Tangier Daffodil
narcissus tingitanus
Also known as: ["Tangier Daffodil","Moroccan Daffodil"]
Overview
A rare species of daffodil native to Morocco, known for its delicate flowers and ornamental value.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Narcissus |
| Botanical Name: | Narcissus tingitanus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- 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-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter (e.g., compost or aged manure).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; at the end of the growing season (late summer).
- Pruning Intensity: Light (removal of flower stalks only; foliage removal only after it has yellowed and died back).
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 gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; in hot climates, provide dappled shade during peak hours; for indoor cultivation, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate the pot for even growth; use sheer curtains to diffuse intense light; avoid direct midday sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Cool temperatures (50–65°F / 10–18°C) during dormancy; moderate (60–70°F / 15–21°C) during active growth; tolerate mild frosts but protect from hard freezes.
Protect from hard freezes; avoid placing near heat sources; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer sparingly to avoid bulb burn; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.
Propagation
Methods
Division of offsets (bulblets) that form around the base of mature bulbs.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully separate offsets from the mother bulb.
- Allow to callus for a day.
- Plant shallowly in a well-draining medium.
- Water sparingly until established.
Best Time: After flowering, when bulbs are dormant (late spring to early summer).
Environment
Cool (50–60°F / 10–15°C), bright indirect light, and moderate humidity.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., cactus mix or perlite with peat moss).
Hormone
Not required for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–3 years to mature and flower after separation.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Handle bulbs gently to avoid damage; plant offsets at the same depth as the mother bulb; avoid overwatering new divisions.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; allow foliage to die back naturally before trimming.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to redirect energy to bulb development; trim yellowing foliage after dormancy.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers promptly; do not cut foliage until it yellows; clean tools before use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after dormancy but before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot that is 2–3 inches wider than the bulb cluster; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; inspect for damage; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil with adequate spacing.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years to refresh soil.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; plant bulbs at the correct depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (late spring to early fall); increase frequency in active growth (late fall to early spring) to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or failure to bloom in overly cold conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes, causing delayed or absent flowering; prolonged cold can damage bulb tissues.
Solution: Mulch heavily around bulbs in winter; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage scorch, premature bulb dormancy, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use bulb-specific fertilizer; apply at recommended dilution; fertilize at the start of growth; cease during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced bulb fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring as growth begins; reduce or stop fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the alkaloids in Narcissus tingitanus, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The bulbs pose the greatest risk due to their high alkaloid content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe alkaloids in Narcissus tingitanus are harmful to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity. The bulbs are the most dangerous part due to higher alkaloid concentration.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicNarcissus tingitanus contains toxic alkaloids, primarily narcissine and lycorine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological effects, and cardiovascular issues upon ingestion. The bulbs are particularly concentrated in these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Narcissus tingitanus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats.
Q: How rare is Narcissus tingitanus?
A: It is considered a rare species, primarily found in Morocco.
Q: Does Narcissus tingitanus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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