Daffodils

Flower of the week

Common name:  Daffodil

Botanical Names: Narcissus

Origin: South Western Europe

Colours: cream, yellow, orange and peach

Daffodils were first cultivated by the Romans.  They are now grown in the UK and exported to Holland.  Many people call small varieties of Daffodil Narcissi, but in fact all Daffodils are Narcissi.  Although the small scented varieties are commonly known as Narcissi.  Daffodils are available from October to April.  The season starts in the warmer Scilly Isles in October and ends in Scotland during April.  The Flower is trumpet shaped and often has different coloured outer petals.  There are many different varieties of Daffodil including scented and double Daffodils.  All parts of the plant are poisonous.

The flower is named after Narcissus in Greek legend.  They are many versions of his tale.  One says Narcissus was very beautiful but scorned all who loved him.  Nemesis punished him for his unfeeling heart, causing him to fall in love with his own reflection in a pool and pine away at his own image until he died.  The Narcissus flower is said to have sprung up where he died.  The word Narcissus is also said to derive from the Greek for numbness referring to the flowers narcotic properties.

The cut flower lasts 3-6 days in a vase and will last longer kept out of direct heat and sunlight.  They look equally good en masse or in a mixed spring bouquet.  Daffodils should be first treated on their own as they exude a toxic sap when first cut.  If you are buying your Daffodils already in water from a florists these will be fine to mix with other flowers as they will have already been treated.