Jonquil 'Sweet Smiles' Narcissus 'Sweet Smiles' (7)
ABOUT
'Sweet Smiles' is a bulbous perennial producing two strongly-scented flowers per stem, each up to 6.5cm across and facing slightly upwards. The perianth segments are greenish-white with a pink flush at their base and surround the soft pink, lightly ribbed and three-lobed corona
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Daffodil, Jonquil, Narcissus.
Common names
Narcissus 'Sweet Smiles'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Decorative Appeal: Daffodil 'Sweet Smiles' features cheerful yellow blooms that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: This variety of daffodil is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Spring Bloomer: As a spring-blooming bulb, it provides one of the first splashes of color after winter, signalling the arrival of warmer weather.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting ecosystem health and biodiversity.
- Naturalizing: Daffodil 'Sweet Smiles' has the ability to naturalize, meaning it can spread and proliferate over time, creating larger displays.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this variety exhibits a degree of drought resistance, making it suitable for climates with occasional water scarcity.
- Pest Resistance: Daffodils are generally resistant to deer, rabbits, and other garden pests, reducing the need for chemical repellents.
- 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
- Cut Flower Arrangements: Narcissus 'Sweet Smiles' can be used to create beautiful and fragrant bouquets for indoor decoration.
- Photography Subject: Due to its bright and cheery appearance, this flower is often used as a subject for botanical photography and art.
- Memory Gardens: Narcissus 'Sweet Smiles' is sometimes planted in memory gardens as a tribute to loved ones due to their symbolic association with remembrance.
- Perfume Industry: The fragrance of Narcissus 'Sweet Smiles' is sometimes used in the creation of perfumes and scented products.
- Festive Decor: These blooms are used in springtime festive decorations, especially during Easter due to their seasonal flowering time.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the flowers can be used as biodegradable confetti for weddings and celebrations.
- Craft Projects: Fresh or dried flowers of Narcissus 'Sweet Smiles' can be incorporated into craft projects such as wreath making.
- Color Inspiration: The color palette of Narcissus 'Sweet Smiles' can inspire interior design and fashion design projects.
- Symbol in Literature: This particular flower can be used as a symbol in literature, representing self-love and vanity, as inspired by the Greek mythological character Narcissus.
- Garden Theme Designs: Narcissus 'Sweet Smiles' can be utilized in themed garden designs, such as white gardens or fragrance gardens.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- New Beginnings: Narcissus, often associated with the dawning of spring, symbolizes rebirth and new ventures.
- Hope: The flower's emergence from winter's cold represents hope and overcoming challenges.
- Self-Reflection: Named after the Greek myth of Narcissus, this plant can symbolize self-awareness and introspection.
- Vanity: In line with the myth, it can also represent excessive self-love and vanity.
- Wealth: In some cultures, the Narcissus is believed to bring good fortune and wealth, especially if it blooms during the New Year.
- Prosperity: Similarly, it is a symbol of prosperity and success in the future.
- Respect: This flower can be a sign of deep respect and admiration when given to others.
- Water
The Daffodil 'Sweet Smiles' should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water every one to two weeks, providing about 1 inch of water which translates to approximately 0.623 gallons per square yard of soil each time. During dormant periods, reduce watering significantly and only water if the soil dries out completely. Adjust the frequency of watering based on rainfall, temperature, and the moisture level of the soil, always allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
- Light
Daffodils, such as 'Sweet Smiles', flourish best in full sun to partially shaded areas. They prefer to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot for these plants would be an east- or west-facing garden where they can enjoy the morning or afternoon sun. Avoid deeply shaded areas as this can impede their blooming.
- Temperature
Daffodils like 'Sweet Smiles' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but they perform best in temperate climates. They are hardy and can survive winter cold down to about 14 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to prolonged periods of freezing temperatures. Ideally, maintain a temperature range between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
- Pruning
Prune the Daffodil 'Sweet Smiles' after blooming by deadheading spent flower heads to promote energy storage for the next season's growth. Avoid cutting the foliage until it has yellowed and begun to wither, which is typically a few weeks after flowering. Pruning is generally not done frequently but is best performed post-flowering annually.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Daffodil 'Sweet Smiles' thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.0. To create the best soil mix for this plant, combine two parts loam, one part sand or perlite to ensure good drainage, and one part peat or compost to retain moisture and provide nutrients. Adjust the pH accordingly if your natural soil is too acidic or alkaline.
- Repotting
Daffodil 'Sweet Smiles' generally does not need frequent repotting. It should be repotted only when it becomes pot-bound or every 3 to 4 years. Overcrowded bulbs can be divided and repotted to promote better growth and more flowers.
- Humidity & Misting
Daffodil 'Sweet Smiles' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels typical of outdoor environments and does not require any special humidity conditions. Normal outdoor humidity is generally sufficient for this plant.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and air circulation for 'Sweet Smiles'.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Narcissus 'Sweet Smiles', commonly known as daffodil, life cycle begins with bulb planting in the autumn before the ground freezes. The bulbs then undergo a period of winter chilling, which is essential for spring growth. When temperatures rise in spring, the bulbs sprout and produce long, narrow leaves followed by a stalk that bears the classic yellow or white trumpet-shaped flower characteristic of daffodils. After flowering, the plant goes through a period of photosynthesis to replenish the bulb's energy reserves. Then, the foliage yellows and dies back as the plant enters dormancy during the summer months. The dormant bulb lies underground until the next autumn, when the cycle starts anew with the cooler temperatures and the bulb's renewed growth.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Late summer
For Narcissus 'Sweet Smiles', also known as daffodil, the most popular method of propagation is by dividing the bulbs. This is best done in late summer to early fall, after the leaves have died back and the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate any offsets, which are the smaller bulbs attached to the base of the mother bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth about three times the height of the bulb, usually around 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep, and about 3 to 6 inches apart (7.5 to 15 centimeters). Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. Over time, these offsets will grow into full-sized bulbs and produce their own flowers, typically blooming in the following spring.