Guaranteed to lift the spirits of all who gaze upon them, daffodils – or narcissi, to give them their botanical name – are a rare jewel of colour and optimism when they first appear in the dank, dark days of early February. An early floral burst when most garden plants are still firmly asleep, they have been captivating gardeners, artists, writers and of course, poets for centuries.
With over 26,000 cultivated varieties available, and regular new discoveries, it is easy to see why these blooms are so dearly cherished. Simply put, there is a variety for everyone, ranging from a delicate multi-headed narcissus and solo, stately golden trumpets to charming dwarf varieties perfect for pots and enthralling blowsy double-petalled forms in several shades. Blooming proudly from early February to the end of May, they come in a range of sizes and demand very little nurturing.
“Daffodils can be grown anywhere,” says Charlotte Daubney
