Description
Daffodil ‘Spring Sunshine’ (Narcissus)
Daffodil ‘Spring Sunshine’ is a bulbous perennial from the Amaryllidaceae family, native to Europe and North Africa. This miniature variety features golden-yellow petals that sweep back gracefully, paired with a lighter orange trumpet for a soft yet striking contrast. With two or more blooms per stem, these flowers are framed by lush green foliage. Renowned for its resilience and naturalising ability, ‘Spring Sunshine’ reliably returns each year, brightening gardens with cheerful displays.
Uses and Versatility
Daffodil ‘Spring Sunshine’ is an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Its miniature size makes it perfect for small spaces, while its naturalising ability creates brilliant displays in larger gardens. Whether planted in pots, clumps, or scattered throughout the garden, this versatile daffodil offers masses of blooms year after year. Its natural toxicity makes it unappealing to rodents, offering added protection for surrounding plants.
Ideal Uses:
- Front of Borders and Focal Points: Adds vibrant structure and cheerful presence.
- Clumps and Naturalising: Creates radiant displays in meadows, lawns, and beneath trees.
- Pots and Containers: A wonderful choice for patios, balconies, and small spaces.
- Meadows and Woodland Gardens: Adds beauty beneath deciduous trees.
Climate Preferences
Daffodils can grow in cool to mild tropical climates but thrive in regions with cold winters and mild springs, which provide ideal conditions. They are best treated as annuals in areas with short, hot springs or insufficiently cold winters. For mild tropical or tropical climates, pre-chilling bulbs before planting replicate the winter chill necessary for successful flowering.
When to Plant
Daffodils are best planted from March to May. This period allows bulbs to establish strong roots before winter, ensuring a vibrant spring display. Wait until the summer heat has passed and the soil has cooled for optimal growth. In warmer regions, plant in late April or May once soil temperatures have dropped.
How to Plant
- Site Selection: Choose full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
- Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart; miniature varieties should be planted 8-10 cm deep.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil but avoid additional watering until foliage emerges.
Aftercare
- Watering: Keep soil moderately moist during growth but allow it to dry during dormancy to prevent rot.
- Fertilising: Use NPK 6:6:6 or azalea and camellia food when blooms fade but before foliage yellows, replenishing energy reserves for next season’s growth.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to redirect energy to the bulb.
- Foliage: Let leaves die back naturally to recharge the bulb for the following season.
- Mulching: Apply a 5 cm mulch layer to retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
Division and Maintenance
Daffodils multiply slowly, forming clumps over several years. Divide bulbs every 3-5 years or when flowering declines. After foliage has died back, lift and separate offsets, store bulbs in a cool, dry place, and replant in autumn. Regularly dividing daffodils ensures healthy growth and effective naturalisation.
Pests and Diseases
Daffodils are hardy but may encounter occasional issues:
- Pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, and Narcissus bulb fly.
- Diseases: Basal rot, grey mould, and viral infections, often linked to wet or humid conditions.
To minimise problems, plant in well-drained soil, ensure good air circulation and use organic pest control measures as needed.
Safety
Daffodils contain lycorine, a toxic compound found in all parts of the plant, especially the bulbs. Ingestion can cause stomach upset in humans and pets, and the sap may irritate the skin. Store bulbs securely and plant them out of reach of children and animals. Always wear gloves when handling bulbs to avoid irritation.
Caution: Harmful if eaten. A skin and eye irritant.
Supplied as dormant bulbs.