Asso's Daffodil

narcissus assoanus

Also known as: ["Asso's Daffodil","Dwarf Daffodil"]

Family: Amaryllidaceae Genus: Narcissus Category: Flowers

Overview

A small, delicate daffodil species native to the Mediterranean region, known for its small, yellow flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","cold hardy"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Narcissus
Botanical Name: Narcissus assoanus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in a sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter; sandy soil with compost works well.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; foliage removal after it dies back naturally.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light (flower stalks only; foliage removal only after yellowing).
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to dappled light in hotter climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; in containers, move to shadier spots during peak heat.

Warning Signs: Soft, mushy bulbs (rot); yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage); stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or poor soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate pots for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy

Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot; water deeply but infrequently during active growth; reduce watering after flowering until dormancy.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil dries between waterings; amend heavy clay soil; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Temperature

Cool temperatures (50–65°F or 10–18°C) during growth; tolerate mild frosts; prefer cooler conditions post-flowering.

Keep in cool, bright spot; avoid heat sources; protect from extreme cold or heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Feed before flowering; use low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer; stop after blooms fade.

Propagation

Methods

Division of offsets (bulblets) after flowering; occasionally from seed (slow process).

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Separate offsets from parent bulb.
  2. Plant 2–3 times their depth.
  3. Water lightly.
  4. Protect from extreme conditions.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer after foliage dies back.

Environment

Warm, bright location with good air circulation; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Medium

Well-drained potting mix (e.g., cactus mix with perlite); can be planted directly in garden soil.

Hormone

Not required for bulb division.

Timeline

Offsets may take 1–3 years to flower; seed propagation takes 3–5 years.

Tools Needed

Garden trowel, clean knife, small pots or garden space.

Quick Tips

Plant offsets immediately; ensure proper depth; avoid overwatering new bulbs.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip flower stalks at base; tie foliage in bundles to aid yellowing if needed.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy storage; allow foliage to yellow naturally before removal.

Tools

Hand pruners or sharp scissors; gloves.

Checklist

Cut flower stalks post-bloom; allow foliage to die back; remove yellowed leaves.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Late summer to early fall (after dormancy ends but before active growth).

Pot Size

Use a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the bulb cluster; ensure depth for bulb planting.

Method

Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at proper depth with fresh, well-drained mix; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; offsets may need separate pots.

Checklist

Check for crowding; use fresh soil; plant at correct depth; ensure drainage holes.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at base; ensure drainage; reduce post-flowering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage; ensure water reaches the bulb zone; allow excess to drain away; water in the morning to reduce fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the soil around the bulb.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly during dormancy (late spring to early fall); increase frequency in fall and winter as growth resumes, ensuring soil dries slightly between waterings.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves (too hot); stunted growth (too cold); bulb rot (excess moisture in cold).

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration; bulbs can rot if soil remains wet in cold.

Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; mulch bulbs in colder regions; protect from extreme frost if potted.

Hot Stress

Bulbs may desiccate; foliage wilts; reduced flowering if temperatures exceed 75°F (24°C) during growth.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; water deeply but infrequently; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use bulb fertilizer; apply in fall/spring; dilute properly; avoid dormant period.

Fertilizing Method

Use bulb-specific fertilizer in fall and early spring; dilute to half-strength; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Narcissus assoanus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or viral infections, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Narcissus assoanus is often a sign of water stress, either due to overwatering causing root rot or underwatering leading to dehydration, both of which can severely impact plant vitality.

Leaf spots on Narcissus assoanus are typically caused by fungal or bacterial infections, which can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and, in severe cases, lead to defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or bulb rot, can affect Narcissus assoanus, often caused by fungal pathogens or excessive moisture, leading to decay and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the toxic alkaloids in Narcissus assoanus, which can cause severe gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiac effects. Even small amounts can be harmful.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors difficulty breathing weakness drooling
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access Narcissus plants. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Narcissus assoanus can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, neurological disturbances, and cardiac problems due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. The bulbs are the most dangerous part of the plant.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors difficulty breathing weakness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from Narcissus plants. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Narcissus assoanus contains toxic alkaloids, primarily narcissine and lycorine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological effects, and cardiovascular issues upon ingestion. The bulbs are particularly toxic due to higher concentrations of these compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness headache irregular heartbeat
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep all parts of the plant out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Narcissus assoanus toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats.

Q: How should I care for Narcissus assoanus?

A: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Water moderately during growth and keep dry during dormancy.

Q: Does Narcissus assoanus attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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