Daffodils are one of the most popular flowers in the world- and for good reason. They have a unique and interesting shape that is said to be trumpet-like. Daffodils have about six triangular petals that form around an extended corona in the center. In addition, the daffodil’s beauty is identifiable through its bright colors that can capture everyone’s attention.
Here’s what you can learn:
* General Daffodil Information
* Names of Daffodils
* Popular Species of Daffodils
* Interesting Information about Daffodils
* Planting Daffodils
* Taking Care of Daffodils
General Daffodil Information
Daffodils are lovely springtime perennials that grow best in zones 3-9. They are most commonly found in North America but cannot survive in humid areas such as southern Florida. Often called narcissus, daffodils can brighten up your garden in the springtime with their graceful aura.
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Lilliopsida
Order: Liliales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Narcissus
Despite having a fairly specific shape and few colors, daffodils are a diverse specie. In fact, there are about 50 species of daffodil, not including the many hybridizations that exist as well. Because of this, there are daffodils with different sizes, colors, and small but unique characteristics that make set them apart from the rest.
The common daffodil that everyone knows and loves grows between one and one and a half feet tall. However, there are other species that grow to be different sizes. For example, some species grow to be between six and eight feet. Other can grow up to two feet. Overall, daffodils do not take up too much space, but they still create a radiant sight for your garden.
Although very popular in North America, daffodils originally hail from the Mediterranean areas of Europe. Particularly, they come from the Iberian Peninsula which consists of Spain and Portugal.
Names of Daffodils
Different names are commonly used for this flower which causes some confusion. When referring to “narcissus,” they are referring to the daffodil. “Narcissus” is another name for “daffodil.” Both names refer to the entire genus of flowers.
Genus can have different species. These species have slightly different characteristics that set them apart from other flowers within the genus. Sometimes, you may hear the word “jonquil,” especially from more advanced gardeners. This refers to a certain species of daffodil and not to the entire genus.
With all this considered, “daffodil” is the word most used to refer to this type of flower. However, it can be used interchangeably with the word “narcissus.”
Popular Species of Daffodils
Because there are a variety of daffodil species, there are a number that have proved to be some of the more popular ones of the genus.
* Poet’s Narcissus: This is said to be the wild daffodil species that inspired the story of Narcissus, a tale that originates from ancient Greece. The flowers commonly have white petals and a yellow corona in the center.
* Golden ducat: This is a gorgeous species that has yellow petals and a yellow corona. Together, the colors blend and make one radiant flower.
* Rip van Winkle: This is a smaller species that grows between six and eight inches. The petals are much more distinct than other species of daffodil. They extend outward and have a scragglier look. Altogether, even with a wild appearance, these daffodils have a mesmerizing appearance.
Interesting Information about Daffodils
* While daffodils are said to be originally from Spain and Portugal, they also come from Morocco, Italy, and France.
* Around 300 B.C.E., daffodils began to be cultivated and grown in gardens all over ancient Greece.
* The name “narcissus” comes from the Greek myth about a nymph, named Echo, who fell in love with a Greek man named Narcissus. He ultimately rejected her. With a broken heart, she disappeared until all that remained of her was an echo. The god of revenge heard about this and lured the handsome and self-centered Narcissus to a lake. Distracted by his reflection, he fell in and drowned. Thereafter, Narcissus turned into the narcissus flower, also known as the daffodil.
* Daffodils were brought to Britain by the Romans. There, they believed that the flowers’ sap had healing powers. In reality, the sap acts as a skin irritant.
* Classification of daffodils began in the 19th century. During this time, the genus was categorized into different species that include the jonquil and the poet’s narcissus.
* Today, there are many daffodils that grow in Ukraine. There is even an area called the “Valley of the Narcissi” that displays about 600 acres of daffodils in the springtime.
Planting Daffodils
Daffodils are a great addition to your garden. They offer lots of bright color in the springtime and do not take up too much space. Therefore, you can plant either a lot of daffodils, or a little for a small pop of color.
* Because daffodils bloom and flourish in the spring, they should be planted in the fall.
* When selecting the daffodil bulb, make sure that it is not dried out. Bigger bulbs usually lead to healthier blooms.
* The depth of the planting site should be three times the size of the bulb. Also, if planting more than one daffodil next to each other, make sure there is a space of about three to six inches between them.
* Pick an area that receives lots of sunlight throughout the day. The planting site should also be well drained so that the water does not sit and cause any damage to the roots.
Taking Care of Daffodils
Given their stunning beauty, daffodils are actually quite easy to take care of.
* Daffodils, because they are out in the sun, need a fair amount of water. It is recommended that you give them about one inch of water per week.
* In order to maintain the moisture within the mulch, adding fertilizer will greatly benefit the flower’s health.
* For the best results and the best blooms, the fertilizer should contain organic matter.
* If you want to cut back the flower at the end of the season, do not cut the flower while it is still growing. It provides some of the energy for next spring’s bulb. It is best to cut the daffodils after they have died.