Daffodil Bulbs

How to choose the best daffodil bulbs

Daffodils are the best-known of all spring-flowering bulbs. This diverse group offers so much in terms of colour, scent and form in the spring garden. Whatever your growing situation there will be a daffodil to suit it, whether that’s a small window pot, a garden border or a lawn to naturalise. It can be hard to narrow down which daffodil is best for your spot so below we answer some of our most frequently asked questions to help you pick the right bulb.

Which daffodils have the best scent?

Narcissus ‘Paperwhite’ is an iconic variety with a sweet scent. These spring-flowering bulbs can be planted outdoors or ‘forced’ to bloom indoors in time for Christmas. Daffodils with lots of small blooms on a single stem usually provide the strongest scent. Narcissus ‘Minnow’, ‘Golden Dawn’ and ‘Cheerfulness’ are all good examples. An exception to this rule is narcissus 'Adriana Geertruida' which produces single yellow trumpets with a sweet scent and intriguing upswept petals.

Which daffodils are best for pollinators?

The best daffodil varieties for pollinators are those that are easy to access. Choose varieties with open trumpets that allow large bumble bees to land and reach the pollen at the centre of the flower. Narcissus 'Cornish Trelawney Gold' is a striking classic variety with a large open trumpet. Daffodil ‘Peeping Tom’ is a more compact variety crowned with eye-catching yellow petals that pollinators love.

Which daffodils are good for naturalising?

When naturalising bulbs, choose a trumpet variety and plant in groups of five or more for greater impact in the first year. The bulbs will return bigger and better each spring. If you’re planting in a lawn, choose tall-stemmed varieties like Narcissus 'Cornish Rosemoor Gold' so you can enjoy the flowers as they peek up through the unmown grass.