Daffodil Narcissus 'Trena' (6)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Trena' is a captivating plant, known commonly as the daffodil. It boasts a striking appearance that draws the eye, with its hallmark trumpet-shaped blossom which serves as the focal point of its design. This variety often has a vivid, sunny yellow hue throughout the flower, both in its trumpet and star-shaped petals, exuding cheerfulness and embodying the essence of spring. The stems are sturdy and upright, providing a firm support for the flowers that crown them. The foliage is typically a fresh, vibrant green, with narrow, strap-like leaves that emerge from the base of the plant, forming an attractive backdrop to the bright blossoms. Daffodils like 'Trena' are synonymous with new beginnings and are often one of the first signs that winter is giving way to the warmer days of spring.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Trena Daffodil, Trena Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Trena'
- Toxicity
To humans
Narcissus 'Trena', more commonly known as daffodil, is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the daffodil contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulb being the most poisonous part. If ingested, symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases might lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, respiratory depression, and in extreme cases, can be fatal. It's important to avoid eating any part of the daffodil plant.
To pets
Daffodil, the common name for Narcissus 'Trena', is also toxic to pets. If a pet ingests any part of the daffodil, particularly the bulb, they may experience symptoms like vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, it might lead to secondary complications, such as aspiration pneumonia, or even be fatal. It is crucial to prevent pets from ingesting daffodils.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 4 inches (0.4 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Narcissus 'Trena', commonly known as Trena daffodil, has attractive yellow blooms that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: Trena daffodils are known for their hardiness and low maintenance requirements, making them suitable for a wide range of gardening skill levels.
- Spring Bloom: These daffodils are spring bloomers, providing an early burst of color after the winter season.
- Naturalizing: Trena daffodils have the ability to naturalize, meaning they can spread and multiply, filling an area with their cheerful flowers over time.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: The bulbs of Trena daffodils are not palatable to deer and rodents, making them an excellent choice for areas with wildlife problems.
- Long-lasting Flowers: The blooms of Narcissus 'Trena' are long-lasting, providing a prolonged display of color in the spring garden.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Narcissus 'Trena', also known as the daffodil, can be used in natural dyeing processes; the flowers, particularly the yellow varieties, can impart color to fabrics.
- The bulb of the daffodil can be used as a glue substitute; when crushed, it releases a sticky, adhesive-like substance.
- Daffodil plants may be used in companion planting to deter rodents, as many rodents dislike the taste and odor of the bulbs.
- The scent of the daffodil has been used in perfume-making, providing a fresh, spring-like fragrance to various perfumes and scented products.
- Daffodil blooms can be used to create a colorful, natural confetti for celebrations, as they are biodegradable and non-toxic.
- The clear sap of daffodil stems can be used for minor wound treatment like cuts and bruises, as it contains compounds that may have mild antiseptic properties.
- Dried daffodil petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes to extend the enjoyment of their fragrance well beyond the blooming season.
- Daffodil flowers can be pressed and included in ornamental art projects, such as bookmarks or framed nature art, for their aesthetic appeal.
- The unique trumpet shape of the daffodil flower makes it an ideal study specimen for educational purposes in botany and flower anatomy.
- Daffodil stems offer structural support for delicate, climbing plants when used as natural stakes or trellis material in the garden.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The daffodil is associated with good fortune in Feng Shui, and it is often used to bring positive energy and prosperity into a space. Placing daffodils in the wealth area of a home or office, which is typically the southeast sector, is thought to attract wealth and prevent financial losses. It is also associated with inner reflection and self-improvement, making it suitable for personal development areas.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: Narcissus, commonly known as daffodil, blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a new life cycle.
- Vanity and Self-Absorption: Stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection, the plant is often associated with vanity and excessive self-love.
- Prosperity and Wealth: In some cultures, daffodils are believed to bring good fortune and are associated with wealth and success.
- Uncertainty and Unease: The flower can sometimes symbolize uncertainty or unrequited love, possibly relating to the story of Narcissus who was doomed to never obtain the object of his desire.
- Inspiration and Creativity: As a herald of spring, the daffodil is also seen as a muse for artists and poets, representing a burst of creativity.
- Respect and Admiration: Giving daffodils as a gift can convey deep respect and admiration for the recipient.
- Water
Daffodils, including the Narcissus 'Trena', should be watered thoroughly at planting time and during active growth, and then they can withstand periods of dryness once established. During the spring growth and flowering season, water weekly if there isn't sufficient rain, providing about 1 inch of water each time. After blooming, reduce watering as the foliage starts to die back. During the dormant season in the summer, daffodils generally do not need watering unless it's an exceptionally dry period. If you do water in dry spells, provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6 inches roughly every two to three weeks.
- Light
Daffodils prefer full sun to partial shade. The best spot for Narcissus 'Trena' is an area where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They can also grow under deciduous trees since they will have finished flowering by the time the trees leaf out and shade the area.
- Temperature
Daffodils, including Narcissus 'Trena', are hardy and can survive winter temperatures down to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit but they prefer a climate with cold winters and warm springs. The ideal temperature range for their growth and flowering is between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They should be planted in a spot protected from extreme heat to prevent the bulbs from baking in the summer.
- Pruning
Pruning daffodils is not needed in terms of shaping but spent flower heads should be deadheaded after blooming to prevent seed formation. However, the foliage of the Narcissus 'Trena' should be left intact until it has yellowed and died down naturally, typically about 6 weeks after flowering, as it replenishes the bulb for next year's growth.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Narcissus 'Trena', commonly known as Daffodil 'Trena', thrives best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix composed of equal parts loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure creates an ideal growing medium that ensures proper drainage and fertility.
- Repotting
Daffodil 'Trena' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. It's best to repot or divide the bulbs if the clumps become overcrowded or if bulb performance declines, usually every 3 to 5 years.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodil 'Trena' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. They can thrive in typical outdoor humidity conditions and do not require extra humidity when grown indoors.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Daffodil 'Trena' in bright, indirect light indoors with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant Daffodil 'Trena' in well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of Narcissus 'Trena', commonly known as Daffodil 'Trena', begins with a dormant bulb which, under the right conditions of temperature and moisture, starts to develop roots and shoots in early spring. The shoots emerge from the soil and develop into green, strap-shaped leaves, followed by the growth of a central flower stalk that bears the distinctive trumpet-shaped flower, typically in shades of yellow or white. After flowering, which occurs in late spring, the plant undergoes pollination, possibly leading to the production of seeds. As the flowering ends, the Daffodil 'Trena' redirects energy back into the bulb as the foliage starts to die back, ensuring the bulb's growth and the plant's survival. During the summer months, the plant goes into dormancy, with the bulb resting underground until the next spring cycle. This cycle of growth, flowering, seed production, foliage dieback, and dormancy repeats annually, with the bulb multiplying over time, potentially creating a cluster of plants.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For Narcissus 'Trena', commonly known as daffodil, the most popular method of propagation is through division of bulbs. The ideal time to propagate daffodils by dividing the bulbs is after the leaves have yellowed and died back, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer. Gardeners should gently dig up the clumps of bulbs and carefully separate them, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point. Once divided, the bulbs should immediately be replanted in well-drained soil at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) and spaced 3 to 6 inches (about 7.5 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and bloom the following season. This straightforward approach allows the plants to continue thriving and multiplying year after year, ensuring a continuous display of their distinctive blooms.