Foxtail Daffodil
narcissus bulbocodium
Also known as: ["Cyclamineus Daffodil","Small-cupped Daffodil"]
Overview
A small, early-blooming daffodil with a distinctive, foxtail-like corona that is longer than the petals.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Narcissus |
| Botanical Name: | Narcissus bulbocodium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed 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
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter; bulb-specific potting mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; no regular pruning needed for foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light (removal of flower stalks only).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer sun by providing afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; provide dappled shade in hot climates.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a bulb-specific mix; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy and warmer temperatures during active growth.
Protect from frost; avoid placing in drafty areas; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring growth
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing after bulbs go dormant; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; separate offsets from the parent bulb after flowering when the foliage begins to die back.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up the parent bulb.
- Gently separate offsets.
- Replant at the same depth as the parent bulb.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall, after the foliage has died back but before the next growing season begins.
Environment
Cool temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C), moderate humidity, and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite or grit.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–2 years to mature and flower after division.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, hand fork, clean knife (if needed for separation).
Quick Tips
Replant offsets immediately to prevent drying; ensure each offset has roots; space bulbs appropriately for good air circulation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base with clean shears; do not cut foliage until it turns yellow and dies back naturally.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to redirect energy to bulb development; allow foliage to die back naturally to replenish the bulb.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers promptly; do not remove foliage until it is fully yellowed; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after the bulbs have finished their growing cycle.
Pot Size
Use a pot that is 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the previous one; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove bulbs from the pot; shake off excess soil; inspect for damage or disease; replant in fresh, well-draining soil at the same depth.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or every 2–3 years; overcrowding can reduce flowering.
Checklist
Use fresh potting mix; ensure good drainage; replant at the same depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal risk; ensure water penetrates the root zone deeply but does not pool.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (fall and winter); increase frequency in spring as growth resumes, ensuring soil is moist but not waterlogged during active growth.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of leaves; stunted growth; premature bulb dormancy in excessive heat; rot in cold, wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage or bulb rot if soil is waterlogged; slows metabolic processes, leading to delayed growth or flowering.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging; mulch bulbs in late fall for insulation; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to scorch, flower buds to abort, or bulbs to dehydrate if soil dries out too quickly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; water deeply and regularly during heatwaves; ensure good air circulation to reduce heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid dormant period; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize once in early spring as growth begins and again after flowering; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Narcissus bulbocodium, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. The bulb poses the greatest risk due to its concentrated alkaloids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDogs are susceptible to the toxic alkaloids in Narcissus bulbocodium, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, neurological disturbances, and cardiac problems. The bulb is particularly dangerous due to its high alkaloid content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicThe Narcissus bulbocodium contains toxic alkaloids, primarily narcissine and lycorine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological effects, and cardiovascular issues upon ingestion. The bulb is the most toxic part, containing higher concentrations of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Narcissus bulbocodium toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should I care for Narcissus bulbocodium?
A: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; water moderately during growth and allow bulbs to dry out in summer.
Q: Does Narcissus bulbocodium attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its early blooms.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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