Daffodil Narcissus 'Surfside' (6)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Surfside' is a captivating flowering plant widely recognized by its more common name, the daffodil. It sports a striking appearance, characterized by its beautiful and showy flowers that herald the arrival of spring. The daffodil blossoms are distinctively shaped, with a central trumpet-like corona surrounded by a ring of petal-like structures known as the perianth segments. The flowers of the 'Surfside' variety are particularly noteworthy for their enchanting color combination. The corona of 'Surfside' daffodils often exhibits a radiant yellow or orange hue that may be vivid or slightly muted, depending on the specific plant. This trumpet is frilled at the edge, adding a touch of elegance and textural interest. Contrasting with the warm tones of the trumpet, the surrounding perianth segments are typically a soft white or cream. Together, these floral components create a delightful chromatic harmony that can brighten any garden space. While in bloom, the daffodils showcase a symmetrical structure, with each flower standing upright on its own individual stalk. The foliage of Narcissus 'Surfside' is slender and elongated, forming a graceful backdrop of rich green leaves that accentuate the beauty of the flowers. The daffodil leaves emerge from a bulb nestled in the ground, with the entire plant presenting a fresh and cheerful aspect. The daffodil's aesthetic appeal is not just limited to its flowers. The plant's overall form, which includes a cluster of blooms and the fountain-like arrangement of its foliage, creates an appealing visual display. In a garden, Narcissus 'Surfside' is often used for its ability to contribute vibrant colors and a sense of liveliness, especially in rock gardens, borders, or as an element of floral design in springtime arrangements.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Surfside'.
ToxicityTo humans
Narcissus 'Surfside', commonly known as daffodil, is toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains alkaloids such as lycorine and others, primarily concentrated in the bulb but also present in leaves and flowers. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. Handling the bulb can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodil, the common name for Narcissus 'Surfside', is also poisonous to pets. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The toxins, mainly lycorine, are found in the bulbs, but the leaves and flowers are also toxic. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to serious consequences and should prompt immediate 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
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances garden aesthetics: The Narcissus 'Surfside', commonly known as daffodil, produces attractive flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to grow: This variety of daffodil is generally easy to cultivate and can thrive in a range of garden conditions with minimal care.
- Spring blooming: Daffodils are spring bloomers, providing early color to gardens after the winter months.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils like Narcissus 'Surfside' have the ability to naturalize, meaning they can spread and propagate on their own, creating a fuller garden over time.
- Resistance to pests: Daffodils are known for being resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Longevity: Many daffodil varieties are long-lived perennials that will return year after year with the right care.
- Cut flower use: Daffodils are popular as cut flowers and can be used to create vibrant arrangements for indoor decoration.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Surfside', commonly known as daffodil, can be used as an organic pest repellent, especially for rodents, as they are often deterred by its toxic alkaloids.
- Crushed daffodil bulbs can be spread around garden areas to naturally repel deer and rabbits, without causing harm to the environment.
- The sap of daffodils contains chemicals that may prevent other plants from growing nearby, which can be used strategically in garden design to maintain spacing and prevent overcrowding.
- Dried daffodil petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add a spring-like fragrance and aesthetic appeal to indoor spaces.
- The bulb's slimy texture, when cut, can be used as a natural adhesive in small scale arts and crafts projects for children.
- Using daffodils in floral arrangements can be a natural way to indicate the change in pH of the water, as some may change color slightly when the water becomes more acidic or basic.
- Planting daffodils in large clusters can serve as a natural soil stabilizer on slopes due to their robust root systems helping to prevent erosion.
- Due to their early spring bloom, daffodils are excellent indicators of seasonal transition in phenology studies, which track the timing of biological events.
- The distinctive trumpet-shaped bloom of the daffodil can inspire design in art and fashion, where designers utilize its form in patterns and textiles.
- When daffodils are done blooming, leaving the foliage in place allows it to be used as a green mulch, which will decompose and enrich the soil with organic matter.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: Representing the end of winter and the arrival of spring, daffodils symbolize rebirth and new beginnings for their tendency to be one of the first flowers to bloom.
- Vanity: In connection with the Greek myth of Narcissus, who was fascinated with his own reflection, daffodils can symbolize self-absorption and vanity.
- Unrequited Love: Also derived from the myth of Narcissus, daffodils can symbolize unreciprocated love as Narcissus did not return the affections of those who loved him.
- Hope: The bright yellow bloom of daffodils serves as a symbol of hope and optimism, often associated with the first signs of spring.
- Prosperity: Commonly found during the Chinese New Year celebrations, daffodils are believed to bring good fortune and are seen as a symbol of prosperity.
- Respect: Giving daffodils as a bunch is believed to ensure happiness and communicate respect, whereas a single daffodil might bring misfortune, according to superstition.
WaterFor the Daffodil 'Surfside', water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This could mean watering approximately once a week, but frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. Use about 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it soaks the soil without leaving the plant waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring, the plant may require more frequent watering. Reduce watering after the flowers have died back and the plant is entering dormancy.
LightDaffodils like 'Surfside' thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. An ideal spot would be where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates where the midday sun can be quite intense.
TemperatureDaffodils, including 'Surfside', prefer cooler climates and are hardy in temperatures that range between 35°F and 70°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F. For optimal growth, maintaining a temperature around 50°F to 60°F is ideal.
PruningPruning Daffodils such as 'Surfside' primarily involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage future blooms and prevent seed formation. Cut back the flower stalks after blooming, but leave the leaves intact until they yellow and wither, which allows the plant to store energy for the next season. Pruning is usually done annually after flowering.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodils like Narcissus 'Surfside' thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good mix would be equal parts loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure to ensure both adequate drainage and fertility. Adding perlite or grit can enhance drainage, which is essential to prevent bulb rot.
RepottingDaffodils, like Narcissus 'Surfside', generally do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. If they become overcrowded or you notice a decline in blooming, it's time to lift and divide the bulbs, typically done every 3 to 5 years, in the late summer after the foliage has died back.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Surfside', are not particularly humidity-sensitive and can thrive in average ambient moisture levels. They do well in outdoor conditions where humidity mirrors the local environment. No specific humidity adjustments are necessary when grown in typical garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDaffodil 'Surfside', a cultivar of Narcissus, begins its life cycle as a bulb, planted in the fall before the first frost. The bulb remains dormant underground during the winter, with the cold period providing the necessary chill to promote spring growth. Come spring, the bulb sends up shoots that develop into distinctive flowers, recognized by their central cups or coronas surrounded by a ring of petals, typically blooming in late winter to early spring. After flowering, the plant enters a phase of photosynthesis and energy storage, where the leaves remain green and continue to feed the bulb for the next season. As the temperatures rise in late spring or early summer, the foliage dies back, and the plant re-enters a period of dormancy. The cycle recommences the following fall when the bulb can either sprout anew or be divided and replanted to propagate the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Autumn
Propogation: The Narcissus 'Surfside', commonly known as the Daffodil, is typically propagated through division of its bulbs, and the ideal time for this process is usually after the foliage has died back, in late summer to early fall. The most popular method, dividing the bulbs, involves carefully digging up the clumps of bulbs after the plants have finished flowering and the leaves have yellowed. The bulbs should be gently separated by hand, making sure that each division has at least one growing point or bud. Once divided, the bulbs can be replanted immediately to a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters), spaced about 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 centimeters) apart, in well-drained soil with good sunlight. It is important to handle the bulbs carefully to avoid damage and to water the newly planted bulbs to help establish them. Through this method, the Daffodil 'Surfside' will continue to thrive and multiply, gracing gardens with its vibrant blooms each spring.
