Daffodil Narcissus 'Katherine Jenkins' (7)
ABOUT
The plant known as Daffodil 'Katherine Jenkins' is acknowledged for its charming and ornate flowers that emerge as a herald of spring. The blooms are distinctive with their trumpet-like corona surrounded by a star-shaped whorl of tepals. Usually, the corona is a vibrant, contrasting color, often a deeper shade compared to the paler tepals framing it, which creates a captivating two-tone effect that is highly prized in garden displays. The foliage of this daffodil is slender and elongated, typically emerging in a deep green hue which forms a fresh backdrop to the radiant flowers. The leaves grow in a clump and may have a slightly arching form which gives the plant a graceful appearance even when it is not in bloom. In terms of its flower color, 'Katherine Jenkins' often showcases a delightful combination that may include creamy whites, sunny yellows, or soft oranges, though the precise tones may vary. The central cup is usually rimmed with a different hue or can even carry a frilled or ruffled edge, adding to its ornamental qualities. The daffodil 'Katherine Jenkins' has a sturdy stem that supports the flower well, making it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements as well as for naturalizing in gardens where it can create drifts of spring color year after year. The plant's overall form is upright and tidy, making it an excellent choice for borders, beds, and containers where its delightful flowers can be admired up close.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil
Common names
Narcissus 'Katherine Jenkins'
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus 'Katherine Jenkins' belongs to the daffodil family, which is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the daffodil contain toxic alkaloids, including lycorine. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes even more severe reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias or neurological issues. Ingestion of large quantities can be very dangerous.
To pets
Daffodil, the common name for Narcissus 'Katherine Jenkins', is toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of the daffodil plant can lead to symptoms of poisoning in pets, which may include vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The bulb, plant, and flower are all toxic, with the bulb being the most dangerous part. Serious cases can be fatal, so immediate veterinary care is recommended if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot 4 inches (0.4 meters)
Spread
0 foot 6 inches (0.15 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Aesthetics: Narcissus 'Katherine Jenkins', commonly known as Daffodil, has striking flowers that enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Spring Bloom: Daffodils are among the first plants to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter and the arrival of warmer weather.
- Easy to Grow: These plants are generally easy to grow and maintain, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Perennial Growth: As perennials, Daffodils come back year after year without needing to be replanted.
- Naturalizing: Daffodils can spread and naturalize in an area, filling the space with their bright blooms over time.
- Pest Resistant: Daffodils are naturally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Symbolism: Daffodils have cultural and symbolic significance, often representing new beginnings and hope.
- Deer Resistance: Daffodils are generally not favored by deer, which helps to prevent wildlife from damaging the garden.
- Cut Flowers: Daffodils make excellent cut flowers, adding a touch of spring to indoor environments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Katherine Jenkins', commonly known as daffodil, can be used in perfumery, as the flower has a distinctive fragrance which adds a fresh, spring-like aroma to perfumes.
- These daffodils can be used in educational settings for plant biology studies, including growth patterns and genetics, due to their distinct cultivar characteristics.
- Dried daffodil petals can be incorporated into homemade paper to make decorative and fragrant stationery.
- The flowers are utilized in artistic photography, providing a vibrant and ephemeral subject that symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings.
- Daffodils can be used in dyes for fabrics, offering a natural dye solution with varying shades of yellow.
- As a seasonal indicator in gardening and agriculture, the blooming of Narcissus 'Katherine Jenkins' can signal the start of the growing season for certain crops.
- Flower arranging classes often use them to teach the principles of design and color, as their bold appearance provides a strong visual element.
- They can serve as a natural pest deterrent in gardens due to certain compounds present in the bulb that many pests find unpalatable.
- Daffodils can act as a companion plant in the vegetable garden, as they may help deter deer and rodents from more desirable crops.
- In eco-sustainable burial sites, daffodils like Narcissus 'Katherine Jenkins' are planted over graves as a long-lasting, perennial marker instead of traditional headstones.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The Narcissus typically blooms in early spring, making it a symbol of renewal and the coming of a new season or chapter in life.
- Unrequited Love: According to Greek mythology, the flower is named after Narcissus, a beautiful young man who fell in love with his own reflection. Thus, it can signify self-love or love that is not returned.
- Hope: The Narcissus is often associated with hope, due to its ability to revive every spring after the cold winter months.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, especially in Chinese culture, the Narcissus is believed to attract good fortune and wealth, especially around the Chinese New Year.
- Egoism and Vanity: Drawing from the story of Narcissus, this flower can also symbolize excessive self-involvement and vanity.
- Respect: In some traditions, the Narcissus is given as a sign of respect and recognition of someone's efforts.
- Death and Mourning: In other contexts, the Narcissus can be a symbol of sorrow and mourning, especially because it is often white, a color associated with these sentiments.
WaterDaffodils, including the Narcissus 'Katherine Jenkins', should be watered regularly after planting until they are well-established. During their growing season, ideally water them once a week with about one inch of water, particularly if the weather is dry. Water the plant at its base to avoid getting water on the foliage which can lead to fungal diseases. Daffodils generally require less water once they have finished flowering and are entering dormancy. In the fall, cut back on watering as the plant needs a drier period to rest.
LightDaffodils thrive in a spot that receives full to partial sunlight. The ideal location would be one where the plant gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which encourages strong growth and optimal flowering. While they can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can result in fewer blooms and weak, leggy plants.
TemperatureDaffodils prefer moderate temperatures and will typically do well in a range where the daytime temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may be damaged by temperatures below this range. During their active growth period in spring, the ideal conditions are cool nights and warm days.
PruningPruning daffodils involves deadheading the spent flowers after blooming to encourage bulb strength for the next season. Do not cut back the foliage until it has yellowed and begun to wither, which is typically about six weeks after flowering. Regular pruning is not required except for removing dead or damaged plant parts and spent flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Katherine Jenkins' prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and loam is ideal, with added organic matter such as leaf mold or compost.
RepottingDaffodils, including the 'Katherine Jenkins' variety, are typically grown from bulbs and do not need frequent repotting. They should be repotted or divided only when the bulbs become crowded, usually every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Katherine Jenkins' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate humidity. Average indoor humidity levels are suitable for this plant, as it does not have specific high humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil slightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Narcissus 'Katherine Jenkins', commonly known as the daffodil, begins with a period of dormancy where the bulb lies underground during the cold months. As temperatures rise in spring, new shoots emerge from the bulb, producing long, narrow leaves and a central flower stalk. The daffodil then blooms, revealing its characteristic trumpet-shaped flower, usually in hues of yellow or white. After flowering, which typically occurs between late winter and early spring, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis to store energy in the bulb for the next season. Once the leaves yellow and die back, the plant returns to dormancy. This cycle repeats annually, with bulbs potentially dividing to produce offsets, leading to clumps of flowering daffodils over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Narcissus 'Katherine Jenkins', commonly known as daffodil, is by dividing its bulbs. This is typically done in the late summer to early fall when the plant has finished flowering and has started to go dormant. Gardeners carefully dig up the bulbs, which should have formed clusters after a season of growth. They gently separate the bulbs at the natural divisions, ensuring that each section has at least one growing point or "eye." These individual bulbs are then replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) and spaced around 6 inches apart to ensure they have adequate space to grow. This division allows for a consistent rejuvenation of the plant population and also serves as a way to spread the daffodil throughout the garden or to share with other gardeners.
