Daffodil Narcissus 'Triple Crown' (3)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Triple Crown' is a striking flowering plant characterized by its distinctive blooms. Each flower typically features a set of three layers or "crowns", which are actually the plant's petals and petal-like structures. The outer petals are usually white, broad, and slightly recurved, serving as an elegant backdrop to the more pronounced inner segments. At the heart of each bloom is a remarkable central cup or corona that is often a contrasting color, such as orange, yellow, or pink. This trumpet-shaped structure is frilled and ruffled, adding to the textural interest of the flower. The blooms are generally borne atop sturdy, upright stems that emerge from a base of narrow, strap-like green leaves. These leaves are somewhat fleshy and may have a slight arch, creating a cascading effect. Together, the multiple layers of petals and the ornate central cup on each flower make the 'Triple Crown' a showy and sought-after variety for gardens, floral arrangements, and displays. The combination of elegant petal layers with the intricate details of the corona give the plant a luxurious and opulent feel, fitting its regal name. Despite the absence of specific size descriptors, the overall impression of the Narcissus 'Triple Crown' is one of a compact, yet impactful, bloom that adds vibrant color and beauty wherever it grows.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil.
Common names
Narcissus 'Triple Crown'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as daffodil is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids such as lycorine. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to dehydration, tremors, seizures, and even cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Handling the bulbs can also cause skin irritation in some individuals.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. All parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain alkaloids such as lycorine that can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Ingesting large amounts of daffodil can lead to serious poisoning, which may be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
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- Aesthetic Appeal: The Narcissus 'Triple Crown' offers vibrant blooms that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Ease of Care: Daffodils are known for being low-maintenance and hardy, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, daffodils have good tolerance to dry conditions, requiring minimal watering.
- Pest Resistance: Daffodils are typically resistant to deer and rodents, protecting them from common garden wildlife.
- Long Bloom Season: 'Triple Crown' daffodils have a lengthy flowering period that brings sustained color to gardens in the spring.
- Perennial Growth: As perennials, these daffodils return year after year, providing long-term garden interest.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils have the ability to spread and naturalize over time, creating larger displays as years go by.
- Versatility: These flowers are suitable for a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and woodland gardens.
- Cut Flower Use: Daffodils, including 'Triple Crown', are excellent for cutting and creating indoor floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic subject: The Narcissus 'Triple Crown', also known as Daffodil, can be used by photographers as a captivating subject for macro photography due to its intricate layers and vivid colors.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use Daffodils for still life paintings or as a muse for botanical illustrations, drawing inspiration from their unique triple-layered blooms.
- Educational tool: Biology teachers might utilize the Daffodil to explain plant reproduction and flower anatomy to students, owing to its discernible features.
- Flower competitions: Hobbyists and professional gardeners alike might enter the Narcissus 'Triple Crown' into flower shows and competitions for its unique and showy appearance.
- Eco-friendly confetti: When dried, the petals of the Daffodil can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for events and celebrations.
- Garden pest deterrent: Some gardeners believe planting Daffodils can deter certain pests like rodents and deer, which tend to avoid these plants due to their toxicity.
- Fragrance extraction: While not common, the scent from Daffodil flowers could potentially be used in the creation of perfumes or scented oils.
- Natural dye source: The petals of the Daffodil may be boiled down to create a yellow dye for fabrics or crafting materials.
- Festive decoration: The bright flowers can be used to create festive wreaths and arrangements for springtime holidays and events.
- Poetry and literature: The striking appearance of the Daffodil often serves as an evocative symbol in poetry and prose, encapsulating themes of renewal and the arrival of spring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: Commonly associated with spring, the Narcissus 'Triple Crown', also known as Daffodil, often symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, as it is one of the first flowers to bloom after the winter months.
- Unrequited Love: Inspired by the Greek myth of Narcissus, the flower can also represent unrequited love, as Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, unable to leave it and ultimately leading to his demise.
- Vanity and Self-Absorption: The namesake myth of Narcissus also lends the symbolism of vanity and self-absorption to this flower, cautioning against the dangers of excessive self-admiration.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the Daffodil is seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, possibly due to its bright, golden color and its association with festive occasions such as the Chinese New Year.
- Respect and Admiration: Gifting Daffodils can also convey respect and admiration, as their striking presence and early bloom signifies high regard for the recipient's qualities.
- Hope: The Daffodil's ability to emerge from the frozen ground is often seen as an emblem of hope, symbolizing the persistence of life and optimism for the future.
WaterDaffodils, such as the Narcissus 'Triple Crown', should be watered thoroughly at planting, and then consistently during growing season especially if the weather is particularly dry. Water the daffodils to a depth of 6 inches once a week, using about 1 gallon of water per square yard of soil. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to bulb rot; the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. During the dormant period, after the flowers and foliage have died back, watering can be reduced significantly, as the bulbs require less moisture while they are not actively growing.
LightDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Triple Crown', thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. They perform best when they get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting them would be an area that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, to protect from the intense heat of late day sun.
TemperatureDaffodils like Narcissus 'Triple Crown' prefer a moderate climate and can survive in temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for growing daffodils is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure bulbs are planted at a depth three times their height to protect them from temperature extremes.
PruningPruning daffodils like Narcissus 'Triple Crown' typically involves deadheading, which is the removal of spent flowers. This helps to direct energy back into the bulb for next year's growth. It's important not to remove the foliage until it has yellowed and begun to die back naturally, usually six to eight weeks after flowering. Pruning by cutting back dead foliage can usually be done annually in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Triple Crown' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good recipe is a mixture of loamy garden soil, compost, and some sand to improve drainage. It is important to avoid soils that retain water, as this can lead to bulb rot.
RepottingThe Daffodil 'Triple Crown' does not require frequent repotting. It is typically replanted every three to five years or when the clumps become overcrowded. After flowering, the bulbs can be lifted, divided, and replanted if necessary.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Triple Crown' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to a range of humidity conditions outdoors. Indoors, it does not have specific humidity requirements, making it versatile for typical home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temps for Daffodil 'Triple Crown'.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with sun to partial shade for Daffodil 'Triple Crown'.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDaffodil 'Triple Crown' begins its life as a bulb, planted in the autumn before the first frost. The bulb remains dormant through winter, storing energy. In early spring, the bulb sprouts and sends up green shoots, soon followed by distinctive flowers typically arranged in clusters with multiple flowers per stem. After blooming, the plant focuses on photosynthesis through its leaves, replenishing the bulb's energy reserves for the next cycle. When the foliage yellows and withers, the plant goes into dormancy, completing its annual life cycle. Bulbs can be divided and replanted to propagate the daffodil 'Triple Crown'.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The best time to propagate Narcissus 'Triple Crown', commonly known as Daffodil, is in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by dividing the bulbs. As the bulbs mature and grow, they naturally produce offsets or "daughter" bulbs that can be carefully separated from the parent bulb. To do this, dig up the bulbs carefully, avoiding damage, and gently pull apart the offsets from the main bulb. Replant these immediately at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, which usually translates to about 6 inches (15.24 cm) deep, ensuring that the pointed end is facing upwards. Following this, water the newly planted bulbs to help settle the soil around them. This simple vegetative propagation method ensures genetic consistency and is typically quite successful.
