Daffodils & Narcissi Spring Garden Guide

Posted by Shannen Godwin on 17th Jun 2021

Daffodils & Narcissi Spring Garden Guide

The narcissi or daffodil as is it more commonly known, is one of the most recognisable perennial bulbs in the British garden and has been for centuries. The joy that these simple to grow bulbs can bring is no more prominent that in the poem entitled “I wandered lonely as a cloud” by William Wordsworth where he stumbled across “a host of golden Daffodils”. The sight of Daffodil flowers dancing adds thoughts of joy and pleasure to the poet and to millions of British gardeners for centuries. Plant bulbs in the autumn for a superb spring show, ideal for borders, rockeries, pots on the patio, or even in hanging baskets.

Easy to plant

Daffodils are one of the easiest bulbs to have success with and are suitable for gardeners of all levels of experience. Plant at least 10cm deep or approximately three to four times the depth of the bulb. Space as desired or plant in clumps for a cluster display. Daffodils prefer a spot well sheltered from the wind, preferably with plenty of access to sun. Daffodils are best planted in well drained, fertile soil. It is important that you keep the soil moist during the growing season and allow the leaves to die back naturally before deadheading. They can be lifted and moved once the foliage has died off or they can be left to naturalise when planted in grass or under trees, where they can be left undisturbed for years.

Daffodils are a great choice as they are hardy perennial bulbs which will come back year after year. They are very simple to grow and will even naturalise if left undisturbed for years.

Wordsworth even makes reference in his famous poem to their ability to naturalise and multiply, as they stretch in a “never-ending line” along the fields and below the trees.

Daffodil Varieties

Image: Double Daffodils

Cyclamineus Narcissus

Cyclamineus Narcissus bulbs produce dainty daffodils that have small cups with swept back petals and usually flower in early spring. Perfect for en masse planting or a rockery.

Double Daffodils

Double Flowering Daffodils are cultivated for one or more flowers per stem and are perfect for creating that ruffled effect that stands out from the crowd. We have some great varieties available for flowering in early spring or mid spring. Double Daffodil and Narcissi bulbs are suitable for planting in autumn and flowers burst onto the scene in spring. Perfect for planting in a colourful border!

Indoor Daffodils and Narcissus

Incredibly popular, indoor daffodils and narcissus are specially treated so that they will flower during the winter months. If you get your timings right, you can have a fabulous Christmas display!

Jonquilla Narcissus

Jonquilla Narcissus varieties are some of the most sweetly scented varieties, coming in a great variety of shapes, sizes and colours. A must for those who have displays close to their back doors or walkways so they can truly be appreciated. 

Image: Jonquilla Daffodils (Narcissus Baby Boomer)

Miniature Rockery Narcissus

Miniature rockery narcissus bulbs produce dainty daffodils that are both fragrant and charming! A great choice for patio containers and pots, or the front of a border. Available in a range of golden yellow and traditional white Narcissi bulbs. Plant in autumn and wait for a colourful spring display.

Multi-headed & Triandrus Narcissus

Multi-headed & Triandrus narcissus can offer up to five pendants on each stem and a superb naturalising Daffodil perennial bulb. Browse our range below and plant in autumn. They make a great border Daffodil but are also suitable for planting in areas where little else grows such as under trees and woodland scenes.

Tall Daffodils & Narcissus

Perfect impact plants for the border or rockery. Taller varieties can tower over miniature spring flowering bulbs and help create a colourful setting that can be appreciated and enjoyed by all.

Image: Poeticus Narcissus

Trumpet & Cupped Narcissus

Cupped and Trumpet Daffodils produce an array of small or large sized cups (or coronas as they are also known), perfect for all situations where the petals really do jump out at you.

Orchid Flowering Narcissus

Breath-taking flowers that really do offer something a little different than traditional varieties. Orchid Daffodils propel a gorgeous split cup or corona that gives the flower the appearance of being an orchid, hence their name. They are a great addition to any spring garden display and are also very effective as cut flowers. A real Jewel in the Daffodil bulb range.

Poeticus/Tazetta Narcissus

Free flowering, these produce amazing shows in spring. Tazetta Daffodil bulbs can produce up to an amazing 20 small flowers per stem making them superb value and ideal for growing in border, rockeries and patio containers. Fragrant Poeticus Daffodil bulbs are great for naturalising and will create an abundance of small cups in a variation of colours with large white petals.

Shop our full range of daffodils online.