Yellow Pearl Daffodil Narcissus rupicola 'Yellow Pearl' (7)
ABOUT
The Narcissus rupicola 'Yellow Pearl', commonly known as the daffodil, is a perennial bulbous plant known for its striking flowers. It produces beautiful blooms that are characterized by a prominent trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of six petal-like tepals. These floral parts typically display a vibrant yellow hue that can brighten up any garden. The petals may have a slightly paler shade compared to the deeper yellow trumpet, creating a lovely contrast that draws the eye. As the name 'Yellow Pearl' suggests, the flowers exude a delicate, pearly luster, giving them an exquisite and somewhat luxurious appearance. The plant's foliage is long and slender, typically a rich green in color, which provides a perfect backdrop for the showy flowers and accentuates their bright coloration. The daffodil's foliage often emerges first, followed by the stunning blooms that signal the arrival of spring, providing a cheerful display in outdoor spaces. The overall form of the plant is elegant, with flowers gracefully poised atop sturdy, upright stems that emerge from the green, strap-like leaves. Although the size is not to be detailed, the plant's proportional structure contributes to its ornamental appeal, with the flowers complementing the foliage in a balanced arrangement. The 'Yellow Pearl' variation blooms in the early to mid-spring season and can become the highlight in gardens or naturalized areas during this time. This variety of daffodil, with its sunlit colors and alluring form, is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of perennial charm to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus rupicola 'Yellow Pearl'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, including the Narcissus rupicola 'Yellow Pearl', is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids such as lycorine, with the bulb being the most poisonous part. Consumption of any part of the plant can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting daffodil can lead to more serious symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, and in extreme cases, can be fatal. Handling the bulbs can sometimes cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals, so it's advisable to wear gloves when planting or handling them.
To pets
Daffodil, including the Narcissus rupicola 'Yellow Pearl', is poisonous to pets, including dogs and cats, if ingested. The toxic compounds, predominantly lycorine, are present in the bulbs, leaves, and flowers of the plant. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning in pets can include vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. Severe cases can lead to acute kidney failure, convulsions, or even death, particularly if the bulb is consumed. It is important to keep pets away from daffodils and seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
0 feet 6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Spread
0 feet 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Spain
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Aesthetics: Narcissus rupicola 'Yellow Pearl' or daffodil provides bright yellow blooms that can beautify gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, thus helping to pollinate other plants in the vicinity.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are hardy and easy to care for, with minimal maintenance requirements.
- Prolific Bloomer: They produce a generous number of flowers each spring, adding consistent color year after year.
- Naturalizing Qualities: Daffodils have the ability to spread and naturalize in an area, creating a larger display over time.
- Resistant to Pests: Daffodils are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making them a low-risk choice for any garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Long-lasting Flowers: The blooms have a long life span, both on the plant and as cut flowers in vases.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus rupicola 'Yellow Pearl', or simply Narcissus, can be used as a natural pest repellent when planted in gardens, as some pests are deterred by its scent.
- It's often used in perfumery for creating floral scents, taking advantage of its aromatic flowers.
- Narcissus bulbs can be placed in bowls with water as a form of "forcing" to bloom indoors, providing aesthetic appeal during winter months.
- The flowers can be used to produce a natural yellow dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Pressed Narcissus flowers are sometimes incorporated into paper making or for decorating homemade candles.
- Narcissus flowers can serve as a muse for artists and writers, being historically linked to concepts of beauty and self-reflection.
- The plant can be used in educational settings to teach botany and the life cycle of bulbous plants.
- In floral language or floriography, Narcissus is associated with vanity and can be used in compositions to convey a message.
- They are sometimes planted on green roofs for their hardy and low-maintenance nature, contributing to urban biodiversity.
- Due to their early bloom, they are ideal for planting in butterfly gardens to provide nectar for early-season butterflies.
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: Named after the mythological Greek character, Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, the narcissus flower can symbolize self-appreciation and care.
- New Beginnings: Narcissus often blooms at the start of spring, signifying the beginning of a new season or the start of something new in life.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the narcissus is associated with wealth and good fortune, making it a common gift for new ventures.
- Hope: With its ability to emerge from the cold winter soil, the narcissus represents hope and the perseverance to overcome challenges.
- Vanity: Due to its connection to the Narcissus myth, the plant sometimes symbolizes excessive pride or self-absorption.
- Renewal: Echoing its role in symbolizing new beginnings, the narcissus also conveys a sense of revival and rejuvenation.
- Inner Reflection: The flower can prompt a period of self-reflection, encouraging individuals to look within and evaluate themselves.
WaterThe Daffodil 'Yellow Pearl' should be watered thoroughly during their growing season in spring, ensuring that the soil is kept moderately moist. It is recommended to provide about 1 inch of water per week, which can be adjusted according to rainfall. After the flowers and leaves die back at the end of their growing season, reduce watering significantly as the bulbs enter dormancy. Overwatering during dormancy can lead to rot, so only water if the bulbs are in containers and the soil is completely dry. During active growth, a consistent watering schedule will support the development of strong blooms and foliage.
LightDaffodils, including the 'Yellow Pearl', thrive best in full to partial sunlight. They require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can tolerate some light afternoon shade. Placing them in a spot that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of late afternoon can be ideal.
TemperatureThe Daffodil 'Yellow Pearl' prefers cooler climates and can typically withstand winter conditions in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. The ideal growing temperature for daffodils ranges from 50°F to 60°F. These plants can survive minimum temperatures down to -40°F and maximum temperatures up to 80°F but strive for a cooler range for optimal growth.
PruningPruning is not typically required for Daffodil 'Yellow Pearl', but deadheading, which involves removing spent flower heads, can encourage the plant to direct energy back to the bulb rather than seed production. It's generally recommended to leave the foliage intact until it naturally turns yellow and withers, usually about six weeks after blooming, as this process nourishes the bulbs for the next season. Pruning should be done with clean shears to prevent disease spread.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Daffodil 'Yellow Pearl' should be well-draining with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.0 to 7.0. A combination of loamy soil with added sand and organic matter like compost will promote healthy growth.
RepottingDaffodils, including the 'Yellow Pearl', typically do not need to be repotted often. They should be repotted once every 3 to 5 years or when the bulbs have multiplied and the pot is overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Yellow Pearl' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require high humidity. Average room humidity is suitable for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with partial to full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Yellow Pearl' starts its life with a dormant bulb that begins to grow roots and shoots when stimulated by favorable conditions, typically in the fall. The shoots emerge from the soil and develop into long, strap-like green leaves. Following the leaf development, a flower stalk grows which bears the plant's distinctive trumpet-shaped yellow flowers, generally blooming in spring. After flowering, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis and stores energy in the bulb for the next cycle. Once the leaves yellow and die back, the plant returns to dormancy over the summer months. Each year, the cycle repeats, with the possibility of the bulb producing offsets leading to the propagation of new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus rupicola 'Yellow Pearl', more commonly known as the daffodil, is best propagated through division, a method where clumps of bulbs are separated into individual bulbs which can then be replanted. This process is typically carried out in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the plants have become dormant. Carefully dig up the clumps of bulbs and gently pull them apart, ensuring each section has at least one bulb with roots attached. The bulbs are then replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), spaced around 3 to 4 inches (roughly 7.5 to 10 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil. This method not only helps to increase the number of plants but also invigorates older clumps that may have become too crowded, ensuring continued vigorous blooming in the following spring.
