Daffodil Narcissus fernandesii var. cordubensis (13)
ABOUT
Narcissus fernandesii var. cordubensis, commonly known as a variety of daffodil, is characterized by its distinctive floral and foliage features. The plant produces striking flowers, each typically consisting of a central bell-shaped structure surrounded by a star-shaped whorl of petal-like segments. These flowers are brightly colored, often in shades of yellow or white, which can add a cheerful pop of color to the landscape during its blooming season. The foliage of this daffodil variety includes slender, elongated leaves that emerge from the base of the plant. These leaves are usually green, offering a complementary backdrop to the prominent blooms. The leaves may have a slightly waxy or glossy surface, which helps to highlight the texture and form of the foliage. Overall, the appearance of Narcissus fernandesii var. cordubensis is elegant and eye-catching, making it a favored choice for ornamental plantings and garden displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Corduban Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. nevadensis, Narcissus minor var. nevadensis.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Daffodil contains toxic alkaloids, predominantly lycorine. If ingested, daffodils can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and convulsions. Handling the bulbs may also cause skin irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals. It is important to keep daffodils out of the reach of children and to not mistake the bulbs for edible bulbs such as onions.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the bulbs, can lead to symptoms like vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, convulsions, and potentially severe drops in blood pressure. Serious cases of daffodil poisoning may be fatal to pets. It is crucial to prevent pets from accessing areas where daffodils are planted or stored.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
0.5 feet [15 cm]
Spread
0.5 feet [15 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Spain
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: This plant, known as the Daffodil, is widely appreciated for its attractive, bright yellow flowers that can add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: The Daffodil blooms in spring, providing seasonal color and marking the end of winter.
- Wildlife Attraction: Daffodils can attract pollinators such as bees, which are important for the pollination of other plants in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: These plants are generally easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once planted in suitable conditions.
- Perennial Growth: The Daffodil is a perennial, meaning it can live for more than two years, often flowering annually with proper care.
- Naturalizing: These plants can spread over time, creating natural drifts of color in the landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Daffodils can be relatively tolerant of short periods of drought.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus oils derived from the flowers of narcissus are sometimes used in perfumery, to provide a rich and heady fragrance.
- The bulbs of narcissus plants can be processed to extract starch which can be used in the textile industry for sizing woven fabrics.
- Narcissus flowers can be a source of yellow dye for fabrics when the appropriate mordants are used to fix the color.
- In some cultures, narcissus plants are associated with good fortune and are used in celebratory and ceremonial garlands or decorations.
- Narcissus flowers are used in the art of plant pressing, where blossoms are dried and flattened to be used in botanical art or crafts.
- The scent of narcissus is sometimes used in aromatherapy as it is believed to reduce stress and improve mood in non-medicinal practices.
- Dried narcissus petals are occasionally incorporated into potpourri mixtures to add fragrance to indoor spaces.
- Narcissus flowers can be used in educational settings as a subject for botanical illustration or photography due to their intricate structures.
- Certain blends of tea might include small amounts of edible narcissus petals for visual appeal, although this practice is not common and should be approached with caution.
- During holiday seasons, especially around Chinese New Year, narcissus blooms are cultivated as ornamental plants symbolizing prosperity and are given as gifts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: As a plant that blooms in the spring, Narcissus often symbolizes rebirth and the coming of a new season or chapter in life.
- Self-Love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, the Narcissus can symbolize self-admiration and vanity.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, the Narcissus is believed to bring good fortune and wealth, making it a popular plant around the Lunar New Year.
- Hope: The Narcissus, with its ability to bloom in the early spring, often even while snow is still on the ground, represents hope and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Inner Reflection: Related to the story of Narcissus, this plant can also be a reminder for introspection and considering how we see ourselves and others.
WaterThe Spanish Daffodil should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically about once a week. It's essential not to overwater, as this can lead to bulb rot. During the active growing season, water with approximately 16-24 ounces of water per square foot of soil, adjusting the amount as needed for your specific climate and the plant's needs. In the dormant period, reduce watering frequency substantially to prevent the soil from being soggy, potentially watering only every few weeks with lesser amounts to keep the bulb from drying out completely.
LightSpanish Daffodils require bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. They are best positioned in a spot where they can receive morning sunlight and partial shade during the harsh afternoon hours. Avoid placing them in deep shade or full, strong afternoon sun as neither extreme is beneficial for their growth and bloom production.
TemperatureSpanish Daffodils do well in temperatures ranging between 50°F and 70°F during their growth period. They can tolerate temperatures slightly above this range but should not be exposed to temperatures below 20°F, as this could cause damage to the plant. The ideal temperature range for these plants is a consistent 55°F to 65°F for optimal growth.
PruningPruning Spanish Daffodils is necessary to remove spent flowers and encourage a tidy appearance. Deadheading, or removing the faded blooms, should be done as soon as the flowers wither, which typically occurs a few weeks after blooming. Cutting back foliage is only advisable after it has yellowed and begun to die back naturally, signaling the end of the growing season. This usually takes place in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Spanish Daffodil (Narcissus fernandesii var. cordubensis) should be well-draining with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of loamy soil, sand, and peat or compost will create an ideal environment for root development and bulb health.
RepottingSpanish Daffodils typically need to be repotted every 2 to 3 years. The best time to repot is after the leaves have died back post-flowering season, which is generally in late spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingSpanish Daffodils prefer a moderate level of humidity. While they do not require as high humidity as some tropical plants, providing a humidity level of about 40 to 60% will support their growth and flowering processes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, away from drafts, with moderate watering.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to part shade, protect from severe frosts.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus fernandesii var. cordubensis, commonly known as the Corduban Daffodil, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs with the onset of favorable conditions like moist soil and appropriate temperatures. The seeds develop into bulbs, which are the plant's storage organs and serve as the basis for growth in subsequent years. As spring approaches, the bulb produces foliage and a flower stalk, with the characteristic daffodil flower blooming at the top. After pollination, typically by insects, the flower fades and the plant forms a seed capsule. Once the seeds mature, they are dispersed, often by wind or water, to begin the next generation. Throughout the summer, the foliage dies back and the plant goes dormant, conserving energy in the bulb for the next growing cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Narcissus fernandesii var. cordubensis, commonly known as the Spanish daffodil, is most popularly propagated through division of bulbs. The optimal time to propagate these bulbs is in late summer, after the foliage has died back, allowing the bulbs to have a dormant period before the next growing season. To propagate, one should carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate any bulblets that have formed at the base of the parent bulb. These bulblets can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 5 to 6 inches (about 12.7 to 15.24 cm) and spaced 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.16 cm) apart from each other in well-drained soil, ideally in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. Over time, these bulblets will mature into flowering bulbs, continuing the growth cycle of the Spanish daffodil.
