I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
And on goes good old William, waxing lovely. I casually asked my colleagues here at Fine Gardening, what is your favorite daffodil? Here are two, plus my top pick.
Michelle Gervais, Senior Editor, adores ‘Actaea’I love poeticus daffodils. They’re so cute with their tiny little cups and rounded petals. ‘Actaea’ is my absolute favorite with its fresh, snowy white petals and tiny yellow cups rimmed in red. It has a strong fragrance, too!
Narcissus ‘Actaea’Zones: 3 to 9 Size: 12 to 18 inches |
|
|
|
Antonio Reis, Product Manager, always goes to ‘Spellbinder’Look at that daff’s gradient! Creamy trumpet crescendos into a brighter saucer on the blossom. It’s like Renoir took a brush to this variety and painted it to perfection. I love cutting ‘Spellbinder’ and placing it in a tall silver vase with yellow parrot tulips – a very happy arrangement to welcome spring.
Narcissus ‘Spellbinder’Zones: 3 to 7 Size: 18 to 20 inches tall |
|
|
|
Lynn Felici-Gallant, Associate Editor, is all about ‘Thalia‘Thalia’! It has pure white, multiple, out-facing, fragrant, sweet blossoms that are even more cheerful in early spring than the ubiquitous yellow daffodil. It pairs well with early blue perennials and ephemerals, as is shown in the image. I could have an entire spring garden of them and be perfectly happy.
Narcissus ‘Thalia’Zones: 3 to 8 Size: 12 to 18 inches tall |
|
Lynn Felici-Gallant |
Most importantly, what is your favorite daffodil? Go ahead — be narcissistic and tell us. It’s Narcissus we’re discussing, after all.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Comments
Hi Lynn: What are Ephemerals? Are they the pretty blue flower as an under planting for the Talias? Perennial or annual? I've seen them many times and always wanted to know the name. I'd like to plant them for my garden. Thanks.
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in