective of the myth, where Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, this plant can symbolize excessive self-love and vanity.
- Wealth and Prosperity: The bright, often golden-yellow color of many narcissus flowers is associated with wealth and success.
- Hope: As one of the first flowers to emerge in spring, narcissus is a symbol of hope and the assurance that better times are ahead.
- Rebirth: Spring flowers like the Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' are frequently tied to themes of resurrection and rebirth due to their seasonal cycle of returning to life after the cold winter.
- Uncertainty: In the language of flowers, or floriography, the narcissus can convey a message of uncertainty or unrequited love.
- Respect: In some cultures, the narcissus is given as a sign of respect and honor to others, reflecting the high esteem in which the recipient is held.
WaterFor the Daffodil 'Silver Chimes', regular watering is important, especially during their growth season in the spring. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not overly saturated. Watering once a week with about one to one and a half gallons per square yard should suffice, but this will vary depending on climate and soil type. Adjust the frequency during dry spells or excessive rainfall. After blooming, you can reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back.
LightDaffodil 'Silver Chimes' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, although it can tolerate some light afternoon shade. Avoid deeply shaded spots as this can impede flower development.
TemperatureDaffodils, including 'Silver Chimes', prefer cooler temperatures and can typically survive winter cold with temperatures down to about 5°F. The ideal temperature range for growing daffodils is between 50°F and 70°F during their growth period, before and during flowering. They are hearty plants that can endure a late spring frost without much damage.
PruningPruning is not generally required for Daffodil 'Silver Chimes', but removing spent flowers after blooming can promote better growth for the following year. Do not cut down the foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally, which is typically several weeks after blooming. This allows the plant to store energy for the next growing season. Pruning of dead or yellow foliage can be done once yearly.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils like Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' thrive in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. A good mix would be equal parts loamy soil, peat moss or compost, and sharp sand to improve drainage. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingDaffodils such as Narcissus 'Silver Chimes' usually do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. If they become overcrowded or begin to decline in vigor, repotting every 3-5 years is advisable.
Humidity & MistingNarcissus 'Silver Chimes' prefers average humidity levels and does not require special humidity conditions to thrive, as long as they are planted in well-draining soil and have proper air circulation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and cool temps for indoor Narcissus 'Silver Chimes'.
Outdoor
Plant in fall, full sun to part shade, and well-drained soil for Narcissus 'Silver Chimes'.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Narcissus 'Silver Chimes', commonly known as the Tazetta Daffodil, begins with the planting of a bulb in late summer to autumn. This bulb undergoes a period of dormancy over winter, during which it develops roots. In early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy as temperatures rise, and shoots emerge from the ground, followed by leaves and a stalk bearing a cluster of fragrant white flowers with yellow centers. After flowering, the foliage collects energy through photosynthesis which is stored in the bulb for next year’s growth. As the foliage naturally dies back, the plant enters another period of dormancy through the hot summer months. The cycle restarts the following autumn, with the mature bulb potentially dividing to produce offsets, leading to the growth of new plants alongside the original.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'Silver Chimes', commonly known as daffodil, can typically be propagated through dividing and replanting its bulbs. The most appropriate time to do this is after the plant has finished flowering and the foliage has begun to yellow and die back, generally in late spring or early summer. To propagate the daffodil 'Silver Chimes', carefully dig up the bulbs avoiding damage, and gently separate the smaller offset bulbs from the parent bulb. These offsets can then be replanted immediately in well-draining soil at a depth of about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) and spaced approximately 3 to 6 inches apart (7.62 to 15.24 centimeters). Ensure that the planting site receives full to partial sunlight. The offsets will develop their root system during the summer and will be ready to produce blooms in the following spring.
