15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (2024)

Gardening

Flowers

By

Jamie McIntosh

15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (1)

Jamie McIntosh

Jamie McIntosh has written about gardening and special occasion flowers for the Spruce since 2011. She has more than 20 years of experience caring for flowers and plants. She was a feature writer for Organic Gardening at Suite101, where she won awards for her writing.

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Updated on 05/02/24

Reviewed by

Debra LaGattuta

15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (2)

Reviewed byDebra LaGattuta

Debra LaGattuta is a Master Gardener with 30+ years of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. She is a lead gardener in a Plant-A-Row, which is a program that offers thousands of pounds of organically-grown vegetables to local food banks. Debra is a member of The Spruce Garden Review Board.

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Fact checked by

Emily Estep

15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (3)

Fact checked byEmily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

Bearing lovelyspring blooms in shades of gold, yellow, cream, orange, salmon,pink, and white, daffodils are the antidote to a long, dreary winter. If you've never planted them, you might be surprised by the sheer diversity of the Narcissus genus. Daffodils are native to Northern Africa, Europe, Afghanistan, China, and Japan, but most people grow hybrid bulbs that have been crafted over the years to highlight desirable traits.

Typically planted in the fall for spring bloom, many daffodil types will readily naturalize in a lawn or woodland area, gradually creating a blanket of spring color. They can also work well for filling garden spaces that are empty in spring but will be filled in as late spring and summer perennials mature. Another bonus is thatdeer shy away fromdaffodil blooms and will rarely, if ever, damage them.

Like roses, daffodils have been in cultivation for many hundreds of years, and horticulturalists have developed a complicated classification system for all the different types. Most serious growers follow the Royal Horticultural Society's daffodil classification system, which categorizes daffodils into 13 divisions based on flower shape and genetic heritage.

These 15 dazzling daffodil varieties will expand your spring landscape palette with a variety of hues, heights, and bloom times.

Warning

All daffodil bulbs are toxic to people, dogs, cats, and pets.

  • 01 of 15

    'Petit Four' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Petit Four')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (5)

    Just like its French pastry namesake, 'Petit Four' is a tasty visual treat for the spring garden, typically blooming in March. This plant falls into division 4, comprising varieties that have more flowers on each stem and extra petals per flower. It has a fluffy appearance and more showiness for your floral arrangements. Over time, naturalized bulbs may revert to a single-flower form: still attractive but without the frilly appearance of the cultivar.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:3–8
    • Height:12–18 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun to partial shade
  • 02 of 15

    'Tahiti' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Tahiti')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (6)

    In the 1950s, Irish daffodil breeder J. Lionel Richardson developed a series of flowers with exotic names, including 'Tahiti.' He was especially fond of daffodilswith deep orange cups, providing a striking contrast to the brilliant gold petals. With large flowers, roughly four inches across, this cultivar is a division 4 (double-flowered) daffodil. It's a mid-season bloomer, flowering in April in most regions.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:4–8
    • Height:12–18 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun to partial shade
  • 03 of 15

    'New Baby' Daffodil (Narcissus 'New Baby')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (7)

    'New Baby' is a miniature hybrid variety that looks fantastic in hanging baskets, containers, or anywhere else you can appreciate its yellow-edged petals and sweet fragrance. Although the flowers are petite, the fact that you get three to four blooms per bulb multiplies your blossom count. Flowering in late spring, this daffodil variety falls into division 7, jonquillas, which have thin, rush-like leaves and one to five flowers per stem.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:5–9
    • Height:4–8 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun
  • 04 of 15

    'Crewenna' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Crewenna')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (8)

    'Crewenna' falls into division 1, bearing the classic trumpet shape that appeals to many gardeners. This daffodil type features a center cup (corona) that's at least as long as the outer petals of the flowers. It bloomsearly in the spring, appearing in March in spite of sporadic frosts and freezes. This cultivar is also one of the taller varieties, providing a nice visual accent to the spring landscape.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:3–8
    • Height:18–20 inches
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

    Continue to 5 of 15 below

  • 05 of 15

    'Red Devon' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Red Devon')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (9)

    A truered tone has yet to be achieved by daffodil breeders, but 'Red Devon' comes close with its red-orange cup surrounded by yellow petals. Created by an English hybridizer, its name comes from the red cattle of Devonshire. It blooms in mid-spring and is an eye-catching addition to flower beds and borders. This large-cupped daffodil falls into division 2, which includes flowers with cups at least half the length of the outer petals but less than their total length.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:3–8
    • Height:16–18 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun to partial shade
  • 06 of 15

    'Valdrome' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Valdrome')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (10)

    'Valdrome' falls into division 11 due to what's known as its split-cupped collar. Within its white petals is an open, ruffled yellow cup rather than the typical trumpet shape. This daffodil looks almost similar to a daylily in appearance, as if it's a prelude to what summer will bring. In fact, 'Valdrome' is a late-blooming variety, often waiting until May.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:3–8
    • Height:12–26 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun
  • 07 of 15

    'Sir Winston Churchill' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Sir Winston Churchill')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (11)

    The tall fragrant flowers of 'Sir Winston Churchill' are worth the wait, appearing in late April or early May.Each bulb averages four flower stems that sport creamy white petals with bright yellow centers and as many as four flowers per stalk. The frilly double row of petals somewhat resembles carnations making these lovely ascut flowers. 'Sir Winston Churchill' is in division 4, a group that includes double-petaled daffodil varieties.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
    • Height:10–16 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun to partial shade
  • 08 of 15

    'Ziva' Paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceus 'Ziva')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (12)

    Ask a gardener about the fragrance of thepaperwhite, and you're sure to get an answer as strong as the flower's famed aroma. Some find the aroma to be sweet while others think it's musky.One thing gardeners agree on is that paperwhites are easy to grow indoors. The bulbs will produce brilliant white flowers after several weeks when grown in a shallow container containing a layer of stones or gravel and filled with water.'Ziva' is one of the earliest paperwhites to bloom, flowering in early spring. It belongs to division 8, the tazetta group, which includes plants with very short cups and very fragrant flowers.

    • Native Area: Mediterranean
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:8–10
    • Height:16–18 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun to partial shade

    Continue to 9 of 15 below

  • 09 of 15

    'Toto' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Toto')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (13)

    A brilliant white daffodil such as 'Toto' is the perfect choice to contrast colorful spring flowers. This dwarf daffodil grows less than a foot high, and it blooms in early spring. It's great for containers or to edge the front of a border or garden bed.Each stem holds as many as three star-shaped flowers with white petals that contrast a pale yellow cup. 'Toto' falls into division 12, which includes both miscellaneous daffodils that don't fit into other categories as well as hybrids with parents in different divisions.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:4–11
    • Height:6–12 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun
  • 10 of 15

    'Ice Follies' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Ice Follies')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (14)

    'Ice Follies' produces showy flowers on tall stems in early to mid-spring. On each stem, a frilled yellow cup accents six snowy white petals that stretch about four inches across. This plant tends to naturalize well and comes back year after year. And, if you visit the Netherlands, where 'Ice Follies' was bred, you might see fields of this daffodil type in bloom in spring.This cultivar is another large-cupped (division 2) "late mid-season" daffodil, blooming in March or April in most regions.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:3–9
    • Height:12–18 inches
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
  • 11 of 15

    'Rapture' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Rapture')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (15)

    Division 6 daffodils, like 'Rapture,' have a distinctive protruding cup with swept-back petals. This cultivar's lovely sulfur-lemon flowers grow one per stem, and the blooms are bent at an acute angle to the stem. The blooms are good for cutting as well as attracting bees and other pollinators. 'Rapture' is usually among the earlier daffodils to appear in March.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:3–8
    • Height:12–18 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun to partial shade
  • 12 of 15

    'Mary Gay Lirette' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Mary Gay Lirette')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (16)

    The 'Mary Gay Lirette' daffodil is a distinctive addition to anyspring garden. Most pink daffodils lean more toward apricot or salmon, but this 2013 introduction is a true pink color. Its extremely ruffled, split-cupped collar makes it nearly unidentifiable as a daffodil, looking more like a peony. Typically blooming in April, 'Mary Gay Lirette' belongs to division 11, comprising daffodils with center cups that are split along at least half their length, giving the flowers a full, fluffy appearance.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:3–8
    • Height:12–18 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun to partial shade​

    Continue to 13 of 15 below

  • 13 of 15

    'Dutch Master' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Dutch Master')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (17)

    Derived from the very old 'King Alfred' cultivar, the 'Dutch Master' daffodil is one of the most popular cultivars worldwide. Its showyyellow flowersfeature the classic trumpet shape and generally bloom in early to mid-spring. These bulbs multiply freely into clumps over the years, making them ideal for a naturalized wildflower garden. 'Dutch Master' is part of division 1, in which the corona is equal to or longer than the length of the outer petals.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:3–9
    • Height:14–16 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun
  • 14 of 15

    Pheasant's Eye Daffodil, Poet's Narcisuss (Narcissus poeticus)

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (18)

    The pheasant's eye daffodil, also known as poet's narcissus, is a native species that was among the first of all narcissus to be adopted for cultivation, and it remains a popular choice. Like many daffodil species, it has the ability to multiply quickly into large—but never invasive—colonies.Its pure white flowers, which tend to arrive in late spring and give off a pleasant aroma, surround a small yellow cup with red edging. In fact, this daffodil type is often used to fragrance perfumes, with some comparing the scent to jasmine or hyacinth. Pheasant's eye fits into division 9, reserved for N. poeticus and cultivars derived from it.

    • Native Area: Central and southern Europe; widely naturalized in North America
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:3–9
    • Height: 12–18 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun to partial shade
  • 15 of 15

    'Professor Einstein' Daffodil (Narcissus 'Professor Einstein')

    15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (19)

    'Professor Einstein' provides gardeners with a brilliant large flower that features a waxyorange cup set against glistening white petals. It generally blooms in mid-spring and has apleasant fragrance.This plant also naturalizes well in a garden and readily comes back year after year. And as a bonus,deershunits blooms, as they do all daffodils. 'Professor Einstein' falls into division 2, containing daffodils with center cups that are at least one-third the length of the petals.

    • Native Area: Nursery hybrid
    • USDA Hardiness Zones:3–8
    • Height:16–18 inches
    • Sun Exposure:Full sun to partial shade​

Why Your Daffodils Aren't Blooming

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  1. Narcissus. North Carolina State Extension.

15 Dazzling Types of Daffodils (2024)

FAQs

What is the rarest daffodil in the world? ›

Rarest. Celebrated in gardens for over 400 years, 'Maximus' or 'Trumpet Major' is an especially fine form of N. hispanicus with a wild, primeval look.

How do I know what kind of daffodils I have? ›

Daffodils are given a colour code to describe both the perianth (petal) colour and the cup colour. When looking at a 'daffodil code', the first number is the division used to categorise the daffodil. The letter or group of letters that follows the number, represents the perianth (petal) colour.

What are the daffodils that look like stars? ›

(2 Y-Y) Aptly named, it has a star-shaped, 5" flower with brilliant golden-yellow petals and a trumpet-shaped, vivid yellow cup.

Which daffodils are the most fragrant? ›

Narcissus Chinese Sacred Lily (Tazetta Daffodil)

Grown for its wonderful fragrance, Narcissus Chinese Sacred Lily produces 5-10 small scented flowers per stem, each adorned with a small golden-yellow cup and pure white petals.

What is the most beautiful daffodil? ›

Derived from the very old 'King Alfred' cultivar, the 'Dutch Master' daffodil is one of the most popular cultivars worldwide. Its showy yellow flowers feature the classic trumpet shape and generally bloom in early to mid-spring.

What is the oldest variety of daffodils? ›

Butter & Eggs

One of the oldest daffodils still in mainstream cultivation. Be it 'Butter & Eggs', "Golden Rose', 'Orange Phoenix' or the snappy 'N. incomparabilis Auirantus Plenus' this daffodil is still in the hearts of many with is canary yellow powderpuff head to its delicate refined fragrance - a real beauty.

How many daffodil varieties are there? ›

While there are 36 species of daffodil, their popularity as an ornamental plant has led to the creation of over 26,000 cultivated varieties.

Which daffodils bloom the longest? ›

The Long Season of Daffodil Varieties
  • February Gold.
  • Barrett Browning.
  • Erlicheer.
  • Ice Follies.
  • Tête-à-Tête.

What is the difference between a daffodil and a narcissus? ›

The easiest way to learn the difference between a narcissus, a jonquil and a Daffodil is to first understand that all Daffodils and Jonquils are narcissus. Narcissus is simply the botanical name that is given to Daffodils and Jonquils.

What does a trumpet daffodil look like? ›

One of the earliest daffodils to bloom, Narcissus 'Unsurpassable' is a mid-sized Trumpet Daffodil boasting huge, brilliant golden-yellow flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), adorned with broad, overlapping petals and a widely flared trumpet, deeply serrated at the mouth.

Do blue daffodils exist? ›

Two genes that conflict with each other were added to the UK's native wild daffodil, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, including one for the blue plant pigment delphinidin. Narcissus 'Poisson d'Avril' reaches 20cm high and has a long, thin trumpet and flared petals petals that contrast with the grey-green foliage.

What is the name of a tiny daffodil? ›

Narcissus Toto

These beautiful, miniature daffodils or narcissus are perfect for lending a splash of colour to your spring garden. Miniature Narcissi have dainty flowers which will naturalise easily and are particularly attractive in boarders and rockeries.

Which flower has the most beautiful smell in the world? ›

The World's Best Smelling Flowers
  • Lily of the Valley.
  • Gardenia.
  • Lilac.
  • Nicotiana.
  • Sweet Pea.
  • Moonflower.
  • Southern Magnolia.
  • Rose.
Jan 15, 2024

What daffodils smell like jasmine? ›

Today the scented variety you will come across most frequently for indoor cultivation is the double, cream flowered, Narcissus 'Bridal Crown'. It is richly fragrant, almost jasmine-like, and long lasting in a cool room.

What is the rarest flower to ever exist? ›

The Middlemist Red Camellia, or Camellia japonica 'Middlemist's Red,' is an exceptionally rare flower with vibrant pinkish-red petals. With only two known living specimens in the world, both located in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, it holds the title of the rarest flowering plant on Earth.

What is the most expensive and rare flower in the world? ›

Kadupul Flower - Priceless

At the very top of the list is the Kadupul flower. This flower is found in Sri Lanka and is so rare and fragile; it only lasts a few hours. The Kadupul flower blooms once a year and emanates a lovely, calming fragrance.

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