MINI DAFFODILS !

Design and InstallationGarden Caregarden TriviaPlant Health CareUncategorized
Written By Peter Morris

 

Wow !

 

THE SPECIES

 Daffodils are a group of flowering plant in the Amaryllis family. They are one of the most carefree of all spring-flowers.  Growing almost anywhere, they are not bothered by deer or rodents. Blooming reliably for generations, they return every spring in greater numbers! Flowers come in many different shapes, sizes and color combinations. The American Daffodil Society classifies daffodils by their flower shape, and there are officially 13 different classifications. Who knew ! There are several groups of dwarfs which we will focus on here.  

WE LOVE THE MINI’S

 Don’t fall for the trap that bigger is better. Everything about the dwarf daffodils is delicate and refined - from their button like cups to their grass like leaves. Many are intensely fragrant. What they lack in bloom size, they can make up in the sheer number of flowers. They are the perfect size for a city garden! There are several groups of small daffodils - but some wont survive in our cold winters (as I write this its 26*F).  The Tazetta group for example, which includes the popular indoor paper whites. But here are some that do ! Narcissus bulbocodium 

Called the petticoat daffodil or hoop-petticoat daffodil, is a species native to southern and western France, Portugal, and Spain.

 Narcissus cyclamineus 

These are easy to recognize. Most varieties have reflexed petals (pulled back) and small, narrow cups. They are shade tolerant and good for forcing. They bloom in early spring and are shorter than most other daffodils. “Tete A Tete” is one of my favorites. This one comes from North West Portugal and North West Spain.

 Narcissus jonquilla 

Known as jonquil or rush daffodil, it is from Spain and Portugal.  It has long, narrow, rush-like leaves (hence the name jonquil, Spanish junquillo, from the Latin juncus - 'rush'). In late spring it bears heads of up to five scented yellow or white flowers.

Cultivated since the 18th century in France, it has the strongest of the Narcissus species narcissus oil - a component of many modern perfumes.

 Narcissus triandrus 

The “Angels tears’” daffodil comes to us from France, Spain and Portugal.  It has strongly reflexed (turned back) perianth segments, with two or more flowers per stem. The blossoms are typically downward-facing petals. Many varieties are fragrant.

 

Why not put some in your garden this Spring!

 

Call Plant Specialists TODAY !

Our Garden Care Team can install some for you.

Don't delay – the sooner the better !

GREENING NEW YORK FOR OVER 51 YEARS !

       Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBAAll photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK 

Peter Morris

Peter was born and raised on a beautiful green island in the midst of a tropical rainforest. He was introduced into the world of plants at the age of six when his grandmother, an avid Spanish gardener herself, asked him to help her grow seeds for her pepper garden. He was hooked! By the time he was a teen, he had his own rose and orchid collection numbering in the hundreds. Botany was in his blood, and that is what he set out to study.

His passion brought him to NY in the late seventies to further his education. His tenacity allowed him to work full time at Plant Specialists while he completed a MS in Plant Biology. As a manager at the time he felt unsatisfied with his knowledge of business and business processes. Peter felt compelled to learn, so he then pursued and completed an MBA in Quality Management within a few short years.

Peter’s other passion is teaching. His natural ability is quickly consumed by our staff in all subjects in Botany, Horticulture, and Landscaping. He created an immense reference library of more than 3,500 plants providing an invaluable resource for our staff.

Peter’s breadth of knowledge and wisdom allows him to effectively diagnose the needs of plants. Sometimes just by walking into a garden he can create a prescription that fixes even the hardest issue. He is our Staff Botanist, Diagnostician, and all around Mentor. Recently, he has put his immense knowledge and skills into developing a new department that focuses on Plant Healthcare. As he puts it, “Magic through Science”. The PHC staff that surround him have avidly consumed his teachings. Substantially developing their own plant wisdom, many have taken on difficult plant health issues with spectacular results.

Plant Healthcare has been an instant success with customers! The proper treatment of insects and diseases including Organic methods has made pest control a necessity for every plant. Correcting hormonal imbalances caused by planting in containers or refurbishing soils leached of nutrients by irrigation systems are big challenges PHC has become quite comfortable addressing. The scientific approach to the complex demands of keeping plants healthy in our harsh city environment has made many a customer say WOW!

Previous

THE APHIDS ARE COMING !
Next

AQUILEGIA