Daffodil Narcissus 'Spoirot' (10)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Spoirot', commonly known as a variety of daffodil, is a flowering plant that boasts a striking visual appeal. This cultivar typically displays blossoms that are characterized by a unique set of features that distinguish it from other garden-variety daffodils. The flowers usually emerge in the springtime, signaling the change of seasons with their vibrant presence. In appearance, the daffodil 'Spoirot' showcases distinctive petals that are often a bright, luminous white. These petals are arranged in a symmetrical fashion around a central trumpet or corona, which is a hallmark of the daffodil family. The trumpet may exhibit a contrasting color, which can range from a soft pastel hue to a more intense shade, adding a striking visual contrast to the overall flower structure. The petals and trumpet together form a harmonious bloom that sits atop a sturdy, upright stalk. Typically, the stalk is encased in slender, blade-like leaves that are a rich green in color, contributing to the plant's overall elegance and providing an attractive backdrop to the vivid blooms. The slender leaves appear almost like lush spears or flags, complementing the vertical lines of the stalks. As a part of a larger group or bed, Narcissus 'Spoirot' adds a pop of color and texture to any garden setting. It often becomes a focal point when in full bloom, due to its distinct flowers that can create a sea of vibrant white with their mass planting. This variety of daffodil is not just visually appealing but also hardy and resilient, making it a cherished addition to a wide array of garden designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Spoirot Daffodil, Spoirot Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Spoirot'
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus 'Spoirot' is commonly known as a type of daffodil. Daffodils are toxic to humans if ingested, primarily due to the presence of lycorine and other alkaloids. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting daffodils can lead to dehydration, an imbalance in electrolytes, and even cardiac arrhythmias or convulsions. Handling the bulbs can sometimes cause dermatitis, so it is advisable to wear gloves.
To pets
The Narcissus 'Spoirot', commonly known as a daffodil, is toxic to pets including dogs and cats. The ingestion of any part of the daffodil, particularly the bulbs, can result in severe symptoms. These include vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Cases of high quantity ingestion can be fatal, so immediate veterinary attention is recommended if a pet is suspected to have eaten any part of a daffodil.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45.72 cm)
Spread
0 feet 6 inches (15.24 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its unique and striking white flowers.
- Early Spring Bloom: One of the first plants to bloom in spring, providing an early splash of color.
- Easy to Grow: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Naturalizing: Has the ability to spread and create a carpet of flowers over time, enhancing garden landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Can withstand periods of low water, thus reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of surviving cold winter temperatures, which makes it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Deer Resistance: Typically not a preferred food source for deer, which can help prevent damage to the plant.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to many common pests that afflict other garden plants.
- Longevity: Can live and continue to produce flowers for many years with proper care.
- Cut Flower: Suitable for use in floral arrangements due to its attractive blooms and relatively long vase life.
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 'Spoirot', commonly known as daffodil, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, producing varying shades of yellow depending on the processing method.
- The bulbs of daffodils can be placed in mesh bags and used to deter rodents from garden areas, as the scent and compounds are known to repel these pests.
- Certain enthusiasts use daffodil flowers in flower arranging competitions, focusing on the unique coloration and form of 'Spoirot' for artistic presentation.
- Daffodils can be used in storytelling or literacy programs to help teach children about plant life cycles and the change of seasons.
- The sturdy stems of daffodils have been used in some traditional crafts, such as basket weaving, when dried and treated properly.
- Daffodils are associated with many cultural festivities and are used as traditional decorations during events such as the Chinese New Year.
- In photography, the striking white and green contrast of the 'Spoirot' daffodil serves as an excellent subject for practicing macro photography skills.
- The daffodil is often used as a symbol in poetry and literature, serving as a muse for poets and writers due to its association with rebirth and new beginnings.
- As a natural indicator of spring, daffodils are sometimes used in climate studies to track the progress of the season and potentially the effects of climate change.
- Daffodil festivals celebrating the beauty and diversity of the genus Narcissus often feature 'Spoirot', utilizing its unique aesthetic to attract visitors and promote horticulture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Narcissus 'Spoirot' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: Historically, the daffodil often symbolizes the end of winter and the arrival of spring, representing rebirth and new beginnings.
- Self-Reflection: Named after the character from Greek mythology, Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, this plant can represent introspection and self-love.
- Pride: The Narcissus flower can also signify excessive pride, just as Narcissus was known for his beauty and pride before his downfall.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils are seen as a sign of wealth and good fortune, often associated with the Chinese New Year.
- Vanity: Reflecting the mythological origins, the Narcissus 'Spoirot' may sometimes be associated with vanity and self-obsession.
- Unrequited Love: The story of Narcissus and Echo, where Echo's love is not returned, renders the plant as a symbol of love that is not reciprocated.
- Hope: Daffodils often symbolize hope, as they are one of the first flowers to bloom in the year, signaling the promise of future joys and growth.
- Respect: Giving a daffodil is sometimes seen as a sign of high regard and respect for the recipient.
- Inspiration: Because the daffodil is one of the first flowers of spring, it can also symbolize creativity and inspiration that comes with the newness of the season.
- Forgiveness: In some traditions, the daffodil can represent a desire to be forgiven or an offering of forgiveness.
WaterPaperwhites, like Narcissus 'Spoirot', generally prefer to be watered thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Watering should be done by pouring water evenly around the base of the plant until it starts draining from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the bulbs are not sitting in water. Typically, this might translate to approximately 1-3 ounces per week, depending on environmental conditions, but it is crucial to avoid over-watering which can lead to bulb rot. It's best to check the moisture level of the soil at least once a week during the growing season and reduce watering after the blooming period as the plant enters dormancy.
LightPaperwhites thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially during the cooler months. The ideal spot for Narcissus 'Spoirot' is near a south or west-facing window where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to harsh midday sun. Insufficient light can lead to weak, elongated growth, so ensuring that the plant gets a decent amount of light throughout the day is key for robust growth.
TemperaturePaperwhites such as Narcissus 'Spoirot' perform best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing as this can damage the plant. The ideal growing condition is a consistently cool environment, which promotes longer-lasting blooms. Extreme heat or fluctuations in temperature should be avoided to maintain the health of the bulbs.
PruningPruning Paperwhites typically involves removing spent blooms and yellowing leaves to encourage a tidy appearance and prevent potential disease issues. For Narcissus 'Spoirot', after flowering, you can cut back the flower stalks but allow the leaves to remain until they die back naturally. This helps the plant store energy for the next growing season. Pruning is generally only necessary once the blooming period is over.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Paperwhite Narcissus 'Spoirot' prefers a well-draining soil mix with good moisture retention. You can create an ideal mix using one part potting soil, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part peat moss or coconut coir. This Narcissus variety thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingPaperwhite Narcissus 'Spoirot' is often grown as an annual from bulbs, so repotting is not typically required. However, if you're growing them as perennials, repotting every 2-3 years in the late summer after the leaves have died down is good practice to refresh the soil and divide the bulbs if necessary.
Humidity & MistingPaperwhite Narcissus 'Spoirot' does well in average room humidity. Aim for humidity levels between 40% to 60%. They do not require high humidity environments and can tolerate dry indoor air conditions typical in homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, water when top soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in fall, full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Narcissus 'Spoirot', commonly known as the Spoirot Daffodil, begins its life as a bulb, which remains dormant underground during the winter. In early spring, the bulb becomes active, sending up leaves and a sturdy stem that will bear the flower. The foliage emerges first, followed by a flower bud that blooms into the distinct white or cream petals and a central trumpet-shaped corona. After flowering, the plant enters a period of seed production, if pollination has occurred. Once the seeds are dispersed, the above-ground foliage dies back, and the bulb enters a dormant state again to conserve energy. This annual cycle repeats with the bulb growing larger and occasionally producing offsets, leading to the natural propagation of new bulbs.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Narcissus 'Spoirot', commonly known as daffodil, is by dividing the bulbs after the plants have died back in late summer or fall. Once the foliage has yellowed and withered, which typically occurs a few weeks after blooming, the bulbs can be carefully dug up using a spade, ensuring you lift the bulbs gently to avoid damage. The bulbs will often have produced offsets, which are smaller bulbs attached to the main bulb, and these can be gently separated by hand. Each offset can be replanted immediately at a depth approximately thrice the height of the bulb, typically 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), in well-draining soil with the pointy end facing upwards. The newly planted offsets will then grow into mature bulbs over a period of a couple of years, flowering when they reach a suitable size.
