Cantabrian Narcissus
narcissus cantabricus
Also known as: ["Cantabrian Daffodil"]
Overview
A species of daffodil native to the Cantabrian Mountains in Spain, known for its delicate flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Narcissus |
| Botanical Name: | Narcissus cantabricus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny spot, or container with adequate drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- 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: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually if bulbs become overcrowded.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning (removal of flower stalks); moderate division if bulbs are overcrowded.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in hot climates to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; avoid direct afternoon sun in arid regions.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot; water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; reduce watering during dormancy.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Cool temperatures (50–65°F or 10–18°C) during growth; tolerate cold winters (down to 20°F or -6°C); avoid extreme heat.
Protect from extreme cold with mulch; avoid planting in hot, exposed locations; maintain consistent moisture in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before active growth; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; seed propagation is possible but slower and less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs when foliage yellows.
- Replant immediately at the correct depth.
- Water lightly until established.
Best Time: Divide bulbs immediately after flowering when foliage begins to yellow; sow seeds in late summer or early fall.
Environment
Cool temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) with indirect light for bulbs; warm (65–70°F or 18–21°C) and bright for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite; for seeds, use a standard seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division; rooting hormone may help with cuttings if used, but is not typical for Narcissus.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly after division; seeds may take 3–5 years to flower.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, sharp knife, bulb separator, clean pots.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding; store divided bulbs in a cool, dry place if not planting immediately.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; divide bulbs by gently separating them with hands or a knife.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to redirect energy to the bulb; allow foliage to die back naturally for bulb nourishment.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Remove flower stalks promptly; do not cut foliage until it yellows; divide bulbs if overcrowded.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after dormancy ends and before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) if repotting in a container; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove bulbs; trim any damaged roots; replant at a depth of 2–3 times the bulb height; use fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot every 3–4 years or when bulbs become overcrowded; repotting is not always necessary if bulbs are performing well.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure proper depth; check for damaged roots; provide adequate drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; reduce watering during dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the bulb zone without saturating the soil; allow water to drain freely; water in the morning to reduce fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (late spring to early fall); increase frequency in fall for bulb development; reduce watering after flowering to allow bulb to dry slightly.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves or stunted growth in excessive heat; bulb rot or poor flowering in overly cold or wet conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth but are generally tolerated; prolonged freezing with wet soil can cause bulb rot.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent bulb rot; mulch bulbs in colder regions; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage scorch, reduced flowering, and premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; water deeply but infrequently; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply before growth starts; avoid over-fertilization; stop during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in fall (pre-planting) and early spring; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent soft growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicNarcissus cantabricus is toxic to cats, with the bulbs, leaves, and flowers containing alkaloids that can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological distress. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds, necessitating immediate veterinary care if ingestion occurs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe bulbs, leaves, and flowers of Narcissus cantabricus are toxic to dogs due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects, requiring prompt veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicNarcissus cantabricus 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 cantabricus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats.
Q: Where is Narcissus cantabricus native to?
A: It is native to the Cantabrian Mountains in Spain.
Q: What are the common problems with Narcissus cantabricus?
A: Common problems include yellow leaves and rotting.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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