Daffodils #141BR

February 28, 2023

Daffodils, whose botanical name is Narcissus, are a perennial flowering plant in the Amaryllidaceae family. Native to the meadows and woods of southwestern Europe and northern Africa over through western Asia, Daffodils were introduced to the Far East by the tenth century and have since been widely naturalized. The Prophet Muhammad referenced the plant in sixth century writings and recorded history date as far back as 300 B.C. With as many as one hundred wild species (the actual number is debated), cultivated hybrids now number more than thirteen thousand varieties.

Known for its early spring bloom cycle, Daffodils are a vigorous, long-lived flower that grows to a height of twenty inches, depending on the variety, with even a miniature version growing only six inches tall. Leaf-less stems grow up in the middle of long, narrow green or bluish-green leaves, producing most often only a single bloom. The flower consists of three petals, three sepals and a central corona, which is often called the trumpet or cup, depending on its size. The flowers are predominately white or yellow, although hybrids now include orange, green and pink.

The plant likes a full or partial sun with slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Bulbs should be planted in the autumn at a depth of three times the size of the bulb. Known as an easy to grow plant requiring little maintenance, Daffodils produce lycorine, a bitter poison that makes the plant deer and rodent resistant. After the plant is finished flowering, let its leaves mature and yellow before topping them off. Cutting the foliage before it ages can reduce the plant’s vitality and longevity. Bulbs should be dug up and divided every few years to prevent overcrowding.

If I am fortunate to have you view my photographs and you find the color saturation too much or the color schemes of the mats do not match either themselves or the photograph, please let me know via a comment. Being color-blind, what might look great to me might look like sh*t to everyone else!

Steven H. Spring
Earth