Daffodils were once the most common of wildflowers found in the UK but the true British native, Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus, has declined markedly since the 19th Century. They are the national symbol of Wales, are used by pharmacists as source of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and have been venerated by William Wordsworth in his lyric poem ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud’. To me, daffodils are the happiest of plants that brighten the mood in late winter and early spring and bring benefits to any garden, large or small.
I realise it has only just turned September, but now is the ideal time to start thinking about ordering and planting daffodil bulbs for a blast of colour early in 2021. If you go for a mix of early and late flowering cultivars, you can fill your borders and containers with these joyful flowers from January through to May. Read on for some suggestions of daffodil cultivars and combinations that will illuminate your garden next spring.
To get the season going early, plant Narcissus ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’ in a sunny, south facing spot. In a mild year it can be flowering at Christmas and at 35cm, it is larger than most of the daffodils that flower so early. For February blooms opt for Narcissus ‘Tamara’ and N. ‘February Gold’. Both cultivars will grow in partial shade and have good vase life if picked for indoor displays. Narcissus ‘Jetfire’, with its reflexed, golden petals contrasting with an orange trumpet, is an eye-catching selection for March and April flowering. The traditional yellow trumpet flowers of N. ‘Spellbinder’ are long lasting, and it is a tall selection that works well at the back of the borders in March and April.
Known for their strong scent and flowering in late April to May, Narcissus jonquilla (also known as Jonquils or rush daffodils) can produce up to eight flowers on each stem. At 50cm, they are quite tall so would suite the middle or back of a border, but also do well in containers, as long as they are deep enough (at least 25cm). Other late flowering daffodils are Narcissus poeticus (one of my favourites) and N. ‘Jack Snipe’. Narcissus poeticus has a citrus-like scent and N. ‘Jack Snipe’ has fragrant, white and yellow flowers. Both will work in borders and can be naturalised in lawns.
Dwarf daffodils are ideal for containers and well-known Narcissus ‘Tete-a-tete’ will consistently bring zesty yellows with each stem bearing up to three flowers. For March and April displays both Narcissus ‘Canaliculatus’ and N. ‘Minnow’ are scented and bear clusters of flowers on each stem.
Plant your own ‘bulb lasagne’ this September for amazing colour next spring using the following method:
Choose a container – the larger the better.
Put a layer of gravel in the bottom to aid drainage.
Add a thick layer of multi-purpose compost.
Plant the largest and latest flowering bulbs first – Tulips.
Cover with a layer of compost and plant your next layer of bulbs – dwarf daffodils.
Again, cover with a layer of compost and plant your final layer of bulbs – these could be crocus.
Water in and leave the container somewhere that is free from hard frosts.
Ensure that your compost remains moist but not waterlogged and you might want to attach some chicken wire or netting to the top of the container to deter mice or squirrels from digging up your bulbs. All you have to do now, is wait until your container looks great next spring.
Daffodils are easy plants to achieve consistent results and bring huge rewards after a long, bleak winter. Give them a go this year and you will be thankful for your toils next spring.