Narcissus is a representative of the class of the earliest spring flowers. Science knows about 60 different species growing in southern Europe.
In addition to the well-known, created by nature, mankind has brought a huge number of hybrids of this plant. The flower got its fame thanks to its use in perfumery, folk medicine.
Narcissus description
The plant is perennial, grassy. It has basal leaves of a linear appearance. The buds are large, there are both single specimens and carpal collections. They have a delicate aroma, slightly drooping in shape, 6 cm in diameter. It is a decorative flower, especially in early summer - late spring, yellow and white shades prevail. The very first representatives of this beautiful plant begin to bloom as soon as the snow melts. They have a white tone of petals. Soon they will be replaced by more beautiful varieties with large flowers.
Varieties of daffodil
At the moment, there are over 30 thousand various varieties of daffodil. There is a division of flower species into groups of 13 species, where only 1 is natural. The remaining fruits of the cross are hybrids. Before mankind learned to develop new varieties of plants, the colors of daffodils were represented only in white and yellow shades. Now things are different, hybrids have all kinds of colors, ranging from standard to cream.
There are varieties that can change their color during the flowering process. Each species is endowed with a specific purpose. Some were bred specifically for bouquets, some for winter flowering in an apartment. There are separate, decorative, they decorate the gardens.
Tubular
Yellow petals are the same length as the tube. There is a similarity to a gramophone tube. Good for forming gift bouquets.
They show themselves well in flowering conditions in winter, garden decorations. In Russia and the CIS countries, they take root well.
Large-crowned
It is the largest universal application. Only 1 bud is on the peduncle, the crown of the flower is small in height, about a third of the length of the petals.
The size of the flowers is above average, up to 12 cm. They have a yellow tint, white color of the crown.
Shallow-crowned
They have a strong peduncle, on which is a fairly large bud. Its diameter is 8 cm. The crown itself is small in stature. They are distinguished by good growth and long life.
Endowed with a pleasant, delicate aroma. They belong to the universal group, perfect for bouquets, garden decorations.
Terry
It got its name for the terry structure, which can be covered not only with the crown, but also with the flower itself. Petals are standard, yellow, white, orange. There are instances with red petals.
Depending on the variety, they can be found individually or in groups. Ideal for forming bouquets. The disadvantage is poor rain resistance.
Triandrus
A distinctive feature is the small size of the flowers. Hang on the stem, located 5-6 copies. The stem itself is low, the crown is also small, in the form of a yellow, white glass.
The advantage is the miniature size of the plants, adding elegance. Well suited for planting in a stone zone. The disadvantage is poor resistance to low temperatures.
Cyclamen
The peduncle is small in stature; on it are 2 “sad” buds of small size. The crown has a tubular, narrow shape. Petals of the plant are bent back.
Popular in the design of ledges, slides of stone.
Jonquillium
Almost the same view as the previous one. The difference is that up to 7 flowers are located on one stalk. They are slightly larger than their counterparts, have small, rounded crowns. They have a great aroma, elegant appearance. Suitable for rocky garden
The leaves of the flower are similar to grass. Almost all varieties of daffodils of this species love warmth and are recommended for cultivation in warm regions of the country.
Tacetous (multi-flowered)
The flower stalk is strong, reaches a height of 33 cm. The brushes are thick, small in size, shorter in length than the petals. The tint is white, yellow.
The crown itself is often orange. Varieties are valued in Siberia for flowering in the winter. However, it does not tolerate low temperatures, they require shelters.
Poetic
It is one of the oldest. A graceful look, wonderful aroma - the visiting card of the varieties of this variety. The flowers have a white tint. The stem is elongated, the crown is low, yellow, bordered by a bright red tint.
Advantages, immunity to bad weather conditions, easily progress in the twilight. Perfect for bouquets.
Hybrids
The youngest compound, single buds reach 5 cm in diameter. Peduncle is small. The wide tube is similar to a bell, the petals are narrow and sharp.
Endowed with yellow, white colors. Great for flowering in the cold season on the window.
Dissected
A distinctive feature of the species is a dissected flower crown. That is why the plants have an exotic, beautiful appearance, the impression of the existence of the second row of petals is created, the flowers themselves in appearance resemble butterflies. The flower stalk is tall, on which 1 flower is located, 10-12 cm in size. The varieties have a universal purpose.
However, the decorative, aesthetic appearance may deteriorate over time due to very cold winters. With proper care, they are able to almost completely restore their former appearance. Experts recommend planting them mainly in sunny areas, well insulate before the cold period.
Other daffodils
This subgroup includes all varieties, species that did not find a place in the qualified groups. They have a universal purpose.
Species
Included in one of the most ancient species, includes wild specimens.
It is highly appreciated for the content of essential oils.
Growing daffodils
Most species and varieties are widely used. This means that they can be grown in any form of open ground, in the home, on the window.
The process of daffodil growth comes from the bulb. Many onions are quite unpretentious, daffodils also belong to such. They bloom every spring, becoming more beautiful every year. To achieve a more magnificent flowering, it is necessary to put them in partial shade, or in the sun.
Plants are not picky about the soil. The only requirement is good water permeability. This is due to the fact that daffodils are very fond of moisture, but do not tolerate water stagnation. It provokes the emergence of basal rot, which is incurable.
This plant propagates by bulbs, by children. Cutting down of shoots means a signal about the necessary change of landing site. To do this, after the dry leaves fall off, dig up the bulbs. After which they are processed, they are dried in a dark place. Then sent to storage. However, if you dig up late, it will adversely affect their quality.
Landing time
The most suitable time for landing is the end of summer or the beginning of autumn. Planting is done in the soil to a depth of at least 10 cm. In this case, the distance between the bulbs is about 15 cm.
Daffodils by their nature are unpretentious plants, quickly adapt to the climatic conditions in which they are.
Daffodil Care
Leaving is also not difficult. The only feature of the flowers is an increased interest in soil moisture. During flowering, proper watering of the planting sites is ensured, the same is done the next 5 weeks after its completion.
Constant weeding, elimination of diseased specimens is necessary. To improve the overall quality of the bulbs, at the end of flowering, it is recommended to cut the flower. This is because the daffodil spends most of its energy on the seed ripening process. So that the plant does not expend energy on the seeds, but directs them to strengthen the bulb itself, it is cut off. But, if there is a need for the reproduction of beautiful plants using seeds, then you do not need to remove the peduncle.
Preferences in the soil are given to those places where there is a high content of nitrogen and potassium. In this regard, in the first years of growth, it is necessary to feed the plant. The first feeding occurs in the spring, in small quantities. This is due to the fact that an excess of nitrogen can easily become a causative agent of diseases. It can also affect the leaves; they will become too tall and narrow in shape. The second top dressing takes place during the flower stalk exit, it is produced by adding nitrogen and potassium.
Particular attention should be paid to the natural death of dried leaves. In no case should you tear them yourself off, cut them off. In order not to see ugly spots of wilted leaves, you can remove daffodils from a prominent place. In the garden, it is recommended to mulch the landing site. Mulching favorably affects the appearance of the flower garden, and at the same time protects it from the weather.
Daffodils are fast-growing plants, they quickly form beautiful plantations. They grow without transplantation, with proper care, for at least 6 years. Reducing the shape of the flower over time means that the plants are planted too often, this needs to be fixed. Under normal conditions, the division of such plants is required every 5 years.
Planting new ones, as well as transplanting grown flowers, must be done exclusively at the end of summer and before the beginning of October. The embedment depth should be three times the height of the bulb. In “heavy”, high clay soils, it is recommended to plant plants on a layer of sand, this will significantly improve drainage.
Daffodils themselves are well suited to the parameters of spring forcing. When growing daffodils in a pot, their bulbs are staggered. This approach is needed if necessary to fit as many copies as possible.
Mr. Dachnik recommends: a daffodil in a landscape
Due to the wide assortment of varieties, daffodils are widely used to create the uniqueness of garden design. Some groups are widely used in natural growing conditions, along with other flowers blooming in early spring.
With due desire and experience, it is possible to create a composition of species and varieties of daffodils in such a way that the total flowering period is 5 months.
The most commonly used variety of paper daffodil. This is due to the location of many white flowers, reminiscent of the color of a clean canvas, of flowers on each individual stem.
