Jonquil Narcissus 'Sweetness' (7)
ABOUT
Narcissus 'Sweetness' is widely recognized by its charming and fragrant flowers. This particular variety exhibits a prominent central trumpet or cup that is surrounded by six petal-like structures referred to as perianth segments, which usually spread outwards and may slightly recurve. The trumpet is notable for its rich and vibrant color, which is often a striking, cheerful yellow, indicating the vitality of spring. These central cups can be adorned with a slightly different shade at the rim, adding to the flower's visual appeal. The perianth segments are also yellow, and when in full bloom, they create an attractive contrast with the deeper toned trumpet. The plant has slender, upright foliage that is a bright green color. These long, strap-like leaves emerge from the base, forming a neat clump and providing a contrasting backdrop to the radiant blooms above. The leaves are smooth and may have a slightly waxy or glossy texture, supporting the upright flower stems, which ascend gracefully from the foliage. Narcissus 'Sweetness' has a cluster of blooms at the top of each stem, giving the plant a lush, full appearance when viewed from a distance. Each individual flower is characterized by its symmetrical arrangement and a harmonious blend of hue and form. It is a beloved plant for many gardeners, not only for its aesthetic contribution but also for the delicate and sweet fragrance it releases, which can be quite noticeable on a sunny day, filling the surrounding air with a pleasant scent reminiscent of the approach of warmer seasons. The overall appearance of Narcissus 'Sweetness' is one of elegance and joy, making it a cherished addition to gardens and floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Jonquil, Sweetness Narcissus
Common names
Narcissus 'Sweetness'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Narcissus 'Sweetness' is daffodil. Daffodils contain toxic alkaloids including lycorine and others, which can cause poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of daffodil poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingesting daffodil parts may lead to more serious symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, tremors, and even seizures. Additionally, contact with the sap can sometimes cause dermatitis.
To pets
Daffodils are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, they may experience vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The bulbs are especially toxic. Prompt veterinary attention is necessary if a pet is suspected to have ingested any part of a daffodil plant.
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- Attracts Pollinators: Narcissus 'Sweetness' is known to attract bees, which are essential for the pollination of plants.
- Low Maintenance: This variety of daffodil is quite hardy and doesn't require extensive care.
- Suitable for Containers: They can be easily grown in pots and containers, making them versatile for people with limited garden space.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: The bulbs and flowers are typically resistant to deer and rodents, which can be a problem with other garden plants.
- Early Spring Bloom: Narcissus 'Sweetness' blooms in early spring, providing a cheerful display after the winter months.
- Longevity: Many daffodil varieties, including Narcissus 'Sweetness', are known for returning year after year.
- Landscape Design: They can be used in landscape design to create beautiful spring displays, borders, and group plantings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus 'Sweetness', also known as jonquil, can be used in fabric dyeing, providing a range of yellow hues dependent on the mordant used.
- The scent of narcissus flowers can be infused in oils and waxes to create perfumed candles that release a sweet fragrance when burned.
- Dried narcissus petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add a visually appealing element with a light, pleasant scent.
- Jonquil bulbs can sometimes be used in educational settings to demonstrate plant growth cycles and bulb propagation methods to students.
- Juice from the narcissus plant has been historically used as a traditional adhesive in bookbinding and various handicrafts.
- The flowers of the narcissus can be used as a natural insect repellent, where a concoction from its extracts deters certain insects.
- Jonquils can be used in floral photography to teach techniques like macro photography and depth of field due to their distinct shapes and vibrant colors.
- Narcissus flowers can be used in the culinary arts as an inspiration for cake decoration and sugar art due to their form and colors.
- During the Victorian era, narcissus blooms were used in floriography to send secret messages, where they represented self-love and vanity.
- Narcissus 'Sweetness' can be used in artisanal paper-making, with the fibrous material from the plant adding texture and aesthetics to the finished paper product.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is believed to attract good fortune and is often used during the Chinese New Year to promote the flow of positive energy, or Chi. Position the Narcissus in the wealth area of your home or business, typically the southeast, to encourage prosperity or in the personal growth area, which is the northeast, to support self-improvement and wisdom.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: As the Narcissus 'Sweetness', commonly known as Daffodil, blooms in early spring, it symbolizes the end of winter and the arrival of new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Hope: Its emergence from the cold ground symbolizes hope and the perseverance of life.
- Unrequited Love: In the Greek myth of Narcissus, the flower is associated with self-love and vanity, but in the language of flowers, it can convey messages of unrequited love or deep admiration.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the Daffodil is seen as a symbol of wealth and success, with its bright yellow color representing gold and prosperity.
- Chivalry: The striking appearance of the Daffodil, standing out among the last remnants of winter, is sometimes associated with nobility and chivalry.
- Vanity: Stemming from the Narcissus myth, the Daffodil also carries a negative connotation of narcissism, vanity, and egotism.
- Respect: Giving a bouquet of Daffodils is often seen as a sign of respect and admiration, as it is believed to inspire happiness and positive emotions.
WaterDaffodils, including the variety 'Sweetness,' should be watered thoroughly after planting and then given about 1 inch of water per week while they are actively growing and blooming. It's important not to overwater, as daffodils prefer well-draining soil and don't like to sit in waterlogged conditions. During the dormant period after blooming, you can cut back on watering as the plant requires less moisture. If you're using a watering can or hose, aim to provide water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightDaffodils thrive in full sunlight but will also grow well in partial shade. The ideal spot for 'Sweetness' daffodils would be a place where they can enjoy direct sunlight for at least half the day. Avoid deep shade, as this will lead to reduced flowering and weaker plants. An area that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade can be suitable as well.
TemperatureDaffodils, such as 'Sweetness,' are quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but perform best when they experience cool springs with daytime temperatures around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive winter conditions, down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, though some mulch can help protect the bulbs. Ideal growth temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows for optimal development and blooming.
PruningPruning of daffodils such as 'Sweetness' mainly involves deadheading the spent flowers to prevent seed pod formation, which can be done as soon as the blooms fade. Leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, usually about six weeks after flowering, to allow the plant to store energy for the next year. Trim back the dead leaves at the base at that time.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for Daffodil 'Sweetness' should be well-draining with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good mixture can be made of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season will promote healthy blooms.
RepottingDaffodils, including 'Sweetness', typically do not need frequent repotting and are often left undisturbed for several years. They can be repotted every 3 to 5 years, or when the bulbs have multiplied and the clump has become overcrowded, usually after the blooming season in late spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingDaffodil 'Sweetness' prefers average humidity levels. As long as the plant is grown outdoors where it can receive natural rainfall and dew, additional humidity control is typically not necessary. Indoor growing may require some monitoring to ensure the air is not too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a bright spot, avoid excess heat, let soil dry slightly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in autumn.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus 'Sweetness', commonly known as Jonquil, begins its life cycle from a bulb, which lies dormant underground during winter. When the temperature rises in spring, the bulb sends up shoots, which develop into green strap-like leaves and a central stem. This stem then bears a fragrant, yellow flower with a trumpet-like corona typical of daffodils, usually in early to mid-spring. After flowering, the plant undergoes pollination, which can lead to the formation of a seed pod if pollinators such as bees have transferred pollen from another daffodil. Following seed set, the foliage begins to yellow and die back as the plant enters a period of dormancy through the summer, conserving energy within the bulb. The cycle restarts the following spring, with the bulb using stored nutrients to generate new growth and continue the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The Narcissus 'Sweetness', commonly known as Jonquil, is typically propagated through division, which is best done in late summer to early fall after the foliage has died back. This popular method involves carefully lifting the clumps of bulbs from the soil with a spade or fork and then gently separating them by hand. Each bulb cluster can be divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has at least one bulb with foliage attached if possible. These individual bulbs can then be replanted immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) and spaced about 3 to 6 inches apart (7 to 15 centimeters). It's important to choose a well-drained site that receives ample sunlight to encourage vigorous growth in the following season.
