Jonquil 'More and More' Narcissus 'More and More' (7)
ABOUT
'More and More' is a compact bulbous perennial to around 20cm tall producing two or more, upward-facing, bright yellow, scented flowers on each stem in mid spring
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil.
Common names
Narcissus 'More and More'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot 2-3 inches (35-38 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its vibrant yellow blooms.
- Easy to Grow: Notably hardy and adaptable, it requires minimal maintenance.
- Perennial Growth: Returns each spring, providing long-term value to the gardener.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers are a source of nectar for bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Resistant to Deer: Naturally repels deer, minimizing the need for additional protective measures.
- Spring Blooming: One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter.
- Cut Flower Usage: Sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make it ideal for fresh floral arrangements.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Narcissus 'More and More', commonly known as daffodil, can be used in eco-friendly dye production, utilizing the petals to create a range of yellow hues for natural dye projects.
- As a natural pest repellent, the bulbs of daffodils can be planted among other plants to deter rodents and deer, who tend to avoid the toxic compounds in the bulbs.
- Daffodils have been utilized in art and literature as symbols of inspiration, featuring prominently in poems, stories, and paintings to represent rebirth and unrequited love.
- The blooms of daffodils are used in festive decorations, especially during spring celebrations and Easter, as they symbolize new beginnings.
- Daffodil bulbs can be forced in water to bloom indoors, providing an early hint of spring and natural beauty inside the home during the winter months.
- Create floral water or infusion with daffodil petals for use in homemade perfumes and scents, adding a light, spring-like fragrance.
- Daffodils are used in the culinary world as garnishes for plates, although care must be taken as the plant parts are toxic if ingested.
- The stalks and fibers from daffodil plants can be used for papermaking, providing an alternative fiber source for handcrafted paper products.
- In photography, the vibrant yellow flowers of daffodils are popular subjects for macro and portrait photography, providing a pop of color and a symbol of spring vitality.
- As a soil conditioning plant, daffodils can help improve the structure of soil in gardens, particularly because their decaying foliage adds nutrients back into the earth.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: Being part of the daffodil family, Narcissus 'More and More' is often associated with spring, symbolizing the rebirth of nature and new beginnings.
- Self-Love: The flower takes its name from the Greek myth of Narcissus, known for his beauty and his self-obsession, therefore it can symbolize self-appreciation and love.
- Pride: In connection to the Narcissus myth, this flower can also epitomize pride and vanity.
- Prosperity: Because they bloom around the time of the Chinese New Year, Narcissus 'More and More' is thought to bring wealth and good fortune, particularly in Chinese culture.
- Unrequited Love: The lore of Narcissus, unattainable and self-focused, gives this flower a connection to the concept of love that is not reciprocated.
- Water
Daffodils, including the 'More and More' variety, require consistent moisture while they are in active growth and blooming, which typically means watering thoroughly once a week. However, the frequency of watering can vary depending on your climate and weather conditions, such as rainfall. On average, providing about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation, is adequate. It's crucial not to overwater as daffodils are prone to rot in overly wet conditions. When watering, aim to moisten the soil to a depth of around 6 inches to encourage deep root growth.
- Light
Daffodils thrive in full to partial sunlight, so it's best to place your 'More and More' daffodils in an area where they'll receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can also tolerate light shade, especially in hotter regions where some respite from the intense afternoon sun can be beneficial. Avoid heavily shaded locations, as too little light can impede flowering.
- Temperature
Daffodils are cold-hardy plants, with 'More and More' being able to withstand winter temperatures as low as 10°F, although they prefer to be in a region where the temperature range is between 50°F and 70°F during their growth period. They require a period of cold dormancy, so the ideal winter conditions would include consistent cold temperatures above the freezing point to keep them dormant until spring.
- Pruning
Pruning of 'More and More' daffodils is usually limited to deadheading the spent flowers to promote better bulb growth. After flowering, remove only the flower heads and not the foliage, as the leaves are necessary to gather energy for next year's bloom. Once the foliage has yellowed and died back, usually several weeks after blooming, it can be trimmed off at ground level.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Daffodils including 'More and More' prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good soil mix for daffodils would be a combination of loamy garden soil, compost or well-rotted manure, and some sand or perlite to improve drainage. Ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged, as daffodils are susceptible to rot in overly wet conditions.
- Repotting
Daffodils like 'More and More' are typically grown from bulbs and do not require frequent repotting. Once planted in the ground, they can remain undisturbed for several years. If grown in a container, they should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they become overcrowded, usually after flowering has finished in the spring.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodils such as 'More and More' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions to thrive outdoors. Indoors, they are not particularly humidity-sensitive, so normal room humidity is generally sufficient for these plants. However, ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent any fungal diseases.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to part shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Narcissus 'More and More', commonly known as daffodil, begins its life cycle when a bulb is planted in the ground, typically in the fall before the first frost. After a period of dormancy in the winter, the bulb sprouts in the spring, growing leaves and a flower stalk bearing a bright yellow flower. Following flowering, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis and energy storage while the foliage remains green. As the season progresses, the leaves yellow and die back as the plant enters a phase of dormancy during the hotter summer months. The bulb remains underground, storing energy for the next growth cycle. The cycle repeats each year, with the bulb producing new flowers each spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Narcissus 'More and More,' commonly known as daffodil, is typically propagated through dividing and replanting its bulbs. Propagation is ideally done after the foliage has died back, usually in late summer to fall. Gardeners will gently lift the clump of bulbs from the ground using a spade, taking care not to damage the bulbs. The bulbs may have produced offsets, which are smaller bulbs attached to the base of the parent bulb. These offsets can be carefully separated and replanted to produce new plants. Each offset should be planted 6 inches apart and at a depth thrice the height of the bulb, approximately 6 inches deep (with this converting to about 15 centimeters). Properly replanted, the new bulbs will develop roots and foliage and will typically flower the following spring.