Daffodil Narcissus 'Silver Standard' (2)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Silver Standard' is a daffodil with a distinct and elegant appearance. This plant features beautiful blooms, typically with pure white petals that surround a frilly, lemon-yellow cup at the center, which often fades to a creamy white as it matures. The flowers are borne on sturdy stalks that emanate from a clump of narrow, strap-like, green leaves. The foliage provides a contrasting background that accentuates the delicate beauty of the blossoming daffodil. This variety, like other daffodils, is known for its refreshing and lively display in the spring, offering a sense of renewal and cheer. The trumpet-shaped center is a hallmark of daffodils, giving them their classic profile that is beloved in gardens and as cut flowers. The blooms often appear in clusters, showcasing their symmetrical form and resulting in an eye-catching display. The Narcissus 'Silver Standard' is a beloved favorite for its delightful flowers that signal the end of winter and the beginning of a vibrant spring season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil
Common names
Narcissus 'Silver Standard'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Narcissus 'Silver Standard' is Daffodil. Daffodils contain toxic alkaloids that can cause poisoning in humans if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and even seizures. Handling the bulbs may also cause skin irritation due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.
To pets
The common name for Narcissus 'Silver Standard' is Daffodil. Daffodils are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The entire plant, especially the bulbs, contains lycorine and other toxic alkaloids. If a pet ingests any part of a daffodil, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and excessive salivation can occur. More severe signs are tremors, cardiac arrhythmias, difficulty breathing, and even collapse. Immediate veterinary attention is advised if daffodil ingestion is suspected.
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- Attractive Flowers: Narcissus 'Silver Standard', commonly known as daffodil, features appealing white blooms with a yellow center, adding aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being low-maintenance plants, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Bloomer: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, daffodils can bring an early splash of color after a long winter.
- Pest Resistant: Daffodils are typically resistant to deer, rabbits, and squirrels, which can help protect your garden from pest damage.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils have the ability to spread and naturalize an area over time, creating dense and beautiful displays without requiring additional planting.
- Multiplication: They can multiply on their own over the years, providing more flowers each spring without extra effort.
- Longevity: Daffodils are perennial plants that can bloom year after year, offering long-term enjoyment.
- Symbolism: Associated with rebirth and new beginnings, daffodils are often used in cultural and religious contexts and can bring symbolic meaning to gardens.
- Cutting Flower: Due to their sturdy stems and long vase life, daffodils are excellent for cut flower arrangements.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Silver Standard' bulbs can produce a glue-like substance that might be useful for adhering plant labels and small stakes to pots in nurseries.
- The sap from the stems of daffodils has historically been used as a wound adhesive for minor cuts in traditional practices.
- Cut daffodil flowers are often a symbol of spring and can be used in seasonal festivals or events to convey a sense of renewal and new beginnings.
- The strong fragrance of some daffodil varieties is occasionally harnessed in homemade potpourri blends to freshen indoor spaces.
- Daffodil forms an acidic liquid when immersed in water, which can be used to modify soil acidity in very small specialized horticultural applications.
- Narcissus 'Silver Standard' can be forced to bloom out of season in a greenhouse setting for use in off-season floral arrangements or botanical displays.
- The plant's vibrant yellow color has been used to inspire artists, providing a visually striking subject for paintings and photography.
- Due to their distinctive look, these flowers might be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology and the life cycle of perennials.
- Dried daffodil petals can provide a subtle yellow dye for textiles or artisanal papermaking projects.
- Daffodils can be planted as a natural pest repellent in gardens since certain animals, such as deer and rodents, tend to avoid them due to their toxicity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is commonly associated with prosperity and good fortune in Feng Shui, so it can be placed in the wealth area of a home, typically the southeast, to attract positive energy in financial matters.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus 'Silver Standard', commonly known as Daffodil, is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a new growth cycle.
- Unrequited Love: Drawing from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, the daffodil can represent self-love and the idea of being enamored with someone who does not return affection.
- Self-Esteem: The bright and cheery aspect of the daffodil is often associated with self-respect and self-love, encouraging individuals to hold themselves in high regard.
- Prosperity: Due to its tendency to multiply and come back each year, the daffodil is viewed as a symbol of wealth, growth, and prosperity.
- Respect: The daffodil can signify deep respect and regard when given as a gift, due to its positive and uplifting nature.
WaterDaffodils, including the 'Silver Standard', are relatively low maintenance and should be watered thoroughly at planting time and weekly during their active growth period if there is no rainfall. They need about 1 inch of water weekly, which translates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. When in bloom, ensure that they receive enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. After blooming, you can reduce watering as the leaves start to yellow and die back.
LightDaffodils thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot for 'Silver Standard' daffodils is an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate light shade but may not bloom as prolifically.
TemperatureDaffodils are cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F. The 'Silver Standard' will perform best when spring temperatures are between 50°F and 70°F. It's important to avoid excessively hot environments, as temperatures above 90°F may harm the plants.
PruningDaffodils, including the 'Silver Standard', should be deadheaded after flowers fade to prevent seed formation, which can drain energy from the bulb. Do not cut the foliage until it has yellowed and begun to wither, typically about six weeks after blooming, to ensure the bulbs can photosynthesize and store energy for the next year. Pruning is only needed once per year, after blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils prefer well-drained soil with good organic matter content, ideally with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix for the Narcissus 'Silver Standard' is one that combines two parts loam, one part river sand or perlite, and one part well-rotted manure or compost for fertility.
RepottingDaffodils, such as the Narcissus 'Silver Standard', typically don't need to be repotted often as they are usually grown from bulbs. These bulbs can remain in the ground or in their pots for several years as long as they are not overcrowded. Generally, repotting every 3 to 5 years or when the bulbs have filled their current space is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Silver Standard' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity. Average indoor humidity levels are typically adequate for these plants. It's more crucial to ensure proper watering and soil drainage than to monitor humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep in cool room.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in autumn; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe daffodil 'Silver Standard’ begins its life as a bulb, planting usually in the fall before the ground freezes. After a period of winter dormancy, it enters a growth phase in early spring where leaves, stems, and flowers emerge. This growth phase culminates in the production of one or more flowers, typically in late winter to early spring, which are white with a ruffled yellow or orange cup. After the flowering period, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis and stores energy in the bulb for the next season. Once the above-ground parts die back in late spring or early summer, the daffodil enters a dormant phase again during the hotter months. The cycle repeats annually with re-emergence of growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'Silver Standard', commonly known as daffodil, is typically propagated through division of its bulbs. The best time to propagate these plants by bulb division is in late summer to early fall, right after the foliage has died back and the plant is entering dormancy. With clean, sharp tools, a gardener would carefully lift the bulb clusters from the soil and gently separate them, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point. These individual bulbs are then replanted at a depth three times the height of the bulb, spaced about 3 to 6 inches apart to give them ample room to grow. Providing a well-draining soil mix and moderate watering will facilitate the establishment of new bulbs, which will then mature and flower in the following spring.
