Poet's Narcissus
narcissus poeticus
Also known as: ["Pheasant's Eye","Narcissus minor","Narcissus tazetta"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant with fragrant, daffodil-like flowers, characterized by a small, red-rimmed cup.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Narcissus |
| Botanical Name: | Narcissus poeticus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds or containers in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; sandy soil is suitable if amended with compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Once after flowering; no regular pruning needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light (removal of flower heads only).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adaptable to partial shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun to prevent leaf burn; in hot climates, provide afternoon shade; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even growth; avoid deep shade for best flowering; morning sun is preferable to afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid waterlogged soil at all costs; ensure bulbs are planted at the correct depth; amend soil before planting.
Temperature
Cool temperatures (50–65°F or 10–18°C) during growth; tolerates cold winters down to -20°F (-29°C) when planted in the ground.
Plant in fall for spring bloom; avoid planting in hot, dry soil; protect from extreme heat during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Use a slow-release fertilizer for steady nutrients; fertilize just once at the start of growth; avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; separate offsets after foliage dies back in summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature bulbs.
- Separate offsets from the mother bulb.
- Replant offsets at the correct depth.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall when bulbs are dormant and offsets are mature.
Environment
Cool temperatures, well-draining soil, and partial shade for establishment.
Medium
No special medium needed; plant offsets directly into well-draining soil.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets take 1–3 years to mature and flower after division.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Replant offsets immediately after division; ensure offsets have roots attached; space offsets at least 3–4 inches apart.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stems at the base after blooming; do not cut foliage until it turns yellow and dies back.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower heads after blooming to redirect energy to bulb storage; allow foliage to die back naturally.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove flower heads promptly; do not tie or bend foliage; wait for natural dieback before removing leaves.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall when bulbs are dormant.
Pot Size
Use a pot that is 2–3 inches wider than the current one for container-grown bulbs.
Method
Gently remove bulbs from the pot; trim any dead roots; replant at the correct depth in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Not typically needed for outdoor-planted bulbs; container-grown bulbs may need repotting every 3–4 years if overcrowded.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; plant at the correct depth.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply once a week; reduce watering post-flowering; ensure good drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water begins to drain from the bottom; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring; reduce watering after flowering until dormancy in summer; minimal water during winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to heavy clay soil; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves or stunted growth in excessive heat; bulb rot or failure to flower in overly wet, cold conditions.
Cold Stress
Bulbs can survive cold winters but may experience delayed growth or reduced flowering if soil remains too wet.
Solution: Plant bulbs at the correct depth for insulation; ensure well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging; apply a layer of mulch for added protection.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to yellow or wilt, reducing bulb vigor for the next season.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; water deeply but infrequently; ensure good air circulation to reduce heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in early spring; use bulb-specific fertilizer; avoid fertilizing after flowering.
Fertilizing Method
Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm bulbs.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic alkaloids in Narcissus poeticus, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. Even small amounts can lead to significant health issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe alkaloids in Narcissus poeticus are highly toxic to dogs, affecting their gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Ingestion can lead to severe illness and, in extreme cases, may be fatal.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicNarcissus poeticus contains toxic alkaloids, primarily narcissine and lycorine, which can cause significant physiological distress upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Narcissus poeticus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should I care for Narcissus poeticus?
A: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; water moderately and avoid overwatering.
Q: Does Narcissus poeticus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its fragrant flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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