Of Goldmarie and Snow White
When you mention daffodils, you immediately hear the sound of daffodils. They are by far the most well-known of the daffodils – we're referring to the large-crowned daffodils, full of luminosity and rich, sunny yellow. But that's not all, because the range of this popular, uncomplicated bulb is vast. The color spectrum ranges from brilliant pure white and delicate cream to refreshing lemon and sunny yellow and even orange.
Welcome to the class reunion
Not only is the color spectrum stunning, but the variety of shapes is also so diverse that daffodils are divided into twelve different classes. There are small- and large-crowned daffodils, as well as trumpet daffodils. They all bear large, single flowers. In recent years, the small-flowered cyclamen daffodils, also known as Cyclamineus daffodils, have gained particular popularity for pot cultivation, with varieties such as 'Tête-à-Tête', 'Jack Snipe', and 'Jetfire', each with one to two flowers per stem.
Multi-flowered, fairytale-like angel's tear daffodils (Narcissus triandrus), jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla), and tazettas (Narcissus tazetta) display between three and twelve blooms per stem. Most exude a honey-sweet fragrance. Entire meadows and lawns become springtime fragrances thanks to poet's daffodils (Narcissus poeticus): they are unmistakable with their striking white petals and small, colorful corollas in the center. Collectors' hearts beat faster at the sight of double-flowered daffodils, rarities such as split-corona daffodils, and historic daffodils.
And then there are the wild species, without which our garden daffodils would not exist; however, you will definitely not find them in garden centers, but can only admire them in their wild habitats in Europe, North Africa, Iran, or Lebanon; such as the crimson daffodil (Narcissus bulbocodium), which you might be lucky enough to discover in western France, Portugal, or northern Spain – and they should definitely stay there, because wild habitats are there to be admired, not plundered!
Where to with you beautiful people?
The general rule is: A single daffodil looks rather lonely and doesn't necessarily mean spring. Therefore, daffodils should always be planted in clusters or bands. Flower nests under light deciduous trees such as serviceberry, witch hazel, or dogwood are just one option. Entire islands of daffodils can be created in the lawn. Daffodils are sure to find a few spots in the perennial border, too. In smaller groups of 3-5 bulbs, they make an appearance among early-emerging perennials such as forget-me-nots, hostas, and lady's mantle. Or plant them in flowerpots, where they herald the balcony and patio season.
