Daffodil Narcissus 'Yellow Xit' (3)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Yellow Xit' is a showy flower known commonly as a daffodil. It boasts vibrant yellow blooms which often signal the arrival of spring. The flowers are characterized by their distinctive trumpet-shaped central corona surrounded by a circle of petal-like tepals which can also be described as the flower's perianth segments. This particular variant of daffodil has a rich, sunny hue throughout the entire flower head. The corona often appears slightly ruffled, providing a touch of elegance to the overall appearance. Foliage of this plant is slender and blade-like, generally presenting a green to blue-green color palette, contrasting nicely with the bright flowers. As a perennial, it emerges year after year with its cheerful blossoms held aloft on sturdy stalks, adding bursts of color to the garden landscape in the season of bloom.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Dwarf Daffodil, Miniature Daffodil, Narcissus 'Yellow Xit'
Common names
Narcissus 'Yellow Xit'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, including the cultivar 'Yellow Xit', contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine which are present in all parts of the plant, particularly the bulb. Ingestion can lead to symptoms that may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe cases can involve dehydration, tremors, convulsions, and potentially life-threatening complications if enough of the plant material is consumed.
To pets
Daffodil is also toxic to pets and contains compounds such as lycorine that can cause vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The bulb is the most poisonous part. If a pet ingests daffodil, it may experience serious gastrointestinal distress and should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Western Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ease of Growth: Narcissus 'Yellow Xit', commonly known as Daffodil, is generally easy to grow and tolerates different types of soil and climates.
- Winter Hardiness: Daffodils are able to withstand cold winter conditions, making them suitable for a variety of landscapes.
- Early Blooms: One of the earliest flowering plants in spring, providing vibrant color after a dull winter.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Daffodils require minimal care, with no need for regular watering or fertilization.
- Pest Resistance: These plants are resistant to many pests and diseases, ensuring they remain healthy without the need for chemical treatments.
- Longevity: Daffodils are perennials, often living for many years and re-blooming each spring.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils have the ability to spread and naturalize an area, creating striking drifts of color over time.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: Typically, they are not favored by deer and rodents, which can protect other nearby plants in the garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide early nectar for bees and other pollinating insects.
- Landscaping Versatility: Daffodils can be planted in flower beds, borders, containers, and can complement other spring-flowering bulbs.
- Propagates Easily: With division of bulbs, gardeners can increase their daffodil collection and share with others.
- Symbolism and Tradition: Daffodils are a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings, making them a popular choice for gardens and as gifts.
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 Xit' bulbs can be used in natural dyeing processes, as the compounds in the bulbs may produce varying shades of yellow and brown.
- These flowers can be utilized for their scent in the perfume industry, capturing the essence of spring in fragrant products.
- As a symbol of new beginnings and rebirth, the Narcissus 'Yellow Xit' is often used in celebratory bouquets for events like weddings or graduations.
- In art, the distinctive shape and color of Narcissus 'Yellow Xit' can inspire floral patterns in textiles, wallpapers, and other graphic designs.
- The plant can be incorporated into educational programs for children, teaching them about bulb growth cycles and plant biology.
- Narcissus 'Yellow Xit' can serve as a natural pest deterrent, as some pests avoid the area around these plants due to their toxicity.
- Photographers may use the attractive blooms of Narcissus 'Yellow Xit' as subjects for practicing macro photography techniques.
- These flowers are often a choice for themed gardens, such as yellow gardens or spring bulb displays, creating visually appealing landscapes.
- Narcissus 'Yellow Xit' can be a muse for poets and writers, often symbolizing self-reflection and vanity, as referenced in Greek mythology.
- As part of a biodegradable burial option, these bulbs can be planted on graves, representing the cycle of life and death.
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, commonly known as the daffodil, is a symbol of self-love, referencing the Greek myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Renewal: Representing the first flowers of spring, daffodils symbolize new beginnings and the rebirth of nature.
- Vanity: Due to the Narcissus myth, these flowers can also symbolize vanity and excessive self-admiration.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, daffodils represent wealth and good fortune.
- Uncertainty: The daffodil can also symbolize uncertainty or unrequited love, as represented in the story of Ameinias who was rejected by Narcissus.
WaterDaffodils like Narcissus 'Yellow Xit' require consistent moisture during their growing season. It's best to water them thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, they may need watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the soil around the bulbs, which might mean using approximately 1 gallon for each square foot of soil every week during their active growth. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to bulb rot.
LightDaffodils, including Narcissus 'Yellow Xit,' thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. For best growth, place them in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they will also perform well in an area that has some light afternoon shade, which can be beneficial in hotter climates.
TemperatureDaffodils like Narcissus 'Yellow Xit' prefer a cooler climate and are cold-hardy in most regions. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoy the spring temperature range between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The bulbs require a period of cold dormancy, ideally with temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit to properly develop and bloom.
PruningDaffodils such as Narcissus 'Yellow Xit' typically don't require pruning. However, after blooming, remove the spent flower heads to prevent seed formation. Leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and withers, which usually happens about six to eight weeks after flowering, as this is when the plant is storing energy for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daffodil 'Yellow Xit' is a well-draining sandy loam enriched with organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingDaffodil 'Yellow Xit' generally does not need repotting as it is typically grown from bulbs that are planted directly in the ground. However, if grown in containers, they should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Yellow Xit' prefers average humidity conditions and does not require high humidity; it thrives in the natural outdoor environment without the need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Daffodil 'Yellow Xit' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Daffodil 'Yellow Xit' in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Narcissus 'Yellow Xit', commonly known as the daffodil, begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in the fall before the first frost. The bulb remains dormant underground through the winter, drawing on stored nutrients. In early spring, the bulb sends up shoots and green leaves emerge from the soil, followed by the development of a stem bearing a single yellow flower. After the daffodil blooms, it undergoes pollination, which can lead to the formation of a seed head if fertilization occurs. Once flowering ends, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis to replenish the bulb's energy reserves for the next season. Finally, by late spring or early summer, the foliage dies back, and the daffodil reenters dormancy until the cycle restarts the following fall.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Narcissus 'Yellow Xit', commonly known as the miniature daffodil, is by dividing the bulb clusters. This typically happens after the flowering period when the leaves start to yellow, usually in late spring to early summer. Gardeners carefully dig up the bulbs, taking care not to damage them, and gently separate the smaller bulbs, or offsets, from the main bulb. Each individual offset can then be planted in well-draining soil at a depth about three times the height of the bulb, which is approximately 5 to 6 inches (about 12.7 to 15.24 centimeters), and spaced about 3 to 4 inches apart (7.62 to 10.16 centimeters). It's crucial to ensure the location offers adequate sunlight and to maintain watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The offsets will develop roots and foliage, eventually flowering in the following spring.
