White Hoop Petticoat Narcissus cantabricus subsp. cantabricus var. cantabricus (13)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the white hoop petticoat is characterized by its distinctive flower shape resembling a gracefully flared skirt, similar to a petticoat hoop from historical attire. The blooms are primarily a pearly white color, presenting a striking display when they emerge. The trumpet-like corona in the center of each flower is also white and stands prominently, contrasting with the somewhat narrower petals that encircle it. The foliage of the white hoop petticoat consists of narrow, green leaves that often appear somewhat grass-like. These leaves tend to emerge before or alongside the blooming of the flowers, offering a fresh verdant backdrop that accentuates the floral display. The appearance of the plant as a whole can add an elegant and eye-catching aspect to garden spaces, especially when grouped together where their distinctive flowers can create a unifying theme in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Cantabricus Daffodil, White Hoop Petticoat.
Common names
Narcissus cantabricus var. petunioides, Narcissus cantabricus var. foliosus, Narcissus cantabricus var. monophyllus, Narcissus monophyllus.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common name of Narcissus cantabricus subsp. cantabricus var. cantabricus is the Hoop Petticoat daffodil. Hoop Petticoat daffodils, like other members of the Narcissus family, contain alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested. The entire plant, but especially the bulb, contains these compounds. If a human ingests part of the plant, they may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, symptoms might also include cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, dizziness, and tremors. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It is important to keep the plant out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest it.
To pets
The most common name of Narcissus cantabricus subsp. cantabricus var. cantabricus is the Hoop Petticoat daffodil. This plant is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The entire plant is harmful if ingested, but the bulb is the most toxic part. Symptoms of poisoning in pets include vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities, and if ingested in large quantities, may lead to seizures or neurological symptoms. In severe cases, ingestion could result in a drop in blood pressure, tremors, or even coma. Pet owners should prevent their pets from accessing the plant, especially the bulbs, to avoid accidental poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
3 inches (8 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Narcissus cantabricus, commonly known as the "White Hoop Petticoat", is appreciated for its ornamental value, with bright white, trumpet-shaped blooms that are aesthetically pleasing in gardens and as cut flowers.
- Early Blooming: It flowers in winter to early spring, providing color and interest during a season when few other plants bloom, which can lift spirits in otherwise dreary winter landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are crucial for the ecosystem and help in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-conservative gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Narcissus cantabricus is easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond the initial planting, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners or those with limited time for gardening.
- Bulb Proliferation: The plant naturally produces offsets, leading to clumping and natural proliferation without the need for human intervention, which is beneficial for expansive ground coverage in landscaping.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: The bulbs, foliage, and flowers are somewhat resistant to deer and rodents, which can protect them from being eaten and allow them to thrive in areas where these animals are common.
- Long-Lived: These bulbs can live for many years, offering a long-term presence in the garden with a recurring display each season without the need to replant annually.
- Tolerates Various Soil Types: The plant can grow in a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil, making it versatile and adaptable to different garden conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Narcissus cantabricus, commonly known as the Hoop Petticoat daffodil, can be used in the practice of companion planting to deter rodents, as they tend to avoid areas where these plants are found due to their toxic properties.
- The plant's bulbs can be used as a natural adhesive. When crushed, they produce a sticky substance that was historically used for mending pottery and other small items.
- Hoop Petticoat daffodil bulbs contain saponins, which when mixed with water create a soap-like solution that can be used for cleaning purposes.
- Its strong scent can deter certain insects from the garden, providing a natural form of pest control alongside other plants more susceptible to insect damage.
- The flowers can be placed in clothes drawers or cupboards as a fragrant sachet to impart a pleasant smell and possibly deter moths.
- Artists have used the vivid colors of the Hoop Petticoat daffodil as a natural dye for fabrics and textiles, though the process can be complex and may not result in permanent coloring.
- Fiber artists sometimes incorporate the dried plant material into papermaking, adding texture and visual interest to handmade papers.
- Narcissus cantabricus can be used as a biological indicator for the arrival of spring, as they are one of the first flowers to bloom, marking a change in the season for gardeners and farmers.
- Enthusiasts of flower arranging consider the Hoop Petticoat daffodil to be an attractive addition to early spring floral displays, whether for competitions or home decoration.
- Because of its shape and consistency, the seed pod of the plant can be used in decorative dried flower arrangements after the blooming season has passed.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Hoop Petticoat daffodil is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Hoop Petticoat daffodil is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Self-Love: The Narcissus is closely associated with the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, symbolizing self-love and vanity.
- New Beginnings: As a herald of spring, narcissus often represents new beginnings or rebirth, making it a symbol of hope and renewal.
- Prosperity: In some cultures, the narcissus is associated with good fortune and wealth, especially when it blooms during the new year.
- Egotism: In line with the Greek myth, the narcissus can also represent egotism or excessive self-centeredness.
- Inner Reflection: The flower's bending neck can suggest introspection or the need for self-reflection.
- Forgiveness: Some traditions hold the narcissus as a symbol of forgiveness, possibly due to its association with renewal and starting over.
WaterThe Angel's Tears daffodil should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its native habitat conditions. During the growing season, it's typically sufficient to water once every one to two weeks, providing about 1-inch of water each time or approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot if applying uniformly across a garden bed. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. When the daffodil is dormant, in late summer to early fall, reduce watering significantly to mimic the dry Mediterranean summers.
LightThe Angel's Tears daffodil thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. It prefers a location where it can bask in at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be one that gets the morning sun and is shielded from the intense afternoon heat, especially in hotter climates, to prevent the foliage from scorching.
TemperatureThe Angel's Tears daffodil can survive winter temperatures down to about 14 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate summer temperatures up to about 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Its ideal growing temperature range is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They are suited to USDA zones 7-9 and should be protected or mulched if colder temperatures are expected.
PruningPruning Angel's Tears daffodils is mostly about deadheading spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed production, which can drain energy from the bulb. After blooming, cut the flower stalks back to the base but leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, usually by late summer. This happens once a year, after the flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe recommended soil mix for Hoop Petticoat Daffodil, the common name for Narcissus cantabricus subsp. cantabricus var. cantabricus, should be well-draining with moderate fertility. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure is ideal. This plant prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, so aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingHoop Petticoat Daffodils should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil or when they become too crowded in their current pot.
Humidity & MistingHoop Petticoat Daffodils prefer average room humidity levels, around 40-60%. Avoid extremely high humidity to prevent rot and disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleNarcissus cantabricus, commonly known as the Cantabrican daffodil, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates to give rise to a small bulb. The bulb gradually matures and, depending on environmental conditions, may enter a period of dormancy, typically during the hot and dry months. Upon the arrival of favorable conditions, often in autumn or winter, the bulb breaks dormancy and produces green, strap-shaped leaves and a central flower stalk, bearing a single, white, fragrant blossom characteristically facing downwards. After flowering, the plant enters a phase of photosynthesis and energy storage, replenishing the bulb for the next cycle. As the flowering season ends and temperatures rise, the foliage dies back and the plant re-enters dormancy until the next favorable season. This cycle repeats annually, with the bulb growing in size and potentially dividing to form offsets, which can lead to colonies of plants over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Narcissus cantabricus subsp. cantabricus var. cantabricus, commonly known as the Hoop Petticoat daffodil, is through division of bulb clumps. This is best done when the plants are dormant, typically in late summer to early fall. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate them from the main clump, ensuring each division has at least one growth point. Replant the bulbs at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), spaced 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growing space. Water the newly planted bulbs well to encourage root development. This method is efficient as it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and allows for a relatively quick increase in the number of plants.
