Tete-a-tete daffodil Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête' (12)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête', commonly known as the Tête-à-tête daffodil, is a charming and miniature variety of the well-loved traditional daffodil. This plant is known for its bright yellow flowers that possess a classic trumpet-like corona surrounded by a ring of delicate petal-like structures called the perianth segments. Tête-à-tête blooms are often characterized by their rich, buttery yellow hue throughout both the perianth segments and the central trumpet. This daffodil variety tends to produce one to three flowers per stem, creating a cheerful and dense floral display. The foliage of the Tête-à-tête is also quite distinctive – narrow, long, and dark green, emerging from the base and providing a contrasting backdrop to the vibrant yellow blooms. The leaves are typically sword-shaped, growing in a slightly arching manner that complements the form of these daffodils. Overall, Tête-à-tête daffodils present a compact and neat appearance with an old-fashioned charm, often found brightening up gardens, borders, and containers during their blooming season in early spring. Their miniature size and radiant flowers make them a favorite for adding splashes of color to smaller spaces and for creating dramatic mass plantings without overpowering other plants in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Tête-à-tête Daffodil, Tête-à-tête Narcissus, Miniature Daffodil, Dwarf Daffodil.
Common names
Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, which includes the Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête', is toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the bulb, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, or even coma. Handling the bulbs can also cause dermatitis in some people.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause symptoms in pets similar to those in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and possibly cardiac arrhythmias or convulsions. Eating large amounts of the bulb can be especially harmful and potentially lead to severe poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Compact Growth: Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête' grows to a small size, which makes it ideal for containers and small gardens.
- Easy to Care For: It requires minimal maintenance, thriving in a variety of conditions with little attention.
- Early Spring Bloomer: This daffodil variety is one of the first to bloom in the spring, heralding the end of winter.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer Resistant: It is less appealing to deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Bright Color: Its bright yellow flowers add vivid color to the garden when few other plants are in bloom.
- Multiplying Bulbs: The bulbs can multiply over time, creating natural clumps and a fuller garden display.
- Long Blooming Period: 'Tête-à-tête' has a lengthy flowering period, offering a long-lasting display of color.
- Container-Friendly: Perfect for potting, allowing for spring color on balconies and patios.
- Cut Flower: The blooms can be cut and used in floral arrangements, bringing spring indoors.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant, needing only occasional watering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: The plant can be used to extract color for natural dyeing processes, providing a range of yellow and green hues for fabrics.
- Literary inspiration: The daffodil's association with narcissism and self-reflection has made it a symbol in poetry and literature.
- Photography: With its bright yellow colors and appealing shape, daffodils are popular subjects for photographers, especially in springtime.
- Art projects: The flowers and leaves can be pressed and used in botanical art or to create natural patterns on paper or textiles.
- Culinary decoration: Though not edible, daffodil flowers can be used to add visual appeal to plating in culinary presentations, then removed before consumption.
- Crafting: The stems and flowers can be used in dried flower arrangements or to decorate wreaths and other homemade crafts.
- Learning aids: Daffodils can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology and the process of photosynthesis.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper confetti at celebrations.
- Floral water: Daffodil petals can be steeped in water to create a fragrant floral water for use in home scents or as a linen spray.
- Fashion accessories: The flowers can be incorporated into fashion designs, such as hat decorations or even as part of a botanical-themed jewelry collection.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth: Narcissus, commonly known as daffodil, often blooms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a new life and beginnings.
- Unrequited love: In Greek mythology, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, unable to leave the allure of his image. Thus, the daffodil can represent love that is not reciprocated.
- Self-absorption: Following the myth, daffodils can also symbolize excessive self-love and vanity.
- New beginnings: Since daffodils are among the first flowers to emerge after winter, they are commonly associated with new starts, making them popular for occasions that mark a fresh start or renewal.
- Chivalry: In historical contexts, daffodils can represent chivalry and respect, due to their bright and upright flowers.
- Hope: The daffodil's cheerful yellow color conveys a message of hope and encouragement, often used to bring a sense of optimism.
WaterFor Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête', commonly known as the Tête-à-tête daffodil, watering should be done deeply and infrequently to encourage root growth. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, so watering once a week is typically sufficient, depending on climate conditions. During the growing season, apply about one gallon of water per square foot every week. After blooming, reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back to prevent rot. Always check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.
LightTête-à-tête daffodils thrive in full sunlight to partial shade, preferring at least six hours of direct sun daily. Select a spot in the garden that receives morning sun and is protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon. These daffodils can also tolerate light shade, but too much shade can result in fewer blooms and weaker stems.
TemperatureTête-à-tête daffodils are winter hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about 5°F, making them suitable for growing in many climates. The ideal growing temperature for these daffodils ranges from 50°F to 70°F. They begin growth in late winter or early spring and can withstand late spring frosts without significant damage.
PruningPruning Tête-à-tête daffodils involves deadheading spent blooms to prevent seed formation and encourage more energy to be directed to the bulb. Trim off the spent flower heads but leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally. Pruning is usually done after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer, depending on your climate.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for ‘Tête-à-tête’ Daffodils is well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of loamy soil, peat, and perlite is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Repotting‘Tête-à-tête’ Daffodils should be repotted every 3 to 5 years. They prefer to be crowded, so frequent repotting is not necessary unless the bulbs have outgrown the current space.
Humidity & Misting‘Tête-à-tête’ Daffodils are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require any special humidity conditions for growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in fertile soil.
Life cycleThe Tête-à-tête daffodil begins its life cycle as a dormant bulb which activates in the fall as temperatures drop, and roots start to develop. In early spring, foliage emerges as green shoots and soon after, the characteristic yellow flowers bloom. After flowering, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis and nutrient accumulation, where leaves remain green and functional. Once the blooming period is over, the foliage begins to yellow and wither as the plant enters dormancy, redirecting energy back to the bulb. The bulb then remains dormant throughout the hot summer months. This cycle repeats annually with bulbs potentially dividing, leading to the natural propagation of the daffodil.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête', commonly known as the Tête-à-tête daffodil, is through division of the bulbs. This is typically done in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the bulbs have entered a period of dormancy. Gardeners should carefully dig around the plant, taking care not to damage the bulbs, and gently lift them out of the soil. The clumps of bulbs can then be separated into individual bulbs by hand, making sure each bulb has a portion of the basal plate where roots develop. After dividing, the bulbs should be replanted at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) and spaced 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.7 centimeters) apart to ensure they have ample room to grow and bloom the following spring.
