Daffodil Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill' (4)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill' is a particularly ornate daffodil known for its opulent and fragrant flowers. This plant has a clustered bloom characteristic, often displaying multiple flowers per stem. The blossoms are double, meaning they have more than the usual number of petals, creating a full, ruffled appearance that adds a luxurious texture. The petals are predominantly white, providing a pure and classic look, which are sometimes contrasted with soft orange or creamy shades in the center, adding a touch of warmth to the flower's visual appeal. Each bloom bears a strong resemblance to traditional daffodils with its central trumpet or cup, which is surrounded by the larger, outer petals. However, the double nature of the 'Sir Winston Churchill' daffodil's trumpet distinguishes it from simpler forms of daffodils. These central cups may also appear fringed or gathered, contributing to the overall plush look of the flower. The foliage of the 'Sir Winston Churchill' daffodil is typical of the genus, with slender, linear leaves that are a vibrant green color. These leaves often form a tufted mound or clump at the base of the stems, from which the flower stalks arise. The leaves provide a fresh backdrop which makes the complex and elegant blossoms stand out all the more within a garden setting. The plant generally blooms during the springtime and is often used in gardens for its delightful and visually striking flowers. It is commonly selected not only for the beauty of its blooms but also for the pleasant fragrance they emit, which can be enjoyed in garden beds or when cut and placed in vases indoors. This daffodil is a favorite among garden enthusiasts for its decorative flowers, scent, and the cheerful ambiance it brings to a spring garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Double Daffodil, Double Narcissus, Garden Narcissus, Sir Winston Churchill Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, including the 'Sir Winston Churchill' variety, is considered toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, more significant effects such as tremors, heart problems, and even seizures might occur. Handling the plant, especially the bulb, can cause skin irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals. It is important to ensure that children do not ingest any part of the plant due to its toxic properties.
To pets
Daffodil is poisonous to pets, including the 'Sir Winston Churchill' variety. Consumption of any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potentially more serious cardiac abnormalities or convulsions. Pets may also experience drooling, low blood pressure, and tremors. It is crucial for pet owners to prevent their animals from ingesting daffodils as the consequences can be severe and may require veterinary attention.
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
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill' adds visual interest to gardens with its multiple white flowers and orange cup, which bloom in the spring.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of daffodil is easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of soils, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Naturalizing: It has the ability to naturalize, meaning it can spread and return for several years, becoming more prolific each season.
- Pest Resistance: Daffodils are generally resistant to pests such as deer and rodents, protecting the garden from unwanted visitors.
- Low Maintenance: Beyond basic watering and occasional fertilization, Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill' requires little care throughout the year.
- Seasonal Interest: The daffodil provides early to mid-spring bloom, introducing one of the first bursts of color into the garden after winter.
- Cut Flower: The blossoms are excellent for cutting and using in floral arrangements, offering home-grown decor and gifts.
- Impacts on Ecosystem: These flowers can provide nectar to early spring pollinators, offering food sources when few other plants are in bloom.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Culture and literature often use the Narcissus flower as a symbol for vanity and self-absorption, inspiring artists and writers to incorporate this theme into their works.
- Fragrance Extraction: The oil from the Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill' can be used in perfumery to add a rich, heady scent to luxurious fragrances due to its intense and unique aroma.
- Photography Projects: Due to their attractive blooms, photographers may feature this plant as part of botanical photo series or macro photography studies which focus on the detailed beauty of flowers.
- Color Dye: Historically, the flowers of the Narcissus plant have been used to extract yellow dye for coloring fabrics and other materials.
- Garden Design: As a plant with attractive and voluminous blooms, Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill' is used as a showy feature in garden designs to create aesthetic appeal.
- Festivals and Competitions: This particular variety is often showcased in flower shows and gardening competitions due to its beauty and popularity among flower enthusiasts.
- Hobby Gardening: Cultivation of Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill' can be a hobby activity for those interested in bulb propagation and breeding different varieties for leisure.
- Bio-indicator: Bulbs of the Narcissus plant can serve as bio-indicators, signaling through their growth the health of the environment and potential effects of climate change on plant life.
- Eco-Tourism Attraction: Fields or gardens filled with Narcissus can become tourist attractions, drawing visitors during blooming season to enjoy the sights and fragrances of these flowers.
- Teaching Tool: In educational settings, the Narcissus can be used to teach botany and plant biology, showcasing bulb development, growth phases, and flowering processes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and new beginnings: The Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill', also commonly known as daffodil, is one of the first perennials to bloom after the winter, symbolizing the arrival of spring and hence new beginnings.
- Hope: The bright yellow bloom is seen as a harbinger of future prosperity and is often associated with hope and optimism.
- Vanity and self-absorption: In Greek mythology, the name narcissus is rooted in the story of a young man named Narcissus who was so infatuated with his own reflection that he stared at it until he died, leading the flower to symbolize excessive self-love.
- Prosperity: Due to its association with the arrival of spring and the agricultural year, daffodils are often associated with good fortune and success.
WaterPaperwhites, including 'Sir Winston Churchill', prefer consistent moisture during their growing season. Water them thoroughly once the top inch of soil begins to dry out, which is approximately once a week. Apply water directly to the soil to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. A rough estimate is to use about half a gallon of water for outdoor plantings every 7 to 10 days, adjusting based on weather conditions and plant size. Overwatering can cause bulb rot, so ensure the pot or ground has good drainage.
LightPaperwhites thrive best under full sun to partial shade conditions. An ideal spot for 'Sir Winston Churchill' would be where it receives bright, indirect light if grown indoors or an area with morning sunlight and afternoon shade if planted outdoors. Avoid placing them in deep shade or excessively bright spots like south-facing windows that may scorch their leaves.
TemperaturePaperwhites are comfortable in a range of temperatures but perform best when the daytime temperature is between 60°F and 70°F. Nighttime temperatures should not drop below 50°F for optimal growth. 'Sir Winston Churchill' can survive minor frosts, but consistently cold temperatures below 40°F can damage the plant.
PruningPruning paperwhites typically involves the removal of spent flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed development, which can divert energy from the bulb. 'Sir Winston Churchill' should be deadheaded after the flowers fade and the foliage should be left to die back naturally before being cut down. The best time for pruning is late spring when flowering is finished.
CleaningNot needed
SoilPaperwhites like Sir Winston Churchill thrive in well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix that combines loamy garden soil, peat moss, and sharp sand or perlite in equal parts is ideal. Regular feeding during the growing season can benefit flowering.
RepottingDaffodils such as Sir Winston Churchill typically don't require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 3-5 years. Overcrowded clumps can be divided and replanted.
Humidity & MistingSir Winston Churchill daffodils tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but prefer moderate conditions. Extremely high humidity may encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place bulbs in well-draining soil; provide bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, 6 inches deep, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe daffodil 'Sir Winston Churchill' starts its life cycle with bulb formation, where the plant's energy is stored before growth begins. As temperatures warm in late winter to early spring, the bulb sends up shoots that develop into the plant’s characteristic green foliage and stems. Subsequently, flower buds appear and bloom into fragrant, white double flowers with yellow or orange centers, typically mid to late spring. After the flowering period, the blooms fade and the plant goes into a phase of energy absorption, where the leaves photosynthesize and replenish the bulb's energy reserves for the next season. Once the foliage has yellowed and withered, the plant enters dormancy during the summer months. The dormant bulb then lies underground until the next spring cycle when temperatures trigger the beginning of a new growth phase.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill', more commonly known as the double daffodil, is typically propagated through division of its bulbs. The best time to undertake this process is late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. To propagate, you would carefully dig up the clump of bulbs and gently separate them, ensuring each bulb has a portion of the base and some root structure. These individual bulbs can then be replanted immediately at a depth three times the height of the bulb, which is approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), and spaced 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart. Through this method, the divided bulbs will develop roots in the fall, establish over the winter, and bloom in the spring.
