Daffodil Narcissus 'Derringer' (7)
ABOUT
The Narcissus 'Derringer' is a captivating plant known commonly as "Derringer Daffodil." It is characterized by its striking flowers which generally bloom in the early to mid-spring season. Each flower is marked by a prominent cup or corona that is surrounded by a ring of six petal-like tepals, which together create a classic daffodil shape. The cups are a vibrant shade, often catching the eye with their rich coloring, while the tepals are typically a softer, perhaps a creamy hue. This creates a beautiful contrast that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also quite distinctive. Adding to its charm, the daffodil's flowers are known for their delightful fragrance. This sweet scent is an added bonus to the visual beauty the plant provides. On each sturdy stalk, there is usually a single bloom, but occasionally you might find a specimen with multiple flowers clustered together. The leaves of the Derringer Daffodil are slender and long, emanating from the base in a tuft, embracing a lush green color that complements the flowers. The foliage may appear slightly arching or upright, contributing to the overall allure and form of the plant. As a plant that signals the arrival of spring, Derringer Daffodils are a popular choice for gardeners. They are often planted in groups or drifts for a striking display and can be found enhancing borders, beds, and sometimes even container gardens with their cheerful presence. The visual appeal of the Derringer Daffodil makes it a beloved feature in any garden space where the essence of spring and natural beauty is cherished.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Derringer Daffodil, Derringer Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Derringer'
ToxicityTo humans
Narcissus 'Derringer' is more commonly known as daffodil. All parts of the daffodil plant are toxic to humans if ingested. The primary toxic agents are lycorine and other alkaloids which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases may lead to more serious effects like cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, or even convulsions. Handling daffodil bulbs may also cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals. It is crucial to avoid eating any part of the plant and to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingesting any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can lead to symptoms of poisoning. These symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, breathing difficulties, and an abnormal heart rate. Severe poisoning can lead to tremors, seizures, and cardiac abnormalities. If you suspect your pet has ingested daffodil, it is vital to contact a veterinarian immediately as the consequences can be serious and potentially life-threatening.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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: The Narcissus 'Derringer' adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its striking flowers.
- Ease of Cultivation: This plant is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of different skill levels.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Spring Interest: As a spring-blooming plant, it provides early interest and color after winter dormancy.
- Naturalizing: Narcissus 'Derringer' has the ability to naturalize, meaning it can spread and increase in number over time, creating a fuller look in the landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, many narcissus varieties exhibit drought tolerance, requiring less water in comparison to other plants.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is typically resistant to deer, which helps prevent damage to the garden from grazing animals.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dyes: The Narcissus 'Derringer' can be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics and yarns.
- Cut Flowers: Due to their appealing shape and color, these flowers are often used in floral arrangements and bouquets for events and home decoration.
- Photography: The striking appearance of the Narcissus 'Derringer' makes it a popular subject for botanical photography and garden portfolios.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the plant can serve as biodegradable confetti for celebrations, reducing the environmental impact of traditional plastic confetti.
- Natural Insect Repellent: When planted in gardens, they can help deter certain insects and pests due to their natural compounds.
- Garden Aesthetics: They can be strategically planted in a garden to create visual patterns and designs when in bloom.
- Memory Gardens: Sometimes used in memory gardens or as a plant to commemorate loved ones because of the flower's association with remembrance in cultural mythology.
- Art Supplies: The petals and bulbs can be used to supply texture and color in various art projects, especially in pressed flower art.
- Fragrance Collection: While not commonly used due to their toxicity, the scent of the flowers might be inspiration for synthetically created perfumes or candles, respecting the characteristic fragrance of the flower.
- Potpourri: Dried Narcissus 'Derringer' flowers can contribute to potpourri mixes, providing a pleasing scent and adding texture to the mixture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus typically blooms in the spring, symbolizing the start of a new season and new beginnings.
- Self-Love: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, the plant can represent self-appreciation and love.
- Vanity: Again drawing from the Greek myth, the Narcissus can symbolize excessive self-admiration and vanity.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the Narcissus is believed to bring good fortune and wealth, especially when blooming during the New Year.
- Hope: The flower's ability to emerge from the cold winter ground is often seen as a sign of hope and endurance.
- Renewal: Alongside its association with new beginnings, the Narcissus may signify a sense of renewal or starting afresh.
- Inner Reflection: Encouraging introspection and the importance of understanding oneself, sparked by the flower's connection to the tale of Narcissus.
WaterDaffodil 'Derringer' prefers to be kept evenly moist but not soggy. During the growing season, typically in spring, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which could be about once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. In general, a good watering every 7 to 10 days should suffice, providing about one gallon per square foot of soil, but be sure to adjust for rainfall and avoid waterlogging. After blooming, reduce watering as the foliage starts to yellow and eventually stops as the plant goes dormant, typically by late spring or early summer.
LightDaffodil 'Derringer' thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal location would receive direct sunlight for at least half the day, so an east or west-facing garden spot is suitable. If you live in a particularly hot climate, some afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from intense heat.
TemperatureDaffodil 'Derringer' prefers cool to moderate temperature conditions and is hardy in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for daffodils is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can tolerate temperatures up to 75 degrees without any issues. Protect from extreme heat during the dormant period.
PruningPrune Daffodil 'Derringer' by deadheading spent flowers to maintain aesthetics and prevent seed pod formation, which can divert energy from next year's bloom. Leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and begins to wither, usually 6 to 8 weeks after flowering, as this allows the bulb to store energy for the next year. Pruning is only needed once flowers have faded, typically in late spring to early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodils like Narcissus 'Derringer' thrive best in well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or peat moss will make an ideal soil mix for these plants. It's vital to ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot.
RepottingDaffodils, such as Narcissus 'Derringer', generally do not need to be repotted often. They can be left undisturbed in the same pot for several years until the bulbs multiply and become crowded. Once this happens, typically every 3-5 years, they should be repotted after flowering when the foliage has died back.
Humidity & MistingDaffodils like Narcissus 'Derringer' are not particularly humidity-dependent and do well in average room humidity. The ambient outside humidity where daffodils naturally grow is generally sufficient, so there is no need to adjust indoor humidity levels for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place daffodils in bright, indirect light and keep in cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant daffodil bulbs in autumn, full sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Derringer', commonly known as Derringer Daffodil, starts its life cycle as a bulb, which remains dormant underground during the summer. In the fall, roots start to develop as temperatures drop and the bulb begins drawing nutrients from the soil. By late winter or early spring, it breaks dormancy with the emergence of green shoots that grow into long, strap-shaped leaves and a central flower stalk. The stalk produces a single bright yellow flower with a trumpet-shaped corona, usually blooming in early to mid-spring. After flowering, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis, during which time it stores energy in the bulb for the next cycle. As temperatures rise in late spring to early summer, the leaves yellow and wither as the plant enters dormancy again, completing one life cycle and preparing for the next season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Narcissus 'Derringer,' more commonly known as a type of Daffodil, is typically propagated through dividing and replanting the bulbs. The best time to do this is after the foliage has died back post flowering but before the onset of peak summer heat, usually in late summer to early fall. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of daffodil bulbs from the ground, using a garden fork to avoid damaging them. Gently pull or twist the bulbs apart, ensuring that each new section has at least one growth point or bud. Replant the divided bulbs at a depth three times the height of the bulb, which is roughly 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), and space them about 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 centimeters) apart to give each one adequate room to grow. This division method stimulates rejuvenated flowering and can help manage overcrowding in the garden.
