Tenby Daffodil Narcissus obvallaris (13)
ABOUT
Narcissus obvallaris, commonly known as the Tenby daffodil, is a perennial plant known for its striking spring blooms. The plant presents with a dark green, strap-like foliage that frames the bright yellow flowers. These flowers are characterized by their trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of six petal-like tepals that are also yellow. This corona often appears slightly darker or deeper in color than the tepals. Each stem typically bears a single flower that faces upwards, greeting the spring sun with a cheerful display. The Tenby daffodil blooms in early spring, capturing the essence of the season with its vibrant color and classic shape. Though the flower's dimensions are omitted from this description, the overall effect of the Tenby daffodil in bloom is one of simplicity and beauty, making it a beloved choice for gardens, naturalized areas, and for bringing a touch of spring indoors with cut flower arrangements.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Tenby Daffodil, Welsh Daffodil
Common names
Narcissus pseudonarcissus subspecies obvallaris, Narcissus pseudonarcissus variety obvallaris.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot [0.3 meters]
Spread
1 foot [0.3 meters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Wales
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Narcissus obvallaris, also known as the Tenby daffodil, brings vibrant color and beauty to gardens and landscapes with its bright yellow blooms.
- Early Spring Blooms: They are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, often bringing life and color after the cold winter months.
- Easy to Grow: Tenby daffodils are considered easy to cultivate and maintain, and they can thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions.
- Naturalizing: They have the ability to naturalize, meaning they can spread and multiply in suitable conditions, creating larger displays over time.
- Pest Resistant: These daffodils are generally resistant to pests and animals such as deer and rodents, which often avoid them.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Tenby daffodils can withstand periods of low water, making them suitable for drought-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance: They require minimal care once planted, as they do not require regular fertilization or watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, which are essential for the health of the garden and ecosystem.
- Cut Flowers: Tenby daffodils can be used as cut flowers, bringing the freshness and color of spring indoors.
- Symbolic Meaning: Daffodils are often associated with rebirth and new beginnings, making them a popular choice for gardens and as gifts.
- Garden Design: They are versatile and can be used in rock gardens, borders, underplanting for trees, and in container gardens.
- Hardy Nature: These daffodils are hardy and can survive through harsh winters, emerging unscathed in the spring.
- 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 obvallaris, commonly known as the Tenby daffodil, can be used as a dye plant; the flowers can produce a yellow dye, which historically was used for coloring wool and other natural fibers.
- The bulb of the Tenby daffodil can be crushed and used as a natural glue due to its adhesive properties, although this is not a common practice and should be approached with caution due to potential skin irritation.
- In traditional crafts, the stems of Narcissus obvallaris can be woven into small decorative items or used as part of floral arrangements due to their sturdy nature and attractive appearance.
- The Tenby daffodil can serve as a pest repellent in gardens; planting them around vegetable patches may help deter certain rodents and deer that do not like their scent.
- The flowers are sometimes used in perfumery; although they are not a common ingredient, the Tenby daffodil's distinctive fragrance can be used in the creation of bespoke or niche perfumes.
- Narcissus obvallaris can be used in educational settings for botanical studies and plant life cycle observation due to its distinct growth phases and bulbous nature.
- The Tenby daffodil can play a role in cultural events; in regions where it is native, the flowers are used during festivals to symbolize the coming of spring.
- The plant can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, inspiring various forms of art due to its unique shape and vibrant color.
- The petals of Narcissus obvallaris can be applied in paper making; they can be incorporated into the paper pulp to create decorative paper with natural floral inclusions.
- The Tenby daffodil could be used as a natural indicator of seasonal change in an educational garden or nature reserve to help visitors understand phenology, the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The plant Narcissus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Narcissus is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Rebirth and New Beginnings: The daffodil often blooms near the start of spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of a new cycle of growth and life.
- Unrequited love: In connection to the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, the daffodil can symbolize unreturned affection.
- Self-esteem and Vanity: Drawing again from its mythological roots, the daffodil can represent both self-love and its excessive form, vanity.
- Vibrancy and Energy: With its bright yellow hue, the daffodil can symbolize vitality, positivity, and the rejuvenating energy of the sun.
- Respect and Admiration: Gifting daffodils can express esteem and deep regard for someone, showing their unique importance and value.
- Water
For the Tenby daffodil, watering should be done thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not soggy. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with about 1 gallon per square foot, ensuring even soil moisture. Watering can be reduced after the blooms have faded and the foliage has begun to yellow, signaling the end of the growth cycle. During dormancy in summer, keep watering minimal, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
- Light
The Tenby daffodil thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. It should be planted in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in very hot climates, they will appreciate some afternoon shade to protect them from the harsh rays of the sun.
- Temperature
The Tenby daffodil is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, surviving in conditions as low as 10°F. However, the ideal growing temperature range is between 50°F and 70°F. It is important to ensure that the temperature does not consistently exceed 90°F, as extreme heat can be detrimental to the plant.
- Pruning
The Tenby daffodil does not require extensive pruning but deadheading, which is the removal of spent flowers, can encourage better blooms the following year. Cut back the flower stalks after blooming, but leave the foliage until it turns yellow and wilts on its own, typically about six weeks after flowering. This allows the plant to store energy for the next growing season before going dormant.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Tenby Daffodil prefers well-draining soil with a slight acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0-7.0. A fertile loam-based compost mixed with sand or grit for improved drainage constitutes the best soil mix for this plant.
- Repotting
The Tenby Daffodil should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when clumps become overcrowded, typically after the blooming period in late spring or summer.
- Humidity & Misting
The Tenby Daffodil tolerates average humidity conditions and does not require any special humidity considerations beyond typical outdoor variations.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright light, cool temps, and water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in fall, full to partial sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
- Life cycle
The life of Narcissus obvallaris, commonly known as the Tenby daffodil, begins with a dormant bulb, which undergoes a period of chilling during winter to break dormancy. In early spring, leaves and a flower stalk emerge from the bulb as temperatures rise. The plant then blooms, producing a single yellow flower, which is crucial for attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the flower forms a seed capsule while the foliage continues photosynthesis to replenish the bulb's energy reserves. Once the seeds mature, the capsule releases them to the surrounding environment, where they can germinate given suitable conditions. As summer approaches, the above-ground foliage dies back, and the plant enters dormancy again until the next spring cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring
Propogation: The most common method of propagating the Narcissus obvallaris, also known as the Tenby daffodil, involves the division of its bulbs. Optimal time for this is late summer to fall, when the plant is dormant after flowering and the foliage has died back. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate the offsets, which are the smaller bulbs that form around the base of the mother bulb. The offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth of approximately 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) and spaced about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. These will grow into flowering plants within one to two years, depending on their size and environmental conditions.