Daffodil Narcissus 'Wimbledon County Girl' (2)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Wimbledon County Girl' is a captivating plant typically recognized for its distinct flowers. The blooms are characterized by a central trumpet or corona that is flanked by six petal-like segments forming a star. This trumpet is often brighter and of a contrasting color compared to the segments, which can be of a creamy white or soft yellow, giving the flower a striking two-toned effect. The petals are smooth and may have a subtle sheen, radiating outwards in a symmetrical fashion. The foliage of the Narcissus 'Wimbledon County Girl' consists of slender, strap-shaped leaves that are a bright, fresh green color. These leaves emerge from the base of the plant and provide a complementary backdrop for the vibrant flowers. The plant usually bears its flowers on individual stems, which rise elegantly above the surrounding foliage, each stem typically hosting a single bloom that nods or faces upwards, making a bold statement in the landscape. Overall, the Narcissus 'Wimbledon County Girl' presents a neat and tidy appearance, with its orderly leaves and well-proportioned flowers. The plant's aesthetic is a blend of simplicity and sophistication, making it a cherished addition to gardens seeking a burst of springtime cheer. Its appearance can vary depending on growing conditions, but it generally upholds its distinctive form and coloration that admirers of Narcissus, often referred to as daffodils, have come to love.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Wimbledon County Girl'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil is the most common name for the Narcissus 'Wimbledon County Girl', and it is potentially toxic to humans if ingested. The primary toxic agents in daffodils are alkaloids, including lycorine and others, which are present in all parts of the plant, but especially in the bulbs. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and even convulsions. Handling daffodil bulbs may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is important to seek medical attention if any parts of the plant are ingested or if a skin reaction develops after handling.
To pets
Daffodil is the most common name for the Narcissus 'Wimbledon County Girl', and it is toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets if ingested. The alkaloids present in the plant, particularly lycorine, can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Ingesting even a small amount of any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can be harmful to pets. If a pet ingests daffodils, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care as it can lead to serious health complications and potentially be fatal.
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: Adds beauty to garden spaces with its bright and cheerful flowers.
- Ease of Care: Generally low-maintenance and easy to grow, suitable for beginners.
- Attracts Pollinators: Welcomes beneficial insects like bees to the garden, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive with minimal watering once established, saving water resources.
- Pest Resistance: Typically resistant to deer and other pests, reducing the need for chemical repellents.
- Naturalizing: Can spread and propagate on its own, creating a natural-looking landscape over time.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers early spring blooms, providing color after the winter season.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in borders, pots, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Longevity: Many narcissus varieties, including 'Wimbledon County Girl', are perennial, returning year after year.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flower Arrangements: Narcissus 'Wimbledon County Girl' can be used in floral arrangements, offering a touch of elegance and a pleasant fragrance to indoor spaces.
- Photography Prop: The striking blooms of Narcissus can serve as a beautiful subject for photography, enhancing the artistic appeal of floral photography collections.
- Garden Companionship: Planting Narcissus near vegetable crops may help deter certain pests, due to their strong scent potentially confusing or repelling insects.
- Landscape Design: Narcissus can be used in landscape design to create naturalized drifts of color that mimic wild settings, especially in woodland gardens.
- Educational Tool: Narcissus can be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to teach about plant life cycles and bulb propagation.
- Celebrations and Festivals: Some cultures use Narcissus flowers in festivals and celebrations as symbols of rebirth and new beginnings in spring.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the Narcissus as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other forms of art, capturing their vivid colors and shapes.
- Dye Production: Although not a common use, the petals of Narcissus could potentially be used to produce natural dyes for textiles or crafts.
- Bee Attraction: Narcissus can serve as an early source of nectar for bees in the spring, thus contributing to the health of local bee populations.
- Memory Gardens: Due to their enduring nature and symbolism, Narcissus can be planted in memory gardens to honor and remember loved ones.
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: The Narcissus flower, commonly known as the daffodil, is associated with self-love and vanity, stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Renewal: Daffodils are often one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
- Unrequited Love: In some traditions, daffodils represent unrequited love, possibly due to their connection with the Narcissus myth and his self-focused love.
- Prosperity: Because they bloom around the time of the Chinese New Year, daffodils are seen as a symbol of wealth and good fortune in Chinese culture.
WaterDaffodil 'Wimbledon County Girl' requires consistent moisture during the growing season. They should be watered thoroughly once a week with about 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil, allowing the water to soak deeply into the ground to encourage root growth. During periods of rainfall, adjust your watering schedule to prevent overwatering. When the foliage begins to die back after flowering, reduce watering as the bulbs enter dormancy. Over the dormant season, daffodils typically do not require additional water unless the weather is exceptionally dry.
LightDaffodils, including 'Wimbledon County Girl,' thrive in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting daffodils is where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If planted in too much shade, the blooms may be less vigorous and the plants' overall health can decline.
TemperatureDaffodils like 'Wimbledon County Girl' are hardy in a range of temperatures. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 10°F and are typically planted in the fall. The ideal growing temperatures for daffodils are between 50°F and 60°F. Temperatures much above 75°F can lead to reduced blooming.
PruningPruning daffodils like 'Wimbledon County Girl' is primarily limited to removing spent blooms, which should be done as soon as the flowers fade, to prevent seed formation. After the foliage has turned yellow and withered, typically about six weeks after flowering, you can cut it back to the ground. Do not cut the foliage before it has died naturally, as the leaves provide nutrients to the bulb for next year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Wimbledon County Girl' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 6 to 7. A mix with equal parts peat, loamy soil, and sand or perlite is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and aeration. Regular incorporation of organic matter will enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Wimbledon County Girl', typically do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot once every 3 to 5 years, or when you notice a decline in flowering or overcrowding in the container.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Wimbledon County Girl' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. As long as the plant is not subjected to extremely dry air, typical household humidity levels are generally sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, ensure good drainage, and space bulbs 6 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Wimbledon County Girl', commonly known as Daffodil 'Wimbledon County Girl', begins its life cycle with a period of dormancy, where the bulb rests underground typically during the summer. As temperatures cool in autumn, roots begin to grow, anchoring the plant and absorbing nutrients. In late winter to early spring, foliage and flower stalks emerge from the bulb, and flowering occurs, displaying the plant's characteristic white petals and cup. After blooming, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage, where the leaves gather sunlight to produce food that is stored in the bulb for the next season. Once the foliage dies back, usually in late spring or early summer, the plant reenters dormancy, and the cycle prepares to restart with the cooler autumn weather facilitating the next growth phase. During its life, the plant may also reproduce asexually by division of the bulb, or sexually through seed if pollinators have visited the flowers.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The Narcissus 'Wimbledon County Girl', commonly known as the Daffodil, is typically propagated through division, which is best done in late summer to early fall after the foliage has died back. The most popular method involves carefully lifting the bulb clumps from the ground using a garden fork, separating the bulbs by gently pulling them apart while trying not to damage the roots. The offsets, which are the smaller bulbs that form at the base of the main bulb, can be replanted immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. Each separated bulb should be planted at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) with the pointed end facing upwards to ensure proper growth for the following spring.
