Daffodil 'Spring Essence' Narcissus 'Spring Essence' (2)
ABOUT
'Spring Essence' has a strong, upright habit, with the flowers held above wide green leaves. The perianth segments are white, the corona extending almost to trumpet length, yellow with a paler flared rim. Early season
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Spring Essence'
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
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Narcissus 'Spring Essence' adds vibrant color and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes with its bright yellow blooms.
- Easy to Grow: This variety is known for being low maintenance and easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care once established.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity and helping to pollinate nearby plants.
- Spring Bloomer: As an early spring bloomer, it brings life and color to gardens after the winter months, signaling the start of the growing season.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Narcissus 'Spring Essence' is quite tolerant of dry conditions, making it suitable for gardens in areas with water restrictions.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to deer and rodents, lessening the risk of damage by these animals.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it will return year after year, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term garden planning.
- Container Gardening: It is suitable for container gardening, providing flexibility for those with limited garden space or who prefer to garden on patios or balconies.
- Forcing Ability: This Narcissus can be 'forced' to bloom indoors during the winter for a touch of spring color during the colder months.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms can be used for cut flower arrangements, bringing the beauty and fragrance of spring inside the home.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Spring Essence', commonly known as daffodil, can be used as a natural pest repellent since some pests may be deterred by its scent.
- Planting daffodils amongst other crops can prevent rodents from eating the shoots of emerging vegetables as rodents dislike the taste of daffodils.
- Daffodil bulbs can be used in a technique known as 'lasagne planting' or layering, where they are planted in layers with other bulbs to create a succession of blooms.
- Pressed daffodil flowers can be used to create botanical art or to adorn handmade paper, providing a unique and organic aesthetic.
- The sturdy stems of daffodils can serve as natural stakes or supports for weaker-stemmed plants when planted in close proximity.
- Dried daffodil petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add a spring-like fragrance and a touch of color.
- Use the blooms of the daffodil in natural dyeing processes to achieve a range of yellow and orange hues on fabrics.
- Daffodils can be used in wedding bouquets and floral decorations for springtime events to add a seasonal touch.
- The leaves of daffodils can be woven or braided into wreaths or decorative items for a rustic and natural look.
- Create an educational project for children about plant growth and development using daffodils due to their speedy growth and pronounced flowering stages.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil, as Narcissus 'Spring Essence' is commonly known, is used in Feng Shui for its ability to bring positive energy and good fortune, especially when placed in the southeast area of a home or room, which is associated with wealth and abundance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Narcissus, commonly known as daffodil, often symbolizes renewal and rebirth because it is one of the first perennials to bloom after the winter months, signaling the onset of spring.
- Prosperity: Due to its association with the arrival of spring, daffodils are often connected to prosperity, fertility, and good fortune.
- Hope: The bright and cheerful appearance of the daffodil serves as a symbol of hope and optimism for the future.
- Unrequited love: In some traditions, the daffodil is a symbol of unrequited love, which is likely due to the Greek myth of Narcissus who was so in love with his own reflection that he could love no one else.
- Self-absorption: Reflecting the same Greek myth, the Narcissus (daffodil) can also represent vanity and excessive self-love.
- Eternal life: In some cultures, the daffodil is seen as a symbol of eternal life because of its ability to return each year with new blooms.
WaterFor Daffodil 'Spring Essence', water the plant thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. It's essential to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, which may result in watering about once a week, depending on climate conditions. Avoid overwatering as standing water can lead to bulb rot. During the active growing season in spring, it may require approximately a gallon of water every week but reduce watering after the blooms have faded and leaves begin to yellow. During the dormant season, watering should be minimal.
LightDaffodil 'Spring Essence' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. A spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight is ideal; however, they can also tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates. These plants are versatile and can grow under varying light conditions, but bright, indirect light will promote the most vigorous blooms.
TemperatureDaffodils 'Spring Essence' are hardy and prefer cooler temperature conditions. They can survive brief periods of cold down to 20°F, but for optimum growth, they should be kept in an environment where the temperature ranges from 50°F to 70°F. They are typically planted in the fall to be able to undergo winter chilling, which is vital for spring blooms.
PruningDaffodil 'Spring Essence' requires minimal pruning. Deadheading or removing spent flowers after blooming encourages bulb strength but leave foliage intact. Allow the leaves to die back naturally before removing them, typically six weeks after flowering has finished. Pruning back foliage prematurely can weaken the bulb for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils like 'Spring Essence' thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and a bit of sand is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingDaffodils, such as 'Spring Essence,' usually don't need to be repotted. They are perennial bulbs best left undisturbed and will naturalize over time.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like 'Spring Essence' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Spring Essence' in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant 'Spring Essence' daffodils in autumn before frost, in full sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Spring Essence', commonly known as daffodil, begins its growth from a bulb, which lies dormant underground during the cold months. In late winter to early spring, it breaks dormancy and starts to produce green, strap-like leaves, followed by a flower stalk that bears a single flower with a central corona surrounded by petal-like tepals. After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis, where the leaves gather energy from the sun, which is stored in the bulb for the next growing season. As the temperatures rise into late spring and early summer, the foliage begins to yellow and die back as the plant goes into dormancy, retreating into the bulb. Throughout the dormant period, the bulb remains underground, surviving off the energy reserves until the next growing cycle begins. This cycle repeats annually, with bulbs potentially dividing and multiplying, leading to the creation of new plants over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The Narcissus 'Spring Essence', commonly known as Daffodil, is typically propagated through division of bulbs. The best time to propagate these plants by dividing the bulbs is in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the plants have gone dormant. To propagate by division, the clumps of bulbs should be carefully lifted from the ground and the bulbs separated gently by hand. Each bulb can then be replanted in well-drained soil at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, spaced about 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. This method is favored as it not only helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have stopped flowering as vigorously, but also increases the number of plants in the garden.
