Daffodil Narcissus 'Warbler' (6)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Warbler' is a striking variety of daffodil known for its vibrant blooms that signal the arrival of spring. This plant bears flowers that typically have a bright, sunny yellow hue. The petals surrounding the central cup are often a lighter shade of yellow, creating a delicate contrast that enhances its visual appeal. The central cup itself is a deeper yellow and has slightly ruffled edges, adding to the flower's ornate appearance. Each stem of the Narcissus 'Warbler' typically holds a single flower, which stands proudly above the foliage. The leaves are long and slender, with a deep green color that serves as a perfect backdrop to the lively blooms. The texture of the leaves is slightly glossy, contributing an additional element of lushness to the overall look of the plant. The Narcissus 'Warbler' adds a burst of color and a touch of elegance to any garden setting, embodying the rejuvenation of the spring season.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Warbler'
ToxicityTo humans
Narcissus 'Warbler', commonly known as the daffodil, is toxic to humans. All parts of the daffodil contain toxic alkaloids, with the bulb being the most poisonous part. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases may lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and even seizures. Skin contact with the sap may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodils are also toxic to pets. If ingested by cats, dogs, or other domestic animals, the alkaloids can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues, cardiac problems, or even seizures. It's particularly important to prevent pets from accessing the bulbs, which contain the highest concentration of these toxic compounds.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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- Attracts Pollinators: 'Warbler' daffodils provide a source of nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects early in the season.
- Low Maintenance: As a hardy perennial, the 'Warbler' daffodil requires minimal care once established, making it an easy choice for gardeners at all levels of experience.
- Spring Color: With its vibrant yellow and orange blooms, 'Warbler' daffodils add a cheerful pop of color to gardens as one of the first flowers to emerge in spring.
- Naturalizing: Over time, 'Warbler' daffodils will multiply and spread naturally, creating larger and more beautiful displays each year without additional planting.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Daffodils, including the 'Warbler' variety, are not favored by deer or rodents, which helps to ensure the blooms are not destroyed by wildlife.
- Longevity: 'Warbler' daffodils can live and bloom for many years, with some clumps of daffodils known to survive for decades, providing long-term gratification.
- Versatility: These daffodils can be planted in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and containers, or used as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subjects: Narcissus 'Warbler' flowers are often sought after by photographers due to their vibrant colors and striking shapes, making them ideal for botanical photography and art projects.
- Perfumery: Extracts from Narcissus 'Warbler' can be used in the making of perfumes, offering a unique floral scent that is admired for its freshness and lightness.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not commonly consumed, the petals of the Narcissus 'Warbler' can be used as decorative garnishes for salads and desserts to add a pop of color.
- Victorian Language of Flowers: In the art of floriography, the Narcissus 'Warbler' represents self-love and can be used in bouquets to convey a message of self-admiration or esteem.
- Eco-Friendly Dyes: The flowers and stems of Narcissus 'Warbler' may be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering an environmentally conscious alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried petals of the Narcissus 'Warbler' can be used as biodegradable confetti for celebrations and weddings, reducing environmental impact.
- Folk Art Materials: The dried stalks and seed pods of Narcissus 'Warbler' can be used in folk art and crafting, for creating unique textures and decorations in handmade crafts.
- Symbolic Gifts: A bouquet of Narcissus 'Warbler' can be given as a gift symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, especially during spring festivals or as a token for someone starting afresh.
- Education and Study: Botanists and horticulture students may use the Narcissus 'Warbler' plant for studying plant morphology, pollination strategies, and hybridization techniques.
- Themes for Events and Decor: The flower of Narcissus 'Warbler' can serve as a theme for garden parties and springtime events, influencing décor, invitations, and color schemes.
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: Due to its tendency to be one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, the Narcissus, commonly known as Daffodil, is often associated with rebirth and new beginnings.
- Unrequited Love: Inspired by the Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection, the daffodil can sometimes symbolize unrequited love or self-absorption.
- Hope and Encouragement: The bright and lively appearance of the daffodil brings hope and is a source of encouragement to many.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils are believed to bring good fortune and are associated with prosperity.
- Respect and Admiration: A bouquet of daffodils can express respect and admiration for someone's hard work and creativity.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Warbler', should be watered thoroughly at planting and then need little to no additional water unless conditions are particularly dry. During their growth period, generally in the spring, they benefit from about one inch of water per week, which equates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard weekly. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent bulb rot. Post-bloom, you can reduce watering as the foliage begins to die back naturally.
LightThe best light conditions for a Daffodil are full sun to partial shade. They thrive when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for a Daffodil is an area with morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect them from intense heat.
TemperatureDaffodils prefer cooler temperatures and are hardy in a range of conditions. They can survive winter freezes, tolerating temperatures as low as 20°F, and perform best when spring temperatures average around 50°F to 65°F. Extreme heat above 90°F can be detrimental to the plant's health and blooming.
PruningDaffodils require minimal pruning. After blooms have faded, it's crucial to deadhead the flowers but leave the foliage intact to allow energy to return to the bulbs for the next season. The best time for this is when the blooms begin to wither, but before seed pods form. The leaves should be allowed to die back naturally and can be removed when they turn yellow.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodil 'Warbler' prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix consists of equal parts loam, sand, and compost to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Warbler', do not need frequent repotting. They should be repotted only if the bulbs become overcrowded, typically every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Warbler' does well in average humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments and does not require specific humidity levels when planted in the ground.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure proper pot drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with partial to full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common daffodil 'Warbler' starts its life as a dormant bulb, surviving underground during colder seasons. In early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, sending up shoots which develop into long, slender leaves and a central stalk. By mid-spring, the stalk bears a single flower characterized by its bright yellow petals and trumpet-like corona. After blooming, the daffodil 'Warbler' undergoes pollination, potentially by insects, leading to seed formation for those that are not sterile; however, reproduction primarily occurs asexually through bulb division. As the flowering ends and summer approaches, the leaves yellow and die back as the plant enters a period of dormancy, conserving energy within the bulb. The cycle recommences the following spring, with the bulb giving rise to new growth, continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Narcissus 'Warbler', commonly known as Daffodil 'Warbler', is typically propagated through the division of its bulbs. The ideal time to propagate the Daffodil 'Warbler' by bulb division is in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate them into individual bulbs. Each detached bulb can be planted immediately, about 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep and spaced about 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) apart, in well-drained soil with good sunlight. Over time, these individual bulbs will develop into blooming plants, continuing the cycle of growth for this beautiful daffodil variety.
