Hoop Petticoat Daffodil Narcissus romieuxii (13)
ABOUT
Narcissus romieuxii, commonly known as the hooped petticoat daffodil, is a flowering plant that is characterized by its uniquely shaped blooms. The flowers of this plant are predominantly creamy white to a pale yellow color, often with a more vivid yellow at the center surrounding the cone-shaped corona. This corona or 'cup' is quite prominent and resembles a hoop, hence the name 'hooped petticoat'. The petals themselves are notably shorter than the corona, flaring out only slightly, and contribute to the flower's distinctive trumpet-like or bowl-shaped appearance. The foliage of the hooped petticoat daffodil is slender and strap-like, emerging upright and fresh green in color, providing a graceful backdrop to the charming flowers. Each of these vivid leaves emerges from a bulb that lies underneath the soil surface. Overall, the plant bears a cheerful and bright appearance, with the blossoms typically facing slightly upwards, giving the impression of a vibrant cup filled with light. The flowers are carried singly on individual stalks, which stand elegantly above the foliage. The hooped petticoat daffodil blooms in the cooler seasons, bringing a splash of warmth to the garden landscape during times when many other plants may remain dormant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Atlas Mountain Narcissus, Rupicolous Narcissus, Moroccan Daffodil
Common names
Narcissus romieuxii subsp. romieuxii, Narcissus romieuxii subsp. albidus var. zaianicus.
ToxicityTo humans
The Narcissus romieuxii, commonly known as the Hoop Petticoat daffodil, contains toxic alkaloids such as lycorine. If ingested by humans, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, tremors, or convulsions. Contact with the sap may also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Hoop Petticoat daffodil, or Narcissus romieuxii, is toxic to pets. The alkaloids, particularly lycorine, can cause symptoms like vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias. The entire plant is toxic, with the bulbs being the most dangerous part. Ingestion can lead to serious consequences and should be treated immediately by a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Morocco
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Narcissus romieuxii, commonly known as the Hoop Petticoat daffodil, is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal. Its unique flower shape and bright color make it a popular choice for gardens and as a cut flower.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being low-maintenance, which makes it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. It can thrive in a variety of soil types and does not require extensive care.
- Cold Hardy: Hoop Petticoat daffodils are resistant to cold and can survive in colder climates, which allows them to be grown in many regions where other plants might not thrive.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial plant, it returns each year, providing a long-term addition to gardens and landscapes without the need to replant annually.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms of Narcissus romieuxii attract bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the local ecosystem and aids in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer and rodents, making it a good choice for gardens that might be prone to wildlife browsing.
- Spring Bloomer: Hoop Petticoat daffodils bloom in the spring, often one of the first flowers to do so, which can bring an early splash of color after the winter months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flowers: Narcissus romieuxii, commonly known as Hoop Petticoat Daffodil, is often used in floral arrangements for its attractive blooms and the unique shape of its flowers.
- Naturalizing: The Hoop Petticoat Daffodil bulbs can be planted in lawns or wildflower meadows where they will multiply and spread over the years, creating natural drifts of color.
- Rock Gardens: Due to their small size and ability to cope with well-drained soils, they are a perfect choice for adding spring interest to rock gardens.
- Fragrance Source: The flowers of the Hoop Petticoat Daffodil emit a pleasant scent and are used to add a fragrant element to gardens and bouquets.
- Photography Subject: The unique trumpet-shaped flowers make them a popular subject for photographers and botanical artists.
- Education: Botanical gardens and educational institutions may use the Hoop Petticoat Daffodil as a teaching tool to demonstrate bulb plant growth and pollination strategies.
- Garden Borders: Due to their low height, they can be planted at the front of garden borders without obscuring other plants.
- Companion Planting: The Hoop Petticoat Daffodil can be planted alongside other spring-flowering bulbs like crocuses and tulips to extend the flowering season in a garden.
- Bee Friendly: The flowers provide an early source of nectar for bees when little else is in bloom at the end of winter.
- Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, the Hoop Petticoat Daffodil is used in festivals and celebrations as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings due to its early spring flowering.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love - The Narcissus romieuxii, also known as Winter Daffodil, symbolizes self-love due to the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection.
- New Beginnings - As a plant that often blooms in late winter or early spring, the Winter Daffodil is commonly seen as a symbol of new beginnings and the coming of spring.
- Renewal - The Winter Daffodil's cycle of blooming again after the cold winter months represents renewal and the idea of life's continuity.
- Uncertainty - In the language of flowers, or floriography, the Narcissus can signify uncertainty or unrequited love, potentially due to the story of Narcissus and Echo where Narcissus's love was never returned.
- Vanity - Drawing again from the myth of Narcissus, the Winter Daffodil can sometimes represent vanity or excessive self-involvement.
WaterThe common name for Narcissus romieuxii is Hoop Petticoat Daffodil. This plant should be watered deeply to ensure the soil is moist, especially during its growing season in the fall and spring. Watering once a week with about 1 gallon for outdoor plants and 8-16 ounces for potted specimens is generally sufficient. However, it's important to adjust watering habits according to weather conditions; less water may be needed during rainy periods and more during dry spells. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging as the bulbs can rot, so ensure good drainage and let the soil slightly dry out between watering sessions.
LightHoop Petticoat Daffodils prefer full sunlight to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is in an area that receives direct sunlight for at least half the day, which encourages healthy growth and optimal flowering. If grown indoors, a south-facing window could be ideal, providing bright but diffused light.
TemperatureHoop Petticoat Daffodils thrive in temperatures ranging from 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate short periods of colder weather, but sustained temperatures below 50 degrees can harm the plant. The ideal temperature range encourages blooming and healthy foliage; however, this plant is capable of withstanding brief dips down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning for Hoop Petticoat Daffodils involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms and redirect energy to the bulb. However, leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and withers, usually about six weeks after flowering, as this period is critical for bulb rejuvenation. Pruning is typically done after the flowering season in late spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHoop Petticoat daffodil thrives best in well-draining soil with a mix of sand or gravel and loam, ensuring good drainage. The soil pH should ideally be neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging around 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingThe Hoop Petticoat daffodil should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent overcrowding and replenish the soil nutrients.
Humidity & MistingHoop Petticoat daffodil prefers outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity levels, thus usual outdoor humidity is suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, use well-draining soil, repot biennially.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun or part shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus romieuxii, commonly known as the Hoop Petticoat Daffodil, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in a well-drained, gritty soil that mimics its native habitat. After germination, a bulb forms underground, which will remain dormant during hot or dry seasons. With the onset of cooler, wetter conditions, usually in autumn, the bulb sends up linear leaves and a central flower stalk, each bloom shaped like a flared trumpet. Following flowering, which occurs in the late winter to early spring, the plant sets seed that disperses to initiate new growth cycles nearby. After seed set, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, and the bulb enters a period of dormancy through the hotter months. Each year, the bulb will regenerate its foliage and flowers, perpetuating its life cycle over many years as a perennial plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Early autumn
Narcissus romieuxii, commonly known as the Hoop Petticoat Daffodil, is typically propagated through division, a straightforward and popular approach, particularly for bulbous plants. The best time to propagate this daffodil is after the foliage has died back, usually in late spring to early summer. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of bulbous plants from the soil using a garden fork, ensuring minimal damage to the bulbs. Gently separate the individual bulbs, making sure each has a portion of the base where the roots grow. Smaller offset bulbs that form around the main bulb can be especially useful for propagation. These separated bulbs should be replanted at a depth about three times the height of the bulb, usually around 5 to 6 inches (approximately 12.7 to 15.2 centimeters), and spaced approximately 3 inches (about 7.6 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil with adequate sunlight.
