Daffodil Narcissus 'Sweet Angel' (10)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Sweet Angel' is a captivating plant with a striking appearance. Also known as daffodil, it features a set of beautiful blooms that stand out with their distinctive trumpet-shaped central coronas, which are typically surrounded by a ring of petal-like tepals. The flowers generally exhibit a cheerful color palette with hues that can range from snowy white to creamy or even pale yellow, often with a contrasting center that might be a deeper yellow or orange, adding an eye-catching pop to the overall look. The foliage of the Sweet Angel daffodil is also noteworthy, with slender, strap-like leaves that have a rich green color, creating a lush backdrop for the flowers. The leaves grow upright and may gently arch, adding a graceful touch to the plant's form. The daffodil's foliage and blooms emerge on separate stems, with the flowers typically arranged in an attractive cluster that looks appealing in a garden setting or when cut for indoor displays. In terms of blooming period, the Sweet Angel daffodil is a spring-flowering plant, bringing a welcome burst of color to gardens after the winter months. As part of the Narcissus family, it shares characteristics with its relatives, including the classic cup-and-saucer flower shape that is often associated with the onset of the warmer season and a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. Overall, the Narcissus 'Sweet Angel' is a delightful addition to any garden space, known for its enchanting flowers and the cheerful ambiance it creates. Its charming appearance is a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts, who often use it to create vibrant borders, mass plantings, or as a focal point in garden designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Sweet Angel'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil 'Sweet Angel' contains toxic alkaloids, including lycorine. If ingested, it can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in cardiac arrhythmias or neurological issues. Handling the bulbs can cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodil 'Sweet Angel' is toxic to animals. Ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Symptoms can occur within a few hours and can be life-threatening, especially in small pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe, North Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Aesthetics: The Narcissus 'Sweet Angel', commonly known as daffodil, has attractive trumpet-shaped flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils are known for their hardiness and low maintenance requirements, making them suitable for various gardeners.
- Spring Bloomer: As a spring-blooming flower, daffodils provide early color and life to gardens after winter dormancy.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils are capable of naturalizing, meaning they can spread and multiply in suitable conditions, providing more blooms over time.
- Pest Resistance: Daffodils are generally resistant to deer and other pests, thus less likely to be damaged by wildlife.
- Symbolism: The daffodil is associated with new beginnings and is often seen as a symbol of rebirth and unrequited love, adding symbolic value to landscapes.
- Easy to Grow in Containers: These flowers can be easily planted in pots or containers, allowing for versatility in placement around the yard or home.
- Longevity: Daffodils have a long bloom time compared to some other flowers, offering a lasting display of color.
- Cut Flower Use: Due to their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms, daffodils are excellent for cutting and using in floral arrangements.
- Attracts Pollinators: Daffodils attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the pollination of many plants and food crops.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Sweet Angel' can be used in a cut flower arrangement to add a delicate fragrance and visual appeal to bouquets or indoor displays.
- The bulbs of the plant can be forced in pots indoors to bloom during winter, providing an early touch of spring to the indoor environment.
- Narcissus is associated with a number of cultural festivals and traditions, often representing rebirth or the coming of spring.
- The strong scent of Narcissus 'Sweet Angel' can be used in perfumery, capturing the essence of the flower in fragrances.
- Dried Narcissus flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, contributing a natural scent and visual variety to the mixture.
- Narcissus flowers can be used as a natural dye source, providing a range of yellow hues to textiles and other materials.
- The flowers can be used as a natural pest repellent in gardens as they are toxic to certain insects and animals.
- Narcissus bulbs can be exchanged as gifts during spring festivals or planted in memory gardens as a symbol of remembrance for loved ones.
- Narcissus flowers can be included in artistic photography due to their distinctive shape and bright colors, often signifying the change of seasons.
- They can also be used for educational purposes in horticultural studies due to their interesting growth patterns and propagation methods.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: The Narcissus, commonly known as daffodil, is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, thus symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a new cycle of growth and fresh opportunities.
- Self-love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection, this flower often represents self-appreciation and introspection.
- Vanity and Egotism: Stemming from the same Greek myth, the narcissus/daffodil can also signify excessive self-involvement and selfishness.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils are associated with good fortune and wealth, and are often given as gifts in hopes of bringing prosperity to the recipient.
- Resilience: Daffodils can withstand the harsh conditions of late winter, epitomizing strength, the ability to overcome challenges, and resilience.
- Forgiveness: The daffodil's rejuvenating presence has made it a symbol for forgiveness, especially in the context of restoring relationships and starting anew.
- Unrequited Love: Due to the Narcissus myth, the daffodil may represent unrequited love, where someone's affections are not returned.
- Inspiration: Their bright appearance often sparks creativity and provides inspiration, especially after long periods of darkness or inactivity.
- Hope: Because they herald the spring, daffodils embody hope for the future, representing an anticipation for better times and joy.
- Chinese New Year: In Chinese culture, the daffodil is associated with the Chinese New Year and symbolizes good fortune and prosperity.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Sweet Angel', should be watered deeply when planted and during active growth, ensuring at least 1 inch of water per week. During the growing season, if the weather is dry, water your daffodils once or twice a week with about a gallon of water per square yard. After flowering, you can reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back and the bulbs go dormant. It's critical not to overwater, as excess moisture can lead to bulb rot. Once the plant is fully dormant, usually by summer, additional watering is usually unnecessary unless the conditions are extremely dry.
LightDaffodils, such as the Narcissus 'Sweet Angel', thrive in full sun to partial shade. They should be placed in a spot that receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. However, they can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. The ideal spot for daffodils would be an area that's sunny in the spring but possibly shaded in the summer once the trees leaf out.
TemperatureDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Sweet Angel', typically do well in a wide range of temperatures. These plants can survive winter cold to about 5°F and can tolerate the spring temperatures that fluctuate widely. The ideal growing temperature for daffodils ranges between 50°F and 70°F. High summer heat is generally not a concern once the plants have entered dormancy.
PruningPruning daffodils, such as the Narcissus 'Sweet Angel', generally involves deadheading flowers after they fade, but the foliage should not be pruned until it has yellowed and died back naturally, usually 6 weeks after flowering. This allows the plant to store energy for the next year's bloom. Cleaning up dead leaves and spent flower heads helps to maintain plant health and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Sweet Angel' prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter; a mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal. Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Sweet Angel', are usually grown from bulbs and do not require frequent repotting. Repot every 2-3 years or when the bulbs become crowded.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Sweet Angel' tolerates a range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive, making it versatile for different environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Sweet Angel' in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with partial to full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a 'Sweet Angel' daffodil begins with a period of dormancy, where the bulb lies underground conserving energy. As temperatures warm in early spring, it breaks dormancy and sends up shoots, followed by leaves and a flower stalk. The plant blooms and produces a single flower, characteristic of the daffodil, which is typically white or cream with a yellow or orange cup. After blooming, the foliage continues photosynthesis, storing energy in the bulb for the next season. By early summer, the leaves yellow and wither as the plant enters another dormant period. The cycle repeats annually, with the bulb dividing and possibly producing offsets that can develop into new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus 'Sweet Angel', commonly known as daffodil, is typically propagated by bulb division, which is the most popular method for this plant. This is usually done in the fall when the foliage has died back, and the plant is dormant. To propagate, gardeners carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate the offsets, which are the smaller bulbs that develop at the base of a mature bulb, from the parent. These offsets can then be replanted immediately at a depth three times the height of the bulb, spaced about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. This simple process allows the gardener to expand their daffodil display over the years and is an easy and rewarding method to share these delightful spring flowers.
