‘Daffodil Pink Pride’ offers a refreshing departure from traditional yellow and white daffodils. This spring bloomer adds a soft, elegant touch to any landscape, making it a sought-after variety for a distinctive garden hue. Its captivating presence signals warmer weather, creating a delightful display in borders and containers.
What Makes Pink Pride Daffodil Unique
The ‘Pink Pride’ daffodil features a peachy-pink trumpet that deepens as it matures. Its large, ivory-white petals beautifully contrast with the delicate apricot to coral-pink cup, creating a striking appearance unlike common yellow or white daffodils. These strong flowers withstand cold, wet, and windy spring weather, ensuring a resilient and vibrant display. Growing 14 to 18 inches tall, ‘Pink Pride’ offers substantial visual impact and is an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
Planting Pink Pride Daffodil Bulbs
Plant ‘Pink Pride’ daffodil bulbs in the fall, ideally when soil temperatures cool below 50°F (10°C). This allows bulbs to establish roots before winter. For optimal growth and vibrant blooms, choose a location with full sun (at least six hours daily), though partial shade is tolerated. Well-draining soil is important, as waterlogged conditions cause bulb rot. Amend heavy clay with compost or coarse sand to improve drainage.
Dig holes 6 to 8 inches deep, or three times the bulb’s height, with the pointed end facing up. Space bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart for proper growth and air circulation. For a natural look, scatter bulbs and plant them where they land. Cover with soil and water thoroughly to settle the earth.
Caring for Pink Pride Daffodil
Once planted, ‘Pink Pride’ daffodils need consistent moisture, especially during dry periods of active growth and blooming. While they prefer consistent hydration, avoid overwatering.
‘Pink Pride’ thrives in fertile, loose, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6-7). Fertilization benefits both new and established bulbs. For new plantings, incorporate a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) into the soil at planting, avoiding direct bulb contact. For established daffodils, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer as new shoots emerge in early spring, or after blooming to replenish vigor. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage excessive leaf growth over flowers.
Post-Bloom and Dormancy Care
After ‘Pink Pride’ daffodils fade, proper post-bloom care ensures healthy returns in subsequent years. Deadheading, removing spent flower heads, redirects plant energy from seed production back into the bulb. This helps the bulb store nutrients, leading to stronger plants and more robust blooms next season. When deadheading, only remove the flower and its stem, leaving foliage intact.
Allowing daffodil foliage to die back naturally is important. Green leaves photosynthesize, converting sunlight into energy stored in the bulb for next year’s growth. Premature removal means bulbs may lack stored energy, potentially resulting in fewer or smaller blooms, or no flowers (‘blindness’). Wait until leaves turn yellow and wither, typically about six weeks after flowering, before cutting them back.
Addressing Common Daffodil Issues
Even with proper care, ‘Pink Pride’ daffodils can encounter issues. Non-blooming, where foliage appears but no flowers emerge, is a common concern. This can be caused by insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, or premature foliage removal. Address these by ensuring adequate sunlight, dividing overcrowded clumps every few years, and allowing leaves to yellow naturally.
Daffodils are also susceptible to certain pests and diseases. The narcissus bulb fly can damage bulbs, leading to poor flowering. Basal rot, caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. narcissi, is a disease that causes the bulb’s base to decay, often turning reddish-brown or chocolate-brown. This fungus spreads in warm soil and may cause stunted, yellowed growth or bulb rot. To mitigate issues, select healthy, firm bulbs, ensure well-drained soil, and avoid planting in previously infected areas for at least three years.