Double Daffodil Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness' (4)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness' is a perennial plant known for its beautifully fragrant, double flowers. The plant boasts cheerful yellow blooms that are comprised of multiple layers of soft, rounded petals. At the center of each flower, a cluster of smaller petals and stamens gives the appearance of a ruffled cup, enhancing its fluffy texture. The petals can exhibit a slightly paler shade along their edges, creating a subtle two-tone effect. The flowers typically grow in clusters, giving a fuller, more abundant display of color. The foliage of this narcissus variety is slender and strap-like, featuring a rich green hue that provides a striking contrast to the brightness of the flowers. While the plant is part of the daffodil family, the specific characteristics of its full, frilly blossoms and its inviting yellow color give 'Yellow Cheerfulness' its distinctive presence in the garden, capable of catching the eye and enlivening the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Double Daffodil, Double Narcissus, Peony-Flowered Daffodil
Common names
Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil (Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness') contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine and others that can cause poisoning if ingested. When any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, is eaten, it can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more significant issues like cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and convulsions. Handling the plant, especially cutting the stems, can also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Daffodil (Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness') is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The plant contains alkaloids that can cause vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The most poisonous part is the bulb, but all parts of the plant can be harmful if ingested by your pet. In severe cases, eating daffodils can lead to serious consequences such as secondary heart or respiratory problems and could be fatal without prompt veterinary care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Western Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: 'Yellow Cheerfulness' daffodil adds vibrant yellow hues and a double-flowered form, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Ease of Growth: Daffodils are known for their hardiness and ease of cultivation, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring Bloom: As a spring-blooming flower, it provides early color to gardens after winter dormancy, signaling the arrival of warmer weather.
- Pest Resistance: Daffodils are generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Naturalizing: This plant has the ability to naturalize, meaning it can spread and propagate on its own, creating larger displays over time.
- Low Maintenance: Daffodils require minimal care once established, making them a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity and the health of the surrounding environment.
- Cut Flower Use: 'Yellow Cheerfulness' is suitable for cutting and can be used to create fragrant, cheerful indoor bouquets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a subtle yellow hue to textiles.
- In perfumery, the delicate fragrance of the flowers can be captured and used as a heart note in floral perfumes.
- The plant can be pressed and included in botanical artwork or herbarium collections for educational purposes.
- As a garden ornamental, Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness' can be planted in large numbers to create striking visual displays during spring.
- When dried, the flowers can be incorporated into potpourri blends, contributing a light springtime fragrance to a room.
- Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness' can be used in wedding bouquets and floral arrangements for a touch of spring elegance.
- The plant's bulb contains storage materials that can be studied for botanical and horticultural research on storage tissue.
- Its distinctive early spring blooming can function as a phenological indicator for climate change studies.
- The flowers can be used as a natural pest repellent, as some pests are deterred by their scent.
- Educators may use Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness' as a species to teach plant life cycles and reproduction in biology classes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil is often associated with good fortune and regarded as a sign of prosperity in Feng Shui. Place daffodils in the wealth corner of a home or business space to attract positive energy and wealth, which according to the bagua map, is the southeast corner of a room or space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness' or Daffodil often blooms in early spring, symbolizing the coming of a new cycle and fresh starts.
- Unrequited Love: Stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus, the flower can symbolize self-love and obsession, often used to represent unreciprocated feelings.
- Inspiration and Creativity: The bright, cheery appearance of the Daffodil can also be emblematic of inspiration and the ability to generate new ideas or creations.
- Happiness and Joy: The vibrant yellow hue of the 'Yellow Cheerfulness' Daffodil is frequently associated with happiness, making it a common gift to brighten someone's day or convey warm wishes.
WaterDaffodils, like 'Yellow Cheerfulness', should be watered deeply when first planted to help them establish roots. Once established, watering can be reduced, and they should be watered whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, which can be roughly once a week depending on weather conditions. During the growing season, providing about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering, is typically sufficient. After they have finished flowering and start to go dormant, reduce watering significantly. It's important not to overwater as this can lead to bulb rot, so make sure the soil is well-draining.
LightDaffodils, including 'Yellow Cheerfulness', thrive in full to partial sunlight. They perform best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that gets morning sunlight and afternoon shade is often ideal, especially in areas with hot afternoons. Avoid heavily shaded areas as this can impede flower development.
TemperatureDaffodils such as 'Yellow Cheerfulness' can survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F but prefer a temperate climate. The ideal growing temperature range for daffodils is between 50°F and 70°F. They are spring bloomers and will emerge once the ground thaws if they have been exposed to winter chilling.
PruningPruning 'Yellow Cheerfulness' daffodils involves deadheading the spent flowers to maintain appearance and prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from next year's bloom. Leave the foliage in place until it yellows and begins to die back naturally, usually about six weeks after flowering, to allow the bulbs to store energy. Pruning back the foliage too early can weaken the bulbs.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils like 'Yellow Cheerfulness' thrive in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix consisting of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure is ideal for ensuring good drainage and fertility. The best pH for this daffodil is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Repotting'Yellow Cheerfulness' daffodils, as with most daffodils, don't require frequent repotting. They should be repotted every 3-5 years or when you notice the clumps becoming overcrowded. This is usually indicated by a decline in blooming.
Humidity & Misting'Yellow Cheerfulness' daffodils are not highly sensitive to humidity and can tolerate the typical range found in outdoor gardens. They do not have specific humidity requirements, making them versatile for various climates as long as they are watered appropriately.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a well-lit area and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with good drainage in autumn.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness' is Daffodil 'Yellow Cheerfulness'. This plant starts its cycle with a dormant bulb, which begins to develop roots and shoots as the temperature cools in the fall. The shoots emerge from the soil in late winter or early spring, depending on the climate, and the daffodil forms a rosette of leaves. During spring, the plant blooms, producing fragrant, double flowers that are yellow in color. After flowering, the foliage photosynthesizes to replenish the bulb's energy reserves, then the leaves yellow and die back as the plant goes into dormancy during the summer months. The cycle repeats each year with the bulb reawakening in the fall.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
The most popular method of propagating Narcissus 'Yellow Cheerfulness', commonly known as daffodil, is through dividing and replanting the bulbs. The ideal time for this process is after the foliage has died back, usually in late summer or early fall. Gardeners should gently lift the clump of bulbs with a garden fork and carefully separate the offsets, which are the small bulbs that form at the base of the main bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 cm) and spaced 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart to allow room for growth. They should be placed in well-drained soil with good sunlight and watered in to settle the soil around them. This straightforward approach ensures the production of blooming plants in the following spring.
