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Description
Narcissus Armada, commonly known as the Armada daffodil, is a perennial bulbous plant that belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. It is a hybrid variety of Narcissus that was developed by crossing Narcissus jonquilla and Narcissus pseudonarcissus. This plant is native to Europe and has been cultivated for its ornamental value.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Narcissus |
Appearance
The Armada daffodil has a trumpet-shaped, bright yellow flower that sits atop a sturdy, green stem. The flower has six petals and a central trumpet-shaped corona that is slightly darker in color than the petals. The leaves are long and narrow, and they grow from the base of the plant. The plant can grow up to 18 inches in height and 6 inches in width.
Care Guide
Water: Narcissus Armada requires well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering during the dormant period.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil before planting the bulbs. After the flowers have bloomed, feed the plant with a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote bulb growth.
Soil: The Armada daffodil prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral.
Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can negatively affect flower production.
Hardiness Zones: Narcissus Armada is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Armada daffodil is relatively disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to bulb rot if the soil is too wet. Common pests that can affect this plant include aphids, thrips, and narcissus bulb flies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Narcissus Armada is native to Europe and is commonly found in meadows, woodlands, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: How do I plant Narcissus Armada bulbs?
A: Plant the bulbs in the fall, at a depth of 6 inches and a spacing of 4-6 inches. The bulbs should be planted with the pointed end facing upwards.
Q: How long do Armada daffodils bloom?
A: The flowers typically bloom for 2-4 weeks in early spring.
Q: Can Narcissus Armada be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers. Use well-draining soil and ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes.
Q: When should I fertilize Narcissus Armada?
A: Fertilize the plant in the fall before planting the bulbs, and again after the flowers have bloomed.
Related Plants
- Narcissus Jonquilla
- Narcissus Pseudonarcissus
- Narcissus Tazetta
References
- The Royal Horticultural Society. (2021). Narcissus ‘Armada’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12344/Narcissus-Armada/Details
- University of Illinois Extension. (2021). Daffodils. Retrieved from https://extension.illinois.edu/daffodils/
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Narcissus ‘Armada’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=255316
