Daffodil Narcissus 'Vigil' (1)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Vigil' is known for its striking flowers, which are the most prominent feature. This plant typically bears beautiful blooms that are characterized by elegant trumpet-shaped coronas surrounded by a circle of petal-like tepals, often referred to simply as petals. The flowers are usually white or cream in color, providing a stunning contrast against the green foliage. Each stem usually holds a single flower, but some may bear clusters. The foliage of this daffodil consists of long, slender leaves that are a rich green color. These leaves grow from the base of the stem and may be slightly curved or straight, providing a lush background for the prominent flowers. The combination of the vibrant green leaves and the pristine white flowers makes this plant a favorite for gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. The overall presentation of the Narcissus 'Vigil' is one of elegance and simplicity, captured in the clean lines of the flowers and the tidy arrangement of the foliage. This plant brings a splash of brightness and signifies the arrival of spring when it blooms. It's often used in gardens for its ornamental value and is also a popular choice for cut flower arrangements due to its appealing appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Vigil'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Narcissus 'Vigil' is daffodil. Daffodils are toxic to humans if ingested. They contain a toxic alkaloid called lycorine and other compounds that can cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, eating a large amount of the bulb can lead to convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The highest concentration of these harmful substances is found in the bulb, but all parts of the plant can be toxic if consumed in sufficient quantities.
To pets
Daffodil, the common name for Narcissus 'Vigil', is toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains lycorine and other noxious substances which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac abnormalities. The bulbs are the most dangerous part, but all parts of the plant are toxic. Consumption of any part of the daffodil can lead to serious health consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus 'Vigil', commonly known as Daffodil, provides bright, cheerful blooms that can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils are known for being easy to grow and requiring minimal care once established, making them suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Early Spring Blooms: Daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, bringing color and life to gardens after the winter months.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils have the ability to spread and naturalize in an area over time, creating larger displays of flowers as the years go by.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: Daffodils are typically resistant to deer and rodents, which prevents damage to the flowers and bulbs.
- Perennial Growth: As perennials, daffodils will return year after year, offering long-term enjoyment without needing to be replanted annually.
- Variety of Uses: Daffodils can be used in borders, rock gardens, woodland plantings, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, many daffodil varieties can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Symbolism and Tradition: Daffodils are associated with various cultural meanings and traditions, including representing renewal and resilience.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Source: Daffodil 'Vigil' petals can be used to extract a yellow dye, useful for coloring fabrics and crafts.
- Photography Prop: The beautiful blooms of the Daffodil 'Vigil' can serve as an ideal subject for macro and still life photography.
- Literary Inspiration: Often symbolizing rebirth, Daffodil 'Vigil' can serve as a muse for poetry and other literary works focusing on themes of renewal.
- Garden Pest Deterrent: Daffodil 'Vigil' contains certain alkaloids which can help deter garden pests like rodents and deer when planted around vegetable patches.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not edible, the flowers can be used to decorate plates and cakes for a festive look, but should be removed before consumption.
- Perfumery: The scent of Daffodil 'Vigil' can be used in the creation of natural fragrances or be included in potpourris.
- Floral Water: Petals can be steeped in water to create a lightly scented floral water for use in beauty and bath products.
- Memory Games: Daffodil 'Vigil' flowers can be incorporated into memory games for children, teaching them to recognize different plant species.
- Art and Craft: Pressed Daffodil 'Vigil' flowers can be used to create botanical artworks, greeting cards, or bookmarks.
- Symbolic Gift: Daffodil 'Vigil' plants are a symbol of unrequited love, making them a poignant gift in certain cultural contexts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love: Originating from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who falls in love with his own reflection, the narcissus flower often symbolizes self-love and vanity.
- New Beginnings: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, the narcissus also represents renewal and the promise of new beginnings.
- Hope: Its early appearance in the year makes it a symbol of hope and optimism for the future.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, particularly in Chinese New Year celebrations, the narcissus is associated with wealth, good fortune, and prosperity.
- Inner Reflection: Beyond vanity, the narcissus can also symbolize deeper inner reflection and the importance of understanding oneself.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Vigil', generally require moderate watering during their growing season. It's essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which for most daffodils, might be about once a week depending on environmental conditions. Use about one gallon of water per square yard every week during the active growing phase. After blooming, you can reduce watering as the plant begins to go dormant. This usually happens as the summer heat increases. Over-watering can lead to bulb rot, so it's better to err on the side of too dry than too wet.
LightDaffodils prefer full to partial sunlight, so place the Narcissus 'Vigil' in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some shade, particularly in the hotter parts of the day, but too much shade can inhibit flowering. An ideal position would be one that gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat of late day.
TemperatureDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Vigil', thrive in a range of temperatures but prefer a cooler climate. They are hardy and can survive winter temperatures down to about 20°F. The ideal temperature range for daffodils is between 50°F and 70°F during the growing season. High temperatures above 90°F can cause the plant to go dormant prematurely.
PruningPruning daffodils, such as Narcissus 'Vigil', involves deadheading spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed production, which can sap energy from the bulb. Do not cut the foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally, usually six weeks after flowering, as the leaves are necessary to replenish the bulb for next year's growth. Prune as needed after blooming, typically once a year, by cutting off the dead flower heads and any damaged or diseased leaves.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodil 'Vigil' thrives best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure is ideal. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent bulb rot.
RepottingDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Vigil', generally do not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot them when the clumps become overcrowded or if the bulbs begin to produce fewer flowers, usually every 3-5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Vigil' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the average humidity found in outdoor environments. Indoor growing does not require additional humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Daffodil 'Vigil' in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Daffodil 'Vigil' in full sun to partial shade in fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Vigil', commonly known as a daffodil, begins its life as a bulb, which is a dormant stage where it conserves energy for growth. In the early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and produces green shoots that develop into long, flat leaves and a central flower stem. The stem then blooms into a single, typically white or light colored flower with a trumpet-shaped central corona. After flowering, the daffodil's petals wither and the plant enters a period of photosynthesis, where the leaves collect energy that is stored in the bulb for the next growing season. Once the leaves die back in late spring or early summer, the plant goes dormant again, with the bulb resting underground during the winter. This cycle repeats annually, with the plant potentially producing offsets (smaller bulbs) that grow into new plants over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Narcissus 'Vigil', commonly known as daffodil, is through division of bulbs. This is typically done in the late summer to fall, after the foliage has died back, signaling that the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the daffodil bulbs and gently separate the offsets, which are the smaller bulbs that have formed around the base of the mother bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately, ensuring they are placed at a depth three times the height of the bulb, which is usually about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters). Planting at this depth ensures that the new bulbs have adequate protection and can establish themselves before the onset of winter. This method of division is a straightforward and effective way to increase the number of daffodils in your garden.
