Daffodil Narcissus 'Pixie's Sister' (7)
ABOUT
'Pixie's Sister' is a variety within the daffodil family, known for its striking features that are reminiscent of its relatives. Like other daffodils, it showcases a prominent central trumpet surrounded by a star-shaped array of petals. These petals are typically arranged in a single layer and have a delicate, soft texture. The central trumpet, usually a focal point, is flared and slightly ruffled at the edges, adding a touch of elegance to the blossom. In terms of color, 'Pixie's Sister' daffodils often display a cheerful contrast. The trumpet might exhibit a creamy or buttery yellow hue, while the surrounding petals tend to be a lighter shade, sometimes nearly pure white or pale yellow, offering a subtle yet captivating display. This daffodil variety blooms in clusters, forming an attractive bouquet-like appearance that adds to its ornamental value. The leaves are slender, long, and have a deep green color that complements the brightness of the flowers. Together, the blossoms and the foliage create a refreshing, vibrant visual in the landscape, typical of what is expected from daffodils. Each flower is supported on a sturdy, upright stem that rises above the foliage, allowing the blooms to nod gently in the breeze and adding a dynamic quality to the plant's overall presence. Narcissus 'Pixie's Sister' embodies the classic charm of daffodils with its delightful flowers and lush green leaves, making it a popular choice among gardeners for adding a splash of springtime color to their gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Pixie's Sister'
ToxicityTo humans
Daffodil, including the variety 'Pixie's Sister,' is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids such as lycorine, with the bulb being the most poisonous part. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, can lead to dehydration, cardiac arrhythmias, or even coma. Handling the bulb may cause dermatitis in some individuals. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of the plant and to keep it out of reach of children who might be tempted to chew on it.
To pets
Daffodil is toxic to pets, including both cats and dogs. Eating any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, can cause symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to significant organ damage or even death. Pet owners should keep daffodils, including 'Pixie's Sister,' out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot 3 inches (38 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Narcissus 'Pixie's Sister', commonly known as Daffodil, produces vibrant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Easy to Grow: Daffodils are hardy and easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Daffodils can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in garden beds.
- Spring Color: Daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, bringing cheerful color to gardens after the winter months.
- Naturalizes Easily: Daffodils have the ability to spread and naturalize over time, creating larger displays each year.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer and rodents, protecting your garden from browsing animals.
- Longevity: Daffodils are perennial and often return for many years with minimal maintenance, providing long-term garden interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Pixie's Sister', commonly known as Daffodil, can be used as a natural dye source. The petals contain pigments that can be extracted to dye fabrics and paper in shades of yellow and orange.
- Daffodils produce a sap that is unique to their genus, which can be used as a natural adhesive for small craft projects or as a sealant in certain traditional practices.
- The strong scent of daffodils can be distilled into a fragrant oil or water for use in perfumery, aromatherapy, or to make natural air fresheners and drawer sachets.
- Dried Daffodil petals can serve as colorful, biodegradable confetti at weddings and celebrations, as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic confetti.
- Daffodil bulbs can be used as an organic pest repellent when planted strategically in the garden to deter certain rodents and deer that dislike their taste and scent.
- Fibers from Daffodil stems, when treated and processed, might be used in the creation of handmade paper or combined with other plant fibers for a unique textural element.
- The blooms of Daffodils can be pressed and preserved in clear resin to create decorative ornaments, jewelry, or encapsulated botanical artwork.
- When dried and crushed, Daffodil leaves can be incorporated into a natural potpourri mix, adding a pleasant aroma and a touch of spring to interior spaces.
- Artistically, Daffodil flowers can be a source of inspiration or subjects for botanical illustration, photography, and floral design in art installations.
- Daffodil flowers can be floated in large, shallow bowls of water to create natural, elegant centerpieces for events or as part of a mindfulness or meditation practice space.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daffodil is not specifically mentioned in traditional Feng Shui practice, but as a general guideline, daffodils are considered symbols of good fortune and can be placed in the home to bring positive energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal - Narcissus typically blooms in the spring, representing a departure from winter and the start of a new growth cycle.
- Self-Love - Derived from the Greek legend of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, this flower can symbolize self-admiration and vanity.
- New Beginnings - Given as a gift, this flower can signify a wish for someone to embark on a fresh start or a new chapter in their life.
- Hopes and Dreams - In Eastern cultures, the blooming of narcissus is associated with the Chinese New Year and is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
- Uncertainty - In other contexts, the Narcissus can symbolize uncertainty or unrequited love, possibly due to the ambiguous outcome of Narcissus' own story.
WaterDaffodils, including 'Pixie's Sister', should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, especially during their active growing phase in the spring. Water them once a week with about 1 inch of water, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. As they enter dormancy post-blooming, reduce watering frequency. It is crucial to avoid overwatering as this can cause bulb rot. If rainfall is sufficient, additional watering might not be necessary.
LightDaffodils thrive best in full sunlight, where they can receive at least six hours of direct sun daily. The ideal spot for 'Pixie's Sister' is in a location that gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade in particularly hot climates, but they will still do well with full sun exposure all day.
TemperatureDaffodils are hardy and can tolerate cold, with the ability to survive winter temperatures as low as 15°F. However, they flourish in temperatures ranging between 50°F and 65°F. It's crucial to plant them in a location where the soil can cool to at least 55°F to ensure proper bulb dormancy and flowering.
PruningDaffodils, including 'Pixie's Sister', should be pruned to remove spent flowers; this prevents seed formation which can sap energy from the bulb. After flowering, cut just the flower stalks, leaving foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally, which is typically around six weeks post-blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDaffodil 'Pixie's Sister' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix would contain equal parts of loamy soil, gritty sand, and organic compost to help with drainage and fertility.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Pixie's Sister', typically do not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3 to 5 years as they prefer not to be disturbed.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Pixie's Sister' does well in average room humidity levels; it does not require specialized humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Pixie's Sister', commonly known as a daffodil, begins its life as a bulb, which is typically planted in the ground in the fall. As temperatures warm in the spring, the bulb sends up shoots that develop into green leaves and a single flower stalk. The flower blooms, displaying the characteristic yellow or white petals and corona, signifying the plant's reproductive stage. After pollination, which may be aided by insects, the flower will fade and the plant will develop a seed capsule. Once the seeds mature, they can be dispersed to give rise to new plants. The foliage eventually dies back as the plant enters dormancy, especially in climates with hot summers or freezing winters, with the bulb storing energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Narcissus 'Pixie's Sister', commonly known as Daffodil, is usually propagated by dividing the bulbs. The best time to carry out this process is after the foliage has died back and the bulbs enter a dormant period, typically in late summer to early fall. The method involves gently lifting the clumps of bulbs from the ground using a garden fork. Once lifted, the offsets can be carefully separated from the parent bulb by hand. These offsets, which are smaller bulbs, can then be replanted in a sunny location with good drainage, at a depth about three times the height of the bulb, usually 6 to 8 inches deep (15 to 20 centimeters). This will allow for adequate root growth. By the following spring, these newly planted offsets should begin to grow and flower, continuing the cycle.
