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Description
Narcissus Crackington, also known as Crackington Daffodil, is a spring-blooming flower that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. This beautiful flower is native to the Crackington Haven area in Cornwall, England. It is a rare and endangered species that has been protected by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan since 1994.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Narcissus |
Appearance
The Narcissus Crackington has a single stem that grows up to 30 cm tall. It produces one or two flowers per stem, with each flower having a diameter of 4-5 cm. The flower has a six-petaled corolla that is white with a yellow center. The leaves are long and narrow, and grow up to 40 cm in length. The bulb is small and produces offsets that grow into new bulbs.
Care Guide
Narcissus Crackington is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful flower:
- Water: Narcissus Crackington requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Do not fertilize the plant during the dormant season.
- Soil: Narcissus Crackington prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7).
- Sunlight: Narcissus Crackington prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Narcissus Crackington is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Narcissus Crackington is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to some pests and diseases, such as:
- Narcissus bulb fly: This pest lays its eggs on the bulb, and the larvae feed on the bulb, causing it to rot. To prevent infestation, plant the bulbs in well-draining soil and cover them with a layer of coarse sand or grit.
- Narcissus basal rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the base of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To prevent infection, plant the bulbs in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Narcissus Crackington is native to the Crackington Haven area in Cornwall, England. It grows in coastal grasslands and heathland, on well-draining acidic soils. The plant is adapted to the harsh coastal environment, withstanding strong winds and salt spray.
Question and Answer
Q: When does Narcissus Crackington bloom?
A: Narcissus Crackington blooms in the spring, usually in March or April.
Q: Can Narcissus Crackington be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Narcissus Crackington can be grown in containers. Make sure the container has drainage holes and use well-draining soil.
Q: How long does Narcissus Crackington live?
A: Narcissus Crackington is a perennial plant that can live for several years if properly cared for.
Q: Is Narcissus Crackington poisonous?
A: Yes, Narcissus Crackington is toxic if ingested. The bulbs contain lycorine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Related Plants
- Narcissus pseudonarcissus
- Narcissus poeticus
- Narcissus tazetta
References
- “Narcissus pseudonarcissus ‘Crackington'” (Royal Horticultural Society) https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/66286/Narcissus-pseudonarcissus-Crackington/Details
- “Narcissus pseudonarcissus L.” (Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland) https://bsbi.org/species-accounts/narcissus-pseudonarcissus
