Daffodil Narcissus 'White Lion' (4)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'White Lion' daffodil boasts strikingly beautiful flowers, distinguished by their multiple layers of petals. The blooms have a unique character where the central trumpet is replaced by additional rows of creamy white petals, giving them a ruffled and fuller look. The overall effect of these extra petals is a lush, almost rose-like appearance. Set against a backdrop of dark green, strap-like foliage, the flowers make a dramatic statement in any garden setting. The layered petals sometimes have a hint of a soft yellow at the base, adding to their charm and depth. As one of the more ornate daffodil varieties, 'White Lion' exudes an air of elegance and sophistication. Its blossoms have a symmetrical and orderly shape, which are often celebrated in spring bouquets and as a herald of the warmer months.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Double Daffodil, Peony Flowered Daffodil, Garden Narcissus, Double Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'White Lion'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, including the variety 'White Lion', contains alkaloids such as lycorine that can cause poisoning if ingested. The symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and in very rare instances, even death. It is important not to ingest any part of the plant, as all parts, especially the bulbs, are toxic.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets and contains compounds such as lycorine, which can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and heart problems if ingested. Serious cases can lead to tremors, seizures, and potentially death. All parts of the plant, particularly the bulbs, are poisonous and consumption should be avoided to prevent poisoning in 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- Ornamental Value: The Narcissus 'White Lion', commonly known as daffodil, has showy, double flowers that add visual appeal to gardens in the spring.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are known for being low maintenance, making them suitable for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
- Pest Resistant: These plants are naturally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, daffodils can tolerate periods of dryness, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
- Cold Hardy: Daffodils are cold-hardy and can survive winter in many climates, often being the first flowers to bloom in spring.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils can spread and naturalize an area over time, creating a more robust and self-sustaining garden landscape.
- Longevity: Many daffodil varieties, including 'White Lion', are known for their long-lasting blooms in the spring.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of gardens and the broader ecosystem.
- Cut Flower: Daffodils are popular as cut flowers for indoor decoration due to their beauty and long vase life.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'White Lion', commonly known as daffodil, can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of spring and a gentle fragrance to bouquets and centerpieces.
- The daffodil's bulbs can be forced in indoor pots to bloom out of season, providing a splash of color and hope during long winter months.
- Dried daffodil petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourris, combining them with other dried flowers and spices to create a pleasant, natural fragrance for your home.
- Daffodils are often used in gardening to naturalize an area, as they can spread and return year after year, creating a low-maintenance and perennial garden display.
- With their bright appearance, daffodils can be planted in public spaces such as parks and community gardens to enhance the beauty of these areas and encourage community engagement with nature.
- The flowers of the daffodil can be used in photography as a symbol of new beginnings and the arrival of spring, making them a popular subject for seasonal art and thematic shoots.
- Daffodils can serve as organic markers of the seasons in educational settings, helping children learn about plant life cycles and the changes that occur with the seasons.
- In culinary applications, some cultures use the petals of certain types of edible daffodils in salads, although it's crucial to ensure the variety is non-toxic and free from pesticides before consumption.
- Daffodils can be used in certain eco-friendly pest control methods, as they are believed to repel some rodents and deer that may otherwise harm garden plants.
- During spring festivals, daffodils can be worn as a part of floral crowns or as boutonnieres, signifying the celebration of the season and participating in the festive aesthetics.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is considered to embody the energy of wealth and abundance in Feng Shui. To attract prosperity, it's advisable to place the Narcissus in the wealth corner of the home or office, which is typically the southeast corner. Additionally, as the Narcissus blooms in spring, it is associated with new beginnings and can be used to energize personal growth by positioning it in the northeast sector related to self-cultivation and knowledge.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus 'White Lion', commonly known as the Daffodil, often blooms in early spring, symbolizing the departure of winter and the arrival of a fresh start or new beginnings.
- Unrequited Love: In the language of flowers, daffodils can sometimes represent unrequited love, drawing from the Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Self-Esteem: The bright, showy bloom of the daffodil is also associated with self-esteem, representing confidence and self-love due to its connection with the Narcissus myth.
- Inspiration and Creativity: The daffodil's vibrant appearance and early spring arrival are thought to symbolize inspiration and creativity, bringing a sense of renewal that encourages artistic endeavors.
WaterDaffodils, including the 'White Lion' variety, should be watered deeply when first planted and during active growth in the spring, requiring about 1 inch of water per week. The watering frequency might diminish as the flowers start to die back and the foliage begins to yellow, signaling the end of the growth cycle, typically not requiring additional water unless there is an extended dry period. In general, daffodils require less water once established and can be watered every two to three weeks with approximately 1-2 gallons, depending on rainfall and soil conditions. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to bulb rot.
LightDaffodils, like the 'White Lion', perform best in full to partial sunlight, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot for planting daffodils would be an area that receives morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon, which helps protect the blooms from the intense afternoon heat. Avoid deep shade, as it can lead to poor flowering.
TemperatureDaffodils, such as the 'White Lion', prefer temperate conditions and are hardy in a range of climates. They can survive winter conditions down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but perform best when spring temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The bulbs go dormant during the summer, tolerating temperatures up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but excessive heat can be detrimental.
PruningPruning daffodils, such as 'White Lion', primarily involves deadheading spent flowers to maintain aesthetics and prevent seed production, which can reduce next year's bloom. However, do not cut back the foliage until it has yellowed and died naturally, usually six weeks after blooming, as the leaves are needed to nourish the bulbs for future growth. Pruning is typically done once a year, after the flowering period.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDaffodils like 'White Lion' thrive best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of one part loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part peat or well-rotted organic matter can create an ideal growing medium for these bulbs. Ensure that the soil is loose and not compacted to allow for proper drainage.
RepottingDaffodils such as 'White Lion' typically do not need to be repotted annually. However, they should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain vigor. After flowering has ended and the foliage has died back, you can lift the bulbs, gently separate them, and replant immediately or store and replant in the fall.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like 'White Lion' are not overly sensitive to humidity levels and can tolerate the average humidity found in most outdoor environments. They do not require high humidity to thrive, making them versatile for different outdoor settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in partial to full sun; keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Narcissus 'White Lion', commonly known as the daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which lies dormant underground during the winter. In early spring, the bulb sprouts and elongated green leaves emerge, followed by the growth of a central flower stalk. The stalk bears a fragrant, double white bloom often tinged with yellow at the heart, which typically appears in mid to late spring. After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis, where the leaves gather energy from the sun, which is then stored in the bulb for the next growing season. As the temperature rises in late spring or early summer, the leaves yellow and wither as the plant enters dormancy. The bulb remains underground until the following spring, when the life cycle repeats with a new sprout and subsequent flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Daffodil 'White Lion' is by dividing the bulbs. This is typically done in the late summer to fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. To propagate, you carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently separate them by hand. Each offset or smaller bulb that has developed at the base of a mother bulb can be detached and replanted. Make sure to leave as much of the roots intact as possible. Replant the bulbs about 6 inches (15.24 cm) deep and about 6 inches apart to give them sufficient room to grow. It is important to choose a well-drained location because the bulbs can rot if they sit in too much water.
