Daffodil Narcissus 'Spindletop' (3)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Spindletop' is a captivating plant known for its distinctive flowers that are a central feature of its appearance. This variety of daffodil bears blooms that are particularly eye-catching; each flower consists of an array of petals that are usually white, providing a fresh and pure look. At the heart of the bloom is a contrasting cup or trumpet-shaped corona that is often a striking shade of orange or pink, giving it a two-tone effect that draws attention and admiration. This central cup is frilly and ruffled, adding intricate detail and texture to the flower. The blooms of Narcissus 'Spindletop' are carried on sturdy stems that rise from a clump of long, slender, dark green leaves. Each leaf has a slightly arching habit and a linear shape, with smooth edges and a pointed tip. The foliage provides a complementary backdrop to the bright flowers, creating a harmonious display of color and form. With its vibrant blossoms and graceful leaves, Narcissus 'Spindletop' adds a touch of elegance to any garden or floral arrangement where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Spindletop Narcissus, Daffodil, Jonquil.
Common names
Narcissus 'Spindletop'
ToxicityTo humans
The daffodil, which includes Narcissus 'Spindletop', is considered toxic to humans. All parts of the daffodil contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulb being the most poisonous part. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression in severe cases. Handling the bulb may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The daffodil, including Narcissus 'Spindletop', is poisonous to pets as well. Ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potentially serious cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Additionally, daffodil ingestion can result in secondary symptoms such as tremors or seizures in pets. It is important to keep these plants out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
0 feet 6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Narcissus 'Spindletop', commonly known as Daffodil, has a unique and attractive look that can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Low maintenance: Daffodils are known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established in the right conditions.
- Cold hardiness: They are resilient in colder climates and can survive frost, making them suitable for a variety of gardening zones.
- Perennial growth: As perennials, these plants return year after year, providing long-term value and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Pest resistance: Daffodils are relatively resistant to many garden pests, lowering the likelihood of pest-induced damage.
- Deer and rodent resistance: These plants are typically not favored by deer or rodents, helping to protect your garden from grazing.
- Early blooming: Daffodils bloom in early spring, often one of the first flowers to emerge, bringing early color to the garden after winter.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils can spread over time, creating natural drifts of color without the need for extensive gardening efforts.
- Symbolism and signaling: Daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, often used to mark the arrival of spring.
- Cut flowers: They make excellent cut flowers, allowing you to bring their cheerful color and fragrance indoors.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting and drying: Daffodil petals can be used in crafting projects, such as making potpourri or natural confetti, by carefully drying the blooms to preserve their color.
- Culinary decoration: Although most daffodils are not edible and can be toxic if ingested, the flowers can be used to garnish dishes, provided they do not come into contact with food that will be eaten.
- Natural dye: The vibrant colors of daffodils can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, although it is not a commonly practiced method.
- Photography subject: Daffodils, with their distinct trumpet-like shape and bright colors, can provide an excellent subject for photographers, especially for macro photography.
- Garden pest repellent: Planting daffodils around the garden can act as a natural repellent for certain rodents, as they tend to avoid the area due to the toxicity of the bulbs.
- Seasonal festivals and celebrations: Daffodils can be used in decorations for events like spring festivals or Easter celebrations due to their association with the season.
- Companion planting: Some gardeners use daffodils in companion planting to protect more vulnerable plants, leveraging the plant’s unpalatability to deer and rodents.
- Floristry education: As a well-known spring flower, daffodils are often used in educational materials for floristry courses to teach about seasonal blooms.
- Cosmetic use: The essential oil obtained from daffodils is sometimes used in the perfume industry to provide a unique fragrance note, although such use should be approached with caution due to potential skin irritants.
- Artistic inspiration: The striking appearance of daffodils has inspired many artists and poets, and the flowers can be used as a model for drawing, painting, or writing poetry.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is often associated with good fortune and prosperity in Feng Shui. It is recommended to place Narcissus in the wealth area of your home or office to attract positive energy and enhance financial luck.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus, commonly known as the daffodil, is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolizing the end of the cold winter months and the start of a fresh and lively season.
- Self-obsession: Named after the mythological character Narcissus, who was known for his beauty and excessive self-love, the daffodil can also represent narcissism and self-centeredness.
- Unrequited Love: Due to its connection with the story of Narcissus, it also symbolizes unrequited love, reflecting the idea of being in love with an unattainable ideal.
- Renewal: As a herald of spring, the daffodil signifies renewal, suggesting a leave-taking from the past and an embracement of growth and renewal.
- Respect and Admiration: Giving daffodils as a gift can signify deep respect and admiration for the recipient, echoing the flower's cheerful appearance and the uplifting effect it has on people's moods.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils signify prosperity and are believed to bring good fortune, particularly when they first emerge after the winter.
WaterDaffodils require thorough watering at planting and during active growth, but do not like to be waterlogged. Water them thoroughly once a week if there is no rainfall, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy to a depth of about 6 inches. During the growing season, they may need 1 inch of water every week, which is approximately 0.623 gallons per square yard. After blooming, reduce watering as the leaves start to yellow and let the soil dry out before the bulbs go dormant.
LightDaffodils flourish in full sun to partial shade, thriving best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a location that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade if possible, as this will help protect the flowers from intense midday heat.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and can endure winter temperatures down to -10°F, though they perform best within the range of 50°F to 70°F during the growing season. They thrive in the cool spring temperatures and should be planted in the fall to ensure a good root system before the frost.
PruningPruning daffodils is mostly limited to deadheading spent flowers to prevent seed formation, which can be done soon after the blooms fade. Leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and withers, usually about six weeks after flowering, to allow energy to return to the bulb for next year's growth. It is not necessary to prune the leaves before they naturally die back.
CleaningNot needed
SoilFor daffodils, the ideal soil mix is well-draining, fertile, and loamy with added compost or well-rotted manure. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is optimal for these bulbs.
RepottingDaffodils generaly don't require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years if they are thriving and multiplying.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils perform well in average outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place daffodils in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures indoors.
Outdoor
Plant daffodils in full sun to partial shade outside.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Daffodil 'Spindletop' begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is a dormant stage typically starting in late summer to fall, where it awaits optimal conditions for growth. Upon the arrival of spring, triggered by increasing temperatures and moisture, the bulb awakens and sprouts, sending up shoots and leaves. This is followed by the development of the plant's distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers, which are usually brightly colored and bloom in early to mid-spring. After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage, during which it stores nutrients in the bulb for the next growing cycle. Once the leaves yellow and the above-ground parts of the plant die back, the daffodil 'Spindletop' once again goes dormant, conserving energy within the bulb. This cycle repeats annually, with the bulb dividing and potentially giving rise to more plants, which leads to gradual clump expansion over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Narcissus 'Spindletop', commonly known as the Spindle Top Daffodil, is by dividing and re-planting the bulbs. This process is typically done in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but well before the ground freezes. Gardeners should carefully dig up the bulbs, being cautious not to damage them, and gently separate any bulblets from the parent bulb. The newly divided bulbs should then be immediately replanted at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) with the pointed end facing upward. This ensures that they have ample time to establish roots before the winter dormancy period.
