Daffodil 'Tripartite' Narcissus 'Tripartite' (11a)
ABOUT
'Tripartite' is a vigorous Split-corona daffodil with strong stems each bearing up to three golden-yellow flowers, the corona segments lying flat against the perianth
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Tripartite Daffodil, Tripartite Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Tripartite'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot 4-16 inches (40-41 cm)
Spread
0 foot 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant yellow color and unique tripartite blooms to gardens and landscapes.
- Spring Bloomer: Provides early spring flowers when few other plants are blooming.
- Ease of Care: Requires minimal maintenance once established in the right conditions.
- Perennial Growth: Returns each year without the need for replanting.
- Naturalizing: Spreads over time to create larger displays of color.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to rodents and deer, reducing the need for pest control.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers are known to attract bees, which are beneficial for garden pollination.
- Cut Flower Use: Can be used in floral arrangements for a touch of spring indoors.
- Cold Hardiness: Capable of withstanding cooler temperatures and frost, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, can tolerate periods of low rainfall.
- 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
- Cut flowers: Narcissus 'Tripartite' can be used for cut flower arrangements due to its unique, multi-layered bloom shape, adding aesthetic value and a pleasant fragrance to any bouquet.
- Fragrance extraction: The scent of Narcissus 'Tripartite' is valuable in perfumery; the oils are extracted and used as a fragrance for high-end perfumes.
- Photography subject: Due to its unusual and striking appearance, Narcissus 'Tripartite' is often photographed and used in botanical and garden photography as a subject to display natural beauty.
- Garden competitions: This particular variety of narcissus, with its intricate bloom, is often entered into garden and flower competitions for judging based on its form and color.
- Educational tool: Narcissus 'Tripartite' is used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach about plant genetics and hybridization techniques.
- Art inspiration: Artists may use Narcissus 'Tripartite' as a muse, leading to paintings, drawings, and other forms of art that depict its unique look.
- Event decoration: The flowers of Narcissus 'Tripartite' can be used in event decorations such as weddings and galas for table arrangements and venue decorations.
- Color dyes: Though not commonly known, the pigments in Narcissus 'Tripartite' have the potential to be used to create natural color dyes for fabrics or crafts.
- Memory gardens: Narcissus 'Tripartite' is sometimes planted in memory gardens as a symbol of remembrance, particularly because the myth of Narcissus involves themes of reflection and memory.
- Culinary decoration: While the plant itself is not edible and can be toxic if ingested, on rare occasions, its flowers might be used as a non-consumable garnish for high-end culinary presentations for added visual appeal.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Narcissus is often associated with good fortune and wealth in Feng Shui practice. It can be placed in the wealth corner of the home, which is the southeast corner, to attract positive energy and encourage financial prosperity.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Self-Love: The Narcissus 'Tripartite', commonly known as Daffodil, often represents self-love, stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who was so enamored with his own reflection that he stared at it until he died, becoming a daffodil.
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of new life and beginnings.
- Unrequited Love: In some traditions, daffodils can symbolize unrequited love, again derived from the story of Narcissus, who could never obtain the object of his desire (himself).
- Inspiration and Creativity: Daffodils are also associated with inspiration and creativity, possibly because their bright appearance brings a refreshing burst of energy after the long winter months.
- Water
To water the Daffodil 'Tripartite', provide about 1 inch of water weekly during the growing season. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as excessive water can cause bulb rot. During active growth in the spring, this typically equates to a few gallons per week for a small garden bed, depending on soil conditions and rainfall. Taper off watering as the flowers start to fade and the leaves begin to yellow, indicating the plant is entering dormancy. Throughout the dormant period, watering is generally unnecessary unless there is an extended drought.
- Light
Daffodil 'Tripartite' thrives in full to partial sunlight, so position it in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A little afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter climates to prevent scorching. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as insufficient light can impede flowering.
- Temperature
For the Daffodil 'Tripartite', the ideal temperature range is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, prolonged exposure outside of the ideal range could affect the plant's health and blooming capabilities.
- Pruning
Pruning Daffodil 'Tripartite' generally involves deadheading spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance and prevent seed production, which can divert energy from the bulb. Pruning is not essential for plant health but can be done after blooming. Cut back foliage only after it has yellowed and begun to die back naturally, typically a few weeks after flowering.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Daffodils is well-draining with a mix of loam, sand, and compost. It should be moderately fertile and the pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
- Repotting
Daffodils typically do not need to be repotted often. They should be repotted if the bulbs become overcrowded, usually every 3 to 5 years.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodils do not require high humidity and are quite adaptable, but they thrive in average room humidity levels around 40-50%.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of the Narcissus 'Tripartite', commonly known as Daffodil 'Tripartite', begins when a bulb is planted in well-drained soil during the fall, before the ground freezes. With the onset of spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, sending up shoots that develop into long, narrow leaves and a central flower stalk. The plant blooms in mid to late spring, producing a unique flower with a yellow perianth and an orange-red ruffled crown. After flowering, the plant undergoes a period of photosynthesis, during which it stores energy in the bulb for the next season. The foliage eventually dies back in late spring or early summer, and the plant enters a dormant phase throughout the hot summer months. In autumn, as temperatures cool, the cycle prepares to restart, with the bulb remaining dormant until the following spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The most common method of propagating Narcissus 'Tripartite', also known as the triandrus daffodil, is through division of the bulbs. This is ideally done in late summer to early fall after the foliage has died back and the bulbs have gone dormant. Gardeners typically dig up the bulbs carefully to avoid damage, gently separate any offsets from the main bulb, and replant them immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters). The offsets should be spaced about 4 to 6 inches apart (10 to 15 centimeters) to allow room for growth. Within a few weeks, these offsets will develop roots and remain underground during winter, emerging as new plants in the spring.