LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA.
Class
DAFFODILS
NARCISSUS
AND HOW TO GROW THEM
The Garden Library
Roses and How to Grow Them
By Many Experts
Ferns and How to Grow Them
B]> Q. Jl. Woolson
Lawns and How to Make Them
By Leonard Barren
Daffodils, Narcissus and How to Grow Them
Bu A. M. Kirbu
PLATE I
A CENTURY-OLD FIELD OF DAFFODILS
On the old Lalor homestead near Trenton, N. J., the old English trumpet daffodil
(N. Pseudo-Narcissus) has been growing wild for a hundred years. When com-
fortably naturalised, the season of flowering is somewhat earlier than in ordinary
garden cultivation and there is always bloom in this field by the 25th of March
DAFFODILS
NARCISSUS
AND HOW TO GROW THEM
As Hardy Plants and for Cut Flowers
With a Guide to the Best
Varieties
By
A. M. KIRBY
ILLUSTRATED
NEW YORK
Doubleday, Page & Company
1907
COPYRIGHT, 1907, BY DOUBLED AY, PAGE & COMPANY
PUBLISHED, AUGUST, 1907
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
INCLUDING THAT OF TRANSLATION INTO FOREIGN LANGUAGES
INCLUDING THE SCANDINAVIAN
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I. Old-time and Modern Daffodils and
Narcissus. 3
II. Daffodils in the Garden Border. . 17
III. Flowering Daffodils in Winter. . 47
IV. Water Culture in the House. . 63
V. The Commercial Production of Cut
Flowers. . . . . 70
VI. Naturalising in the Grass. . .81
VII. Miniature Daffodils for the Rock
Garden. . . . .90
VIII. The One Insect and One Disease. 93
IX. Straightening Daffodil Nomenclature
and Classification. . . 98
X. The Large Trumpet Daffodils. . in
XL The Lesser Trumpet, Hoop-Petti-
coat and Cyclamen-flowered
Daffodils. . . . .141
XII. The Medium-crown Hybrids. . 148
XIII. The Pheasant's Eye and Poet's
Hybrid Narcissus. . .170
XIV. The Sweet-scented Jonquils and
Campernelles. . . .180
XV. The Tender Cluster-flowered Nar-
cissus. ..... 183
XVI. The Hardy Cluster-flowered Nar-
cissus. . . . .192
212454
DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
CHAPTER PAGE
XVII. Double Daffodils and Narcissus of
all Groups 196
XVIII. Some Autumn Flowering Species. 206
XIX. Hybridising and Raising from Seed. 208
Appendix. A Key to the Daffodils. ., . * .215
Index. » . . • •*• ' "*. '' *. • 227
ILLUSTRATIONS
PLATE
I. A Century-old Field of Daffodils
(C. M. Whitney). Frontispiece.
FACING PAGE
II. An Ideal Planting (/. H. Me-
Farland). . .. . . IO
III. The Importance of Massing
(H. G. Taylor). . . .11
IV. Types of Flowers (A. M. Kirby). 14
V. Planting in the Herbaceous Border
(Henry Troth). . . . 28
VI. The Poet's Narcissus Naturalised
(N. R. Graves). ... 29
VII. A Few Good Bulbs (A. M. Kirby). 44
VIII. Daffodils for the Window Garden
(A. M. Kirby). . 45
IX. Paper-white Narcissus as a Parlour
Plant (Van Wagner). . . 76
X. Commercial Cultivation in Flats
(H. E. Angell). ... 77
XL Commercial Production of Cut
Flowers (H. E. Angell). . 92
XII. A Flat of Flowers Ready for Cut-
ting (H. E. Angell). . . 93
XIII. The Poet's Narcissus in Landscape
Effect (J. H. McFarland). . 108
XIV. Poet's Narcissus Naturalised in a
Lawn (A. R. Dugmore). . 109
XV. Trumpet Daffodils Naturalised
(Henry Troth). . . .124
XVI. All -yellow Trumpet Daffodil
(A.M. Kirby). . . .125
XVII. All - white Trumpet Daffodil
(A. M. Kirby). . . .156
DAFFODILS— NARCISSUS
XVIII. Medium crown, or Cup Daffodil
(N. incomparabilis) (N. R.
Graves). . . . .157
XIX. Narcissus Barii conspicuus (N. R.
Graves). .... 160
XX. The Hoop-petticoat Daffodils. . 161
XXI. Narcissus Leedsii varieties (N. R.
Graves) 168
XXII. Narcissus Nelsoni and N. Back-
house! (H. E. Angell). . . 169
XXIII. Narcissus Leedsii and N. Burbidgei
(H. E. Angell). . . .172
XXIV. Single and Double Narcissus incom-
parabilis (H. E. Angell and /.
H. McFarland). , . .173
XXV. Big and Little Daffodils (Henry
Troth) >* ( . »a J .178
XXVI. Narcissus poeticus and the new
hardy, cluster-flowered N. poetaz
(H. E. Angell). WJW . . 179
XXVII. Narcissus tridimus, var. Cloth of
Gold (H. E. Angell). . . 182
XXVIII. Campernelle or Jonquil (N. R.
Graves). . . . .183
XXIX. A Polyanthus Narcissus, N. Tazet-
ta (N. R. Graves). . .188
XXX. Two Dainty Flowers (H. E.
Angell). . . . .189
XXXI. Types of Double Van Sion Daffo-
dils (H. E. Angell). . . 204
XXXII. Wild Narcissus in Bermuda
(A. M. Kirby). . ,: . 205
DAFFODILS
NARCISSUS
AND HOW TO GROW THEM
CHAPTER I
OLD-TIME AND MODERN DAFFODILS AND
NARCISSUS
The largest flowers of early spring — Universal adaptation —
The homes of the wild species — Some early history — A
word as to prices — The daffodil in legend and verse —
What is a daffodil or a narcissus?
THE narcissus and daffodil have long been
the most world-widely popular of all spring
flowering bulbous plants. It is not alone the
individual and collective beauty of their flow-
ers that endears them to our hearts but the
bravery of their advent, for "the time of the
daffodil0 closes the gates on bleak winter and
ushers in, with trumpets of gold, longed-for
spring.
It is true that these flowers may have been
preceded by those of snowdrops, scillas, cro-
cus, etc., with their boisterous weather accom-
paniments, but the awakening of the daffodils
— among the earliest of the important flowers
of a new season — means the advent of mild
and genuine spring.
3
4 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
What pleasurable associations the very
mention of their names uncurtains among
those of us who have been fortunate enough
to be brought up in "old-fashioned garden1*
environment. We recall our annual spring de-
light in watching the sturdy development
from mother earth — almost before winter's
snow had melted — of groups of spear-like
leaves, followed by big, fat buds that soon
unsheathed their blossoms of silver and gold.
WHERE TO GROW THEM
The narcissus and daffodils may be success-
fully grown in so many locations, and under
so many different conditions of soil, and cli-
mate, that we need scarcely ask "where may
they be grown ?" Their freedom from cul-
tural complications is, indeed, one of their
chief merits. With the exception of a few of
the Mediterranean and Oriental types that
love warm, dry hillsides or well-drained
rockeries, the great majority of varieties is
nearly as hardy as rocks, and will grow, thrive
and flower almost anywhere — in garden beds,
in herbaceous borders and shrubberies, in
grassy turf of lawn, meadow or woodland,
OLD-TIME AND MODERN 5
year after year, without any special care.
Of course congenial soil, location and culture
will produce better results than conditions
less congenial; deep, cool, well-drained,
sandy loam, in a semi-shaded situation, being
the desideratum, but, like grass, they will ex-
ist almost anywhere, flourishing most luxuri-
antly when especially well placed. Correct
garden culture produces the finest individual
flowers, though the collective wealth of
beauty of a colony naturalised on a grassy
slope or stream-side bank is a feast for the eye.
But it is not exclusively in the open ground
that narcissus and daffodils may be grown,
flowered and enjoyed. Most of them (the
very latest flowering sorts only excluded) are
amenable to artificial cultural conditions ; that
is, they may be flowered during the winter in
conservatory, greenhouse or window, in pots,
pans or flats of soil, and some of them even
in nothing more than a bowl of moss or
gravel and water.
NARCISSUS AND DAFFODILS IN THE WILD
Many wild forms of narcissus and daffo-
dil, with their crosses, are still to be found
6 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
in their original locations. The typical nar-
cissus, or small-cupped poeticus and Tazetta
types, are indigenous to regions bordering the
Mediterranean, their centre being in Greece
and Italy; some of the cluster-flowered Ta-
zettas (better known as polyanthus narcis-
sus) are wild in the Orient as far as Asia; the
trumpet narcissus or true daffodils are mostly
found wild in Great Britain and Western
Europe.
These three important species, with a few
sub-species of lesser importance, slowly
spreading inch by inch, annually, by offshoot
or seed, over mountain and through valley —
wherever conditions invited — often met; and
as all wild, single-flowering narcissus produce
seed, the different types sometimes crossing
when in proximity and in flower at the same
time, they have thus blended and given rise
to mixed descendants — natural hybrids, some
of which resemble one parent, some the other.
Occasionally the offspring or hybrid would be
so different from either parent that a new
wild type was produced.
In addition to the above causes of variety
in wild narcissus and daffodils, other natural
OLD-TIME AND MODERN 7
influences have assisted in typifying several
forms. Particularly responsible for this are
local conditions of soil, climate, altitude and
season — for environment moulds character
and fixes types through the survival of the
fittest. All of these wild types, by the way,
are favourites for naturalising, as they show
no deterioration under such conditions, as do
the larger flowering modern garden hybrids
when grown wild.
The first gardens that people had were
composed of medicinal herbs, then were
added a few things good to eat, and after-
wards pretty plants to embellish. Among the
first chosen flowering plants for gardens were
narcissus and daffodils. In some gardens, a
number of collected kinds were grown, which
sometimes resulted in "garden crosses*' and
the production of new forms and varieties.
Occasionally, new kinds of marked beauty or
distinctiveness would be raised. These pleas-
ing surprises, added to the intrinsic value of
the narcissus as garden flowers, fanned the
interest of cultivators into such a glow that
some cultivators eventually learned to arti-
ficially cross different types and even become
8 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
expert in producing definite results. But it
was not until the last century that any great
strides were thus made. In the year 1548
Turner is supposed to have described all then
known sorts — numbering twenty-four — in "A
Few Narcissus of Dieverse Sortes" A hun-
dred years later species, sub-species and their
varieties had apparently increased to ninety-
four, according to John Parkinson in his
"Paradisus Terrestris"
Between 1840 and 1860, two English ama-
teurs, William Backhouse, banker of Darling-
ton, and Edward Leeds, stockbroker of Man-
chester, did some remarkably good work in
hybridising narcissus and daffodils. The col-
lections of seedlings of these two gentlemen
have been largely responsible for increasing
popular interest in the cultivation and cross-
ing of narcissus and daffodils during recent
years. Among other devotees who have also
done good work are Messrs. Barr, Burbidge,
Engleheart, Hume and Nelson, all of whom
have been honoured by having groups, or type
sections, named after them.
Daffodils had become so popular tHat in
1884 tKe Royal Horticultural Society of Eng-
OLD-TIME AND MODERN 9
land organised a great conference in London,
and a permanent committee was appointed to
take cognisance of new varieties of daffodils
and make suitable awards to the more merit-
orious. The daffodil craze was now on in
earnest, and its impetus has increased con-
tinuously ever since. Scores of rival enthusi-
asts in Europe and Great Britain grow and
cross daffodils and exhibit their flowers
every year. Very high prices are paid for
bulbs of particularly choice varieties, many
of which cannot be purchased for less than
ten dollars to twenty-five dollars per bulb,
and a few of the very rare are worth as much
as fifty dollars, and even one hundred dollars,
per bulb.
More than that, there are some daffodils
that may never be seen by the outside world,
for a coterie of six wealthy daffodil lovers in
England buys up the bulbs of any new varie-
ty of exceptional beauty and merit — if none
have escaped into commerce — paying extra-
vagant prices for the sole ownership of the
coveted beauties, from $500 to $2,000
sometimes being expended by these enthusiasts
for five or six bulbs. One of the compacts of
10 DAFFODILS— NARCISSUS
this close club is that at the demise of any
member, his or her bulbs are to be distributed
among the remaining members of the monop-
olistic band.
In practical America, the daffodil fever
has not, as yet, reached so acute a stage. Old,
standard varieties, costing from a dollar and
fifty cents to ten dollars per hundred bulbs,
generally satisfy the aesthetic tastes of our
flower lovers. It is noticed, however, that
some of the more progressive bulb importers
are cataloguing a few of the newer and bet-
ter kinds, and their answers to our inquiries
indicate that there is a growing demand for
choicer varieties, costing from fifty cents to
one dollar per bulb.
At such prices, and even for much less,
hundreds of beautiful varieties, creditable rep-
resentatives from all type sections, are pro-
curable, so that worthy collections may eco-
nomically be made. Indeed, it is advisable to
begin with moderate-priced varieties, for the
higher points of the improved and more ex-
pensive sorts may not be fully appreciated at
first by the uninitiated. But in a year or
two tKe beginner is educated to note the
PLATE II
AN IDEAL PLANTING
Daffodils are most happily placed when grouped in clumps in the foreground of a
mixed shrubbery border. Most varieties of the medium-crown type give satisfaction
in all sort of conditions. (Narcissus Barrii, var. conspicuus)
ORNl*
OLD-TIME AND MODERN II
points of superiority in the higher grades, and
is led on to other indulgences.
THE NARCISSUS OF OLDEN TIMES
That narcissus, the ancient, small cupped
and cluster-flowered sorts, were prized be-
fore history was recorded, is evidenced by
wreaths of their flowers being unearthed from
tombs made hundreds of years before the
Christian era. That the popularity of nar-
cissus increased with civilisation is indicated
by old Greek and Roman writings. It is
nearly 2000 years since Virgil's "Empurpled
Narcissus" was penned, and about 1,500 years
ago that Mohammed said "He that hath two
cakes of bread, let him sell one of them, for
bread is only food for the body, but narcis-
sus is food for the Soul." Ovid, about the
year I, poetically crystalizes an ancient legend
of the birth of Narcissus, the substance of
which is as follows: Narcissus, a beautiful
youth, was so impervious to the loving ad-
vances of Echo and other suitors that Nemesis
answering their prayers for vengeance, caused
Narcissus to pine away in silent admiration of
12 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
his own image reflected from a mountain
brook
"And looking for his corse we only found
A rising stalk with blossoms crowned."
MODERN DAFFODILS THREE HUNDRED
YEARS OLD
The praises of daffodils — the trumpets —
have been voiced only during the past three
centuries by Spenser, Shakespeare, Tenny-
son, Wordsworth, Keats, and other poets. A
good-sized volume might be filled with rhap-
sodical allusions and poetic descriptions from
the various writers about daffodils, all indica-
tive of the continued popularity of branches
of the narcissus family, throughout centuries
of time. Space, however, forbids our quo-
ting more than the following classic lines:
" — Daffodils that come before the swallow dares
And take the winds of March with beauty."
— Shakespeare in "Winter's Tale".
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
and such are daffodils."
—Keats.
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever
"I wander'd 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,
OLD-TIME AND MODERN 13
"Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of the bay;
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
"The waves beside them danced: but they
Outdid the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed — and gazed — but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
"For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils."
— William Wordsworth.
THE TYPICAL DAFFODIL AND NARCISSUS
Though "Narcissus" is the botanical title
of the whole family, the more showy large
trumpet forms have so dominated that their
popular name of "daffodil" has come to sig-
nify all the members of the family included
in the large crown and medium crown sec-
tions, embracing the intermediate hybrid
groups. The name "narcissus" is still re-
tained popularly for the small-cupped species,
14 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
Narcissus popticus, N. Tazetta and N. Jon'
quilla.
The relationship of the flowers can be best
realized by looking at the diagrams in Plate
IV. It will be seen that there is a con-
siderable difference between the exterior
form of the flowers as well as in their in-
terior structure. From stem to mouth the
flowers are practically of the same length,
but the whorl of so-called petals* — perianth
segments — is placed near the mouth in typi-
cal "narcissus" flowers so that there is only
a shallow cup in front of it. In typical
"daffodils" the whorl is placed near the base,
allowing a longer portion called the "trum-
pet" in front.
There are also differences of interior struc-
ture. In the narcissus proper the stamens are
in two series of three each, one set being con-
nected to the tube near the top, the other
lower down; in daffodils proper the stamens
are in one series of six — all connected with
the tube at one point nearly at its base. Prac-
*The term petals is used throughout this book to sig-
nify the perianth segments; it is more convenient and is
easily understood.
PLATK IV
TYPES OF FLOWER
The perianth segments (A) form a collar, as it were, that may be pushed away
from or closer to the ovary (F) so that there is a definite ratio between the length
of the tube (B) and the depth of the crown (C)
The sections:— ( i) N. Tazetta, polyanthus; ( 2) .ZV. poeticus, common narcissus;
(3) N. Pseudo-Narcissus, trumpet daffodil. The stamens (C) are inserted in
one series in ( 3), but in two series in ( i ) and (2). The pistil is indicated at (D)
Fig. 2 typifies the short crowned or saucer section
Fig. 3 is the typical long-crowned flower or trumpet daffodil
Fig. 4 is Nf. Sprengeri, a hybrid from N. Pseudo-Narcissus (2) and N. Tazelta ( i )
Fig. 5 typifies the medium-crowned or cup daffodils, N. incomparabilis, pro-
duced by crossing N. poeticus ( 2) and a trumpet daffodil (3)
1 6 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
tically all narcissus of intermediate form be-
tween these two extremes are hybrids either
natural or artificial between the two classes.
For instance, N. Tazetta ( Fig. i ) crossed
with N. Pseudo-Narcissus (Fig. 3) has pro-
duced N. Sprengeri (Fig. 4). Again, N.
poeticus (Fig. 2) crossed with N. Pseudo-
Narcissus (Fig. 3) has produced N. incom-
parabilis (Fig. 5). As will be seen by a ref-
erence to the plate the hybrid in each case
combines some characters from each of the
parents.
CHAPTER II
DAFFODILS IN THE GARDEN BORDER
How a bulb grows — Soils and varieties — Planting depths
and distances — Early planting — Lifting and dividing —
Winter protection — The ideal mulch — Sunshine and
shade — Blooms for three months — Cutting flowers —
How to select bulbs.
ALL narcissus and daffodils are bulbous
plants, and an understanding of the phases
of a bulb's life will help materially in arriving
at an intelligent system of cultivation. The
bulb, the plant's thickened, underground
storehouse from which the roots descend and
the stems, leaves and flowers ascend, is fully
formed by the growing plant after the flower-
ing period and before growth for the season
is suspended, and it contains within itself next
year's flowers and foliage in embryo. In the
thick, fleshy scales of the bulb is stored up a
supply of food to support the new growth in
early spring; these scales also serve as shields
to protect the leaves and flower from injury,
from cold or other external conditions,
"7
1 8 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
The dormant period for these bulbs ranges
from July to November, during which they
may be dug from the ground, stored, and
shipped around the world if desired. When
replanted where soil and climatic conditions
are congenial, the bulb develops leaves and
flowers with as much luxuriance as if it had
remained undisturbed in its original environ-
ment.
The bulbs of narcissus and daffodils vary
greatly in size, according to age and kind.
The Tazettas, or polyanthus narcissus, make
the biggest bulbs, averaging from six to nine
inches in circumference. Some groups, as
triandrus, cyclamineus, Bulbocodium, etc.,
make full-grown bulbs not much larger than
peas; while the great majority of our com-
monly grown narcissus and daffodils make
bulbs of four to six inches maximum circum-
ference.
SOIL PREFERENCES
8 es snn:
With very few exceptions, the hardy nar-
cissus and daffodils revel in coolness and a
deep moisture-holding, air-penetrable soil,
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 19
overlying a pervious subsoil, and in partial
shade. Though they will grow and flower,
most accommodatingly in any garden soil of
average quality, yet they will do far better
under more congenial soil conditions. Cir-
cumstances do not always permit us to pro-
vide these perfect conditions and we have to
plan accordingly.
If there be a choice of several sites, it will
be well to plant the different groups sepa-
rately; the single yellow and bicolor trumpets
in moderately moist but well underdrained
loam; the poeticus types in heavier, damper,
lower ground (particularly the double gar-
denia flowered form, alba plena, which will
flower only when grown in heavy damp soil) ,
In warm climates the popular old "Double
Daffodil" or Double Van Sion (N. telamo*
nlus, var. plenus) also requires a damp moist
soil to retain its rich yellow colouring as on a
dry light soil in a hot situation it is apt to
produce greenish-yellow flowers, and in some
cases, even, all-green flowers.
The drier soils or high ground will answer
for the white trumpet daffodils; and the dry,
sunny, well-drained hillside or rockery, with
20 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
warm exposure, should receive the Bulboco-
dium, cyclamineus and triandrus sections.
Although most of the important type
groups of the narcissus family like cool, moist
soil, yet it is essential that the moisture be not
stagnant; that is, water must not remain con-
tinuously about the bulbs nor roots, but be
drained away from below. uWet feet" pre-
vents maximum root development, and is apt,
sooner or later, to cause ubasal-rot" in the
bulbs. Maintained moisture with abundant
soil aeration is the ideal while the bulbs are
in growth and flower.
The old idea that there is as much of the
tree below ground as there is above is also ap-
proximately true of the narcissus and if the
plant grows 18 inches high the roots pene-
trate the earth to approximately the same
depth. It may be more practical to reverse
this order of reasoning and say that if the
roots can only forage six inches below the sur-
face the growth of the plant and flowers
above will be correspondingly small and stun-
ted. The whole secret of success in pro-
ducing the best, the largest, the most perfect
and the richest coloured flowers and foliage is
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 21
maximum root development — and root devel-
opment is entirely dependent upon congenial
soil conditions. Your neighbour may buy and
merely plant in his garden a few Glory of
Leiden daffodils and get flowers three inches
across, very handsome and thoroughly pleas-
ing to him. You, knowing a little more of
what that variety is capable of doing, and
knowing how to prepare the bed, produce
flowers five inches across !
PREPARATION OF THE SOIL
Where nature does not supply the ideal
conditions, our aim must be to reproduce them
as nearly as possible.
Light, dry, sandy or gravelly soils must
be made heavier and more retentive of mois-
ture. This may be done by manuring and
then growing crimson clover, peas, or some
"green crop" that can be dug under to decay
and add humus, absorbent, sponge-like vege-
table matter, to the soil. While this may be
done in the spring so that the soil will be in
fairly good condition by daffodil planting
time in September, it will be far better to
make the preparations a year ahead.
22 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
If previous preparation is not practicable,
something may be done by starting two or
three weeks before planting time. Remove
the top soil to a spade's depth — six to eight
inches — and work into the underlying soil to
the depth of a spade, a two-inch layer of thor-
oughly rotted stable manure. Then replace
the top soil. The object of using the manure
is not so much to supply fertility as it is to
assist in holding moisture, preventing its too
rapid leaching. Under any other conditions,
the use of stable manure for narcissus and
daffodils the year of planting is not desirable
unless it be put a considerable depth below
the bottom of the bulbs. Under no condi-
tions must the manure be mixed with the
upper soil, or where it would be in contact
with the bulb.
Year after year, until I learned to be more
strict, I used to see here and there a sickly,
yellowish-leaved, stunted daffodil plant. An
examination of the soil almost invariably dis-
closed a lump of manure either in contact with
the bulb or where its roots should have been,
probably had been, but were destroyed by
contact with raw manure. "No roots, no flow-
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 23
ers; poor roots, poor flowers; good roots,
good flowers."
Heavy, wet clay soils need mellowing as a
general thing, although some of the strong
growing yellow and bicolor trumpet daffodils,
and all of the poeticus and Burbidgei types
will often make good growth and flower well
for a time in heavy soil. Yet some plants
eventually fail.
Underdrainage, either with tile or triangle-
shaped board conduits placed three feet be-
low the surface, and twelve to twenty feet
apart, according to circumstances, is the cor-
rective for wet, heavy soils. These drains
are laid with a slight fall to an outlet, thus
leading off the surplus water. The benefit
of underdrainage is not only in drawing off
surplus water, from below but also in opening
the soil, allowing air to enter. The next best
thing to underdrainage is subsoil plowing, or
digging fully eighteen inches deep.
When previous manuring and preparation
have not been done, use nothing but pure
ground bone at the rate of two to four ounces
on a square yard evenly strewn over the soil
and dug in. Follow this by some high class
24 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
commercial fertilizer, rich in potasH, at the
rate of one to two ounces to a square yard
just before leveling and raking.
On light, sandy soils, in addition, soon
after the bulbs are planted, give sul-
phate of potash, about one ounce to a square
yard. Potash in some form, even that con-
tained in unleached wood ashes, deepens the
colouring of the flowers and checks abnormal
growth of plant and foliage.
PLANTING DEPTHS AND DISTANCES VARY
The stereotyped answer to the question,
"How far apart and how deep shall I plant
the bulbs?" is this: "Plant six inches apart
and cover the bulbs three inches." While
being approximately correct for the average
growing varieties, the instruction requires
modification to suit different soils, large or
small growing varieties, and temporary or
permanent plantings. Narcissus and daffo-
dil bulbs vary as greatly in size as the plants
and flowers they produce. Those of the
Bulbocodium, triandrus, and one or two other
groups grow no bigger than large peas, pro-
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 25
ducing small plants which may be grown three
inches apart. Some full sized bulbs of other
groups attain a circumference of six to eight
inches, and make plants sometimes two feet
high and of correspondingly large girth.
These should be planted six to ten inches
apart.
In light soils, plant deeper than in heavy
soils. If planting only for the next spring's
effect, with the intention of supplanting the
daffodils with summer flowering plants, closer
planting can be done than if the bulbs are to
remain undisturbed for several years.
In my own garden, with average soil, I
cover the bulb with a depth of soil fully equal-
ling its largest circumference. This places
the base of the great majority of bulbs (the
poeticus, the trumpets, the incomparabilis va-
rieties) about four inches below the surface
of the ground. In lighter soils, this would be
increased one-half. Deep planting is always
safer, especially in cold, exposed localities; but
deeply planted bulbs flower later than shal-
lower planted ones. On the other hand, late
flowers are often larger and have better sub-
stance than earlier flowers of the same variety.
26 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
That at least some narcissus will thrive
when planted unusually deep was exemplified
in a group of old-fashioned double daffodils,
growing in the lower end of a hillside border
which I had filled in during the fall when the
daffodils were dormant and leafless and so for-
gotten. But they were not to be smothered
with a covering of fifteen inches of soil and
surprised us in the spring by blooming with
unusual luxuriance, though about two weeks
later than usual — and they have continued
this performance for several years.
WHEN TO PLANT
Plant daffodils at any time between July
and November and the earlier the better. The
family is an exception to the generality of
bulbous plants, and under natural conditions
commences making new roots soon after the
bulbs ripen, which, according to the earliness
of the variety, is, in the latitude of New York,
in June or July.
The poeticus types and their hybrids are
especially resentful of being kept dry and dor-
mant. When left in the ground they accept
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 27
no resting period but begin new root action
almost before the old roots have matured.
Imported bulbs are not likely to be received
before the middle of September, therefore
it is well to have all preparations made in
advance so that the bulbs can be planted at
once. The more root growth made before
winter, the larger the flowers. Late planted
bulbs usually give fairly satisfactory results
the next spring; but full-sized, characteristic
flowers from late planted bulbs cannot be ex-
pected until the second spring, though bulbs
lifted from the ground in July and at once
replanted, will give maximum blooms the
next season.
GARDEN PLANTING
Small bulbing daffodils, those making bulbs
not larger than an inch in diameter, are
quickly and easily planted with a garden
dibber. This tool is thrust into the ground
far enough to make a hole of the proper
depth. It is then wiggled back and forth to
enlarge the hole at the bottom, so the swol-
len base of the bulb may come in contact
with the soil. If this is not done, the bulb
2$ DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
may "hang" midway down, leaving an air
space below, which, if not actually detrimen-
tal, is certainly not good feeding ground for
the young roots.
The bulbs of varieties too large to go in
the holes made by the dibber are best planted
with a trowel, by which a hole of proper size
and depth is scooped out. After the bulbs
are placed — whatever method of making the
hole is employed — they are to be covered with
soil which if not "sticky damp" should be
pressed very firmly, by hand or foot, into con-
tact with the bulb.
PLANTING IN TURF
Different methods of planting in sod
ground are resorted to according to the diffi-
culties encountered in making holes to re-
ceive the bulbs.
When the sod is sufficiently moist and soft,
the quickest way is to use a spade handle
sharpened dibber-like with a cross piece for a
foot rest, fastened about 6 inches from the
point. Another way is to thrust a spade or
digging fork slantingly into the sod and soil,
and raising the handle, thus lifting sod and
PLATE VI
THE POET'S NARCISSUS NATURALISED
The white poet's narcissus (N. poeticus) is one of the latest blooming varieties.
It lasts well as a cut flower, and prefers heavier, damper, lower ground than the trum-
pet daffodils. At Highland Park, Rochester, N. Y.
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 29
soil so that one or more bulbs may be inserted
in the cleft. Then pull out the spade and
tramp the sod back into its former position.
This will leave the bulbs in a slanting position4,
which seems to make no difference to their
growth and flowering, the plants coming up
just as straight as if the bulbs had been placed
perpendicularly.
SAND CUSHIONS
In heavy ground, or low-lying situations,
where an undue amount of moisture from
melting snow or other causes keeps the soil
continuously wet for weeks during the spring,
place a handful of sand under and around the
bulb of any rare and delicate variety, partic-
ularly the white trumpet daffodils. This will
often prevent them from becoming diseased,
as the sand allows the water to drain away
from the bulb.
LIFTING AND DIVIDING
The natural increase by offsets of some va-
rieties is so great that the second year after
planting, the number of bulbs will be trebled.
30 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
But most sorts are not so prolific. Still, in
time, varying from three to six years, ac-
cording to variety, soil, and the distance
apart the bulbs were originally planted, the
clumps of plants will have become so crowded,
and probably the soil so exhausted, or both,
that fewer and smaller flowers will be pro-
duced. It is then time to dig up the bulbs,
separate them and their offsets (young bulbs)
and replant, either in fresh ground or in re-
newed soil in their old locations. This opera-
tion is called lifting and dividing.
The best time to do this, as a rule, is when
the foliage has yellowed one-third down from
the top, but some varieties, particularly those
comprising the poeticus, Burbidgei and
odorus groups, and possibly some others,
should be lifted even sooner, for the reason
that new root growth commences before the
foliage has ripened down. In these cases
the later lifting is injurious to the tender
rootlets which are likely to die off, weak-
ening the bulb and reducing the size of the
next season's flowers, even if it does not
prevent flowering altogether. Of course,
if fully ripened bulbs can be immediately re-
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 31
planted, without the young roots being ex-
posed to sun, air-drying or handling, the dan-
ger of injury will be lessened; but it is difficult
to properly divide freshly lifted bulbs and
their offsets on account of the adhesiveness
of the soil and matting of wiry old roots.
Therefore, it is considered good practice to
lift early — better too early than too late —
store the clumps in a cool, airy, shady place
(preferably in trays) and there let them ripen
and cure until the old leaves and roots are
dry, when they are easily cleaned off and
divided.
The actual work of "lifting" should be
done by a spading fork. Never take a spade
for this purpose, as the danger of cutting the
bulbs is increased. Insert the fork a few
inches from the clump, until the tines are com-
pletely buried. Work it from side to side and
up and down to loosen the mass. , JQien in-
cline the fork so that it will passfunder the
bulbs and the clump is removed.
"Dividing" is a term expressing the opera-
tion of separating bulbs held together by
matted and intermingled roots and removing
the offsets or young bulbs from the mother
3 2 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
bulbs. This is best done just before replant-
ing. Do not remove any offset unless it is
entirely detached from the mother bulb, with
the exception of the union at the base. This
may be cut through with a sharp knife
if the variety is choice, though the common
sorts are usually merely broken apart. Be
sure not to cut or break through any other sub-
stance of the bulbs than the basal plate. Any
surplus offsets which cannot be accommodated
in the garden may well be used for natural-
ising in the grass.
Commercial growers dig and divide their
bulbs every year, a practice that may be justi-
fied on a business basis, though I feel sure
that the commercial stocks of some varieties
would have better constitutions and produce
bigger and stronger bulbs if these growers
would dig and divide them only every second
year.
WINTER MULCHING AND PROTECTION
During the summer, nature provides a
mulch by covering the ground with weeds.
We, in opposition, cultivate to kill the weeds
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 33
and in doing so — unconsciously perhaps —
form a different mulch of cultivated soil,
which breaks the capillarity of the soil, and
prevents the sun's heat and drying winds
from drawing up and dissipating the soils'
moisture. The winter mulch while to some
extent rendering the same service as a sum-
mer mulch, has additional duties; its object
is not only to maintain an even underground
moisture and temperature but also to prevent
the surface soil from freezing too deeply, and
• — still more important — 'it must keep the
frozen soil from thawing during unseason-
ably warm winter weather and early spring
thaws.
The net result of these alternations of
frost and thaw is "heaving," by which the
surface soil is lifted and broken apart. Thus
shallow-planted bulbs are often lifted and
torn from their fall made roots which are
anchored in the lower layers of soil. The win-
ter mulch then holds together the soil and its
contained bulbs and should not be removed
until settled spring weather justifies it.
In the wild, nature provides the mulch.
When naturalised in grass, the leaves and
34 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
stalks of the grass ripen, bend over or break,
and finally settle down, forming an ideal
blanket, giving both warmth and airiness.
In shrubberies, the fallen leaves accomplish
the same result. Nature's mulch is lightened
by the winds of March and the balance is
reduced by decay. In garden culture, it is
not practicable to follow these gradations in
covering and uncovering. The best that we
can do is to cover, or mulch, as soon as the
surface of the ground is frozen to a crust,
not before, and to remove the mulch in the
spring after hard freezing weather is over —
before the growth of the bulbs has penetrated
the mulch sufficiently to prevent its removal
without injuring the young top growth.
( THE BEST KIND OF MULCH
I have used several .materials for mulching
my bulbs and have seen still other materials
used by others. The answer to the question
"What is the best mulch" depends largely
on what is available. The one direct lesson
from nature is warmth, with air. In Hol-
land the water rushes are used and they are
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 35
ideal, but they are not always available. I
have a friend who grows narcissus and daffo-
dils, in cold, bleak, northerly exposed, hillside
ground, who uses a six-inch covering of forest
leaves, and usually with great success. These
are held in place by a few branches of trees.
Towards spring this leaf blanket settles down
to a compact mass about four inches thick,
which in a less exposed and warmer location
would give too much warmth and induce too
early growth. In warm situations possibly
a four-inch covering of leaves would answer
well.
I have generally used strawy manure and
with success when the winter has held steadily
cold and kept the ground frozen until the
manure could be removed before any bulb
growth had penetrated it. But, sometimes,
the manure covering has given disappoint-
ment, as when prematurely warm spells have
brought up an early growth which came in
contact with the manure. This condition pre-
vailed in the spring of 1906. As the plants
developed, there were irregular streaks of
sickly yellow leaved plants throughout the
beds. I could not account for this as I knew
36 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
the beds were well drained and the soil prop-
erly prepared, and the bulbs had been planted
early. Mr. De Graaff, the well-known daffo-
dil grower of Holland, was a visitor that sea-
son and soon convinced me that the whole
source of trouble was with the manure cov-
ering. A fungus seemed to have run through
it and had attacked the young growth of the
narcissus; in some cases traveling down the
leaves to the bulbs and even to the roots. He
said: "Use no more manure. If you cannot
get reeds or rushes, try sphagum moss or
cocoanut fibre refuse." A three-inch layer of
cocoanut fibre refuse is light and airy,
retains an even degree of moisture and is
sufficiently warm. It is an ideal cover. It
costs five dollars per ton at any factory where
cocoa mats and such things are made though
of course there is a freight charge to be added.
Salt meadow hay makes an excellent cov-
ering, and even ordinary straw and hay may
be used. Put it on four to six inches thick,
according to the coldness of the latitude and
the exposure. Should any of these harbor
mice, there is little likelihood of their doing
any damage if the covering is put on, as it
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 37
should be, after the surface of the ground
has frozen to a hard crust.
In the spring, as soon as the ground is
workable, after the winter covering has been
removed, stir the soil with a narrow rake,
hand fork, or prong weeder, to break up the
hard-packed surface and so enable the plants
to come through easily. If this is not done
where the soil is heavy the growths will lift
whole chunks of the surface soil and the pres-
sure often causes the leaves and flower stalks
to become crooked or otherwise deformed.
GROUPING IN GARDENS
Daffodils are most happily placed when
growing in clumps in the foreground of a
border of mixed shrubs and herbaceous plants.
The shrubs supply sufficient shelter, and shade
at all times, and the herbaceous plants grow
up and hide the ripening daffodil foliage as
is begins to get unsightly. Here the bulbs
may remain undisturbed to flourish and in-
crease for several years, or until a reduction
in size and quantity of flowers indicates a
too crowded condition, exhausted soil, or
3 8 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
both. Where that occurs, lift the clumps,
divide and replant, as before explained.
Plant each variety by itself in irregular
colonies of from twelve to twenty-five bulbs,
each group in a little bay with a background
of greenery; in the next bay, plant a colony
of some distinct type that flowers either earlier
or later, and so on. Such an arrangement
brings out the full beauties of the varieties,
prevents any inharmonious clashes, and by
intermingling the early, mid-season and later
flowering varieties, a long succession of bloom
may be enjoyed in all parts of the border.
Daffodils may also be bedded out like hya-
cinths and tulips, and very effectively too. Yet
they never appear so beautiful as when col-
onised in the mixed border.
RELATION TO SUNSHINE AND SHADE
The largest and most richly colored flowers
are those grown in partial shade, although
most varieties (particularly those having
flowers of thick substance) do well when ex-
posed to the full sun. Their flowers last
longer when protected to some extent, from
the heat of the noonday sun. This can be
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 39
provided by shrubbery, overhanging limbs
of trees, etc. All white flowered varieties,
and even the bi-colour or white winged trum-
pets are particularly grateful for some shade;
and the rich colouring of the new red-orange
rimmed crown varieties is only retained when
the flowers are shielded from the sun. If
necessary cut the flowers when about half
open and allow them to develop in water,
in a cool shaded place. This is a factor that
the American amateur should consider
when studying the latest European lists, as
I have learned from experience. I bought
some new sorts described in terms such as
"perianth showy white, cup rich golden yel-
low, broadly edged with brilliant scarlet,"
etc., and paid two dollars for each bulb, but
could not at first make the colouring of the
cups support the description. Eventually I
learned that my failure was caused by my
own lack of knowledge, and now all choice,
highly coloured, and white daffodils are
grown under a shade of tobacco cloth.
This is a sort of coarse meshed, strong
cheesecloth that comes just one rod wide and
is fastened on wire runners carried on top
40 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
of posts eight feet above the ground. Suffici-
ent sunlight filters through for perfect devel-
opment of flowers and colouring and more-
over it makes an agreeable shade for anyone
to study the flowers. Other advantages of this
protector — which is put on just as soon as the
mulch is removed — are tempering late frosts
and breaking the force of heavy rains, thus
preventing the bearing down of tall flower
stalks and splashing with dirt. The cloth
may be rolled up and put away for another
season just as soon as the plants are through
flowering, thus permitting the full sunshine
to accomplish its work of thoroughly ripen-
ing the foliage and bulbs. If we want good
flowers the succeeding season, the plants must
have abundant light and sun to complete their
growth. In hot Australia and New Zealand
daffodil amateurs make lath houses and cover
the tops with tree boughs.
BLOOM FOR THREE MONTHS
With a proper selection of types and varie-
ties embracing extra early, early, mid-season,
late and extra late sorts, the "time of the
daffodil" may be extended in the open ground
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 41
over a period of three months; but only
where a variety of locations is available, in-
fluenced by depth of planting, and assisted
by depth and retention of mulch.
To accomplish this, we need consider only
the varieties flowering at the two extremes of
the season. The "come-betweens," comprising,
at a rough guess, 75 per cent, of the genus,
will supply an abundance of bloom through-
out their normal periods and we need there-
fore consider them no further now.
What we need to do is to make some of
the extra earlies flower still earlier and some
of the extra lates flower still later than nor-
mal. A choice of locations — early and late
grounds — is the main necessity; the other
contributory essentials we have under our own
control.
To appreciate the difference between early
and late grounds, take note where the snows
always melt first — there the sun lingers long-
est and it is "early ground" compared to
where the snows melt last, which is usually
on the north or shade side of a clump of
shrubbery, fence or hedge. This will be the
"late" ground. The difference in time between
42 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
these melting snows will indicate how much
the normal daffodil flowering season may be
extended. By putting some bulbs of your extra
earlies in the early ground, mulching but light-
ly and removing same early, and by planting
some extra lates in the late ground, covering
deeply, say with six inches of soil, and retain-
ing the mulch as long as possible, the desired
result is assured. This fact was brought for-
cibly to my notice by accident soon after I
commenced growing daffodils, although at
that time my garden area was only a 20x30
foot yard. The bed on the south side of the
fence was fully three weeks earlier than that
on the north side, and bulbs of the same vari-
ety, planted on both sides, commenced flower-
ing three weeks apart.
When one's enthusiasm in daffodil culture
leads to experiments in crossing types and rais-
ing new seedlings, one will want to cross vari-
eties that may flower one or more weeks apart.
By reversing the directions just given and
planting the late sort in the early ground,
and the early sort in the late ground, one can
bring the two in flower simultaneously so that
they may be hybridized without resorting to
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 43
the more troublesome method of forcing the
late sort into flower under glass.
CUTTING THE FLOWERS
When flowers of narcissus and daffodils are
to be cut for house decoration or for shipping,
they should be taken when partially open, al-
most in the bud state. If the stems are then
at once placed in water in a cool shaded place,
the flowers develop larger and more richly
coloured than they would have done if al-
lowed to expand on the plant; and they also
last longer.
In vasing daffodil flowers, their own foli-
age usually harmonises better and sets them
off better than any other greenery. But do
not for this reason cut the foliage of choice
varieties, for it is needed by the plant to assist
in properly ripening and storing up the suc-
ceeding season's flower. Use foliage from
the more abundant commoner kinds, and it
will be equally effective.
SELECTING THE BULBS
For garden planting or for pots or forcing
where flowers of maximum size and quality
44 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
are desired always choose "top" bulbs or the
best bulbs the variety produces; but for per-
manent plantings and naturalising the smaller
younger and cheaper "seconds" may be used.
In selecting bulbs for "Exhibition flowers,"
an expert will choose the largest old "single
crown" bulbs, which give larger but fewer
flowers than the "double crown" or "mother
bulbs."
As different varieties of narcissus and daffo-
dils make bulbs varying from half an inch
to eight inches in circumference, it is difficult
for us to tell how to select the largest old
single crown bulbs of all varieties without
making the following explanation of their
manner of growth.
Specialised types (varieties) of narcissus
not seedlings, are increased by offsets, the
latter being produced by the "breaking up"
of the mother bulb. These offsets at-
tain full growth and vitality usually in
about four years. The next year probably
these bulbs will develop into the "double
and triple nose" form (two or more bulbs in
one skin). They then are "mothers" an3
the succeeding year will probably break up.
IN THE GARDEN BORDER 45
It is at the maximum single crown age,
just before entering the "mother" stage, that
the bulbs should be chosen for maximum
flowers. Bulbs bought from a reliable dealer
will probably be of just the right age, unless
his price is considerably less than the average
price of other reliable dealers, when it is
more than probable that his bulbs are a year
or two younger. If it is possible to examine
the dealer's stock of bulbs, look out for a few
"double nosed" bulbs as their presence indi-
cates the age of the crop and shows that the
"singles" among them have attained maxi-
mum size and age in single crown formation.
Another thing to Be considered is health.
This is indicated by solidity, weight and skin.
Bulbs solid and weighty for their size are
most likely in perfect health and vitality. To
test any, press lightly between thumb and
fingers both base and neck and if either feels
soft and giving or "spongy" examine more
carefully. Should any basal rot be found re-
ject the infected bulbs to prevent dissemina-
tion of the disease. Or if the bulb be of a
choice variety it may be planted away from
the healthy ones. A handful of sand below
46 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
and about an invalid bulb permits the water
to drain away and the bulb may recover.
Look for a clean, shiny skin, indicating
freedom from any fungus, although a rough
skin, though suspicious, does not necessarily
mean a diseased bulb.
CHAPTER III
FLOWERING DAFFODILS IN WINTER
Important factors— The best soil and its preparation-
Getting bulbs early — How to order — August planting —
Pots and potting — Pans or pots — What plunging does —
The ash packing — Danger from heat — Importance of
good roots — Forcing into bloom — What to do after
flowering — Varieties.
IT is an easy matter to grow narcissus in
the house and have some varieties flower by
Christmas, and from that time both narcissus
and daffodils may be brought into flower in
increasing variety and quantity until spring.
The growing plants need occupy no space
in the window garden, or conservatory, ex-
cepting while in bud and blooming, and their
flowering period may be hastened or retarded
at pleasure to keep up the succession. For
earliest blooms the earlier flowering varieties
of the Tazetta group are grown, particularly
Paper White and Double Roman; these are
often in flower even earlier than Christmas.
Successful winter flowering is dependent
upon four factors :
47
48 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
1. Early planting. Procure the bulbs as
early as possible and pot up at once.
2. Plenty of time to root thoroughly out of
doors. Allow about twelve weeks for hardy
varieties and six weeks for tender Tazetta
varieties.
3. Slow growth when first brought into
the house, giving ventilation and keeping the
room or house cool: 50° until budded, then
60° to 65° for flowering.
4. Plenty of water when the buds are de-
veloping and when in flower.
MAKING A GOOD POTTING SOIL
TKe ideal potting soil for daffodils is pre-
pared six months or more before using. It
should be sod taken from rich loamy land.
Make your "mould pile" by first putting
down a layer of inverted sod, and then cov-
ering this with a layer of old manure — cow
manure, thoroughly rotted, is the best. Over
this spread a layer of leaf mould. Proceed
in that way with another layer of inverted
sod, etc., until the required quantity is stacked.
This should be in tKe proportion of 50 per
cent, loam sod, 25 per cent, manure, 25 per
FLOWERING IN WINTER 49
cent, leaf mould. Compost this by turning
the pile three or four times during the season
to get all ingredients thoroughly mixed. Be-
fore using, add about four quarts of sand and
two quarts of fine bone meal to a bushel of
the mould.
If it is too much trouble for an amateur
to prepare the soil as directed, it would be
better to buy prepared potting soil from a
florist, than to rely on the ordinary garden
soil. Of course, it will be necessary to add
the sand and bone meal just the same. The
next best thing, if, for some reason, soil pre-
pared in advance by yourself or the florist
is not available, is to lift some sod, tear it
apart, shaking out the soil and allowing the
small pieces of fibrous grass roots to remain
in it. Add bone meal and sand as in the other
case, but omit manure. This last injunction
is of paramount importance.
IMPORTANCE OF AUGUST POTTING
Too much" emphasis cannot be put on this :
get your bulbs as early as possible and pot
at once.
5 O DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
A general order for daffodil bulbs sent to
the bulb dealer will not be filled in the usual
course of things until he can complete the
order and so ship the whole lot at one time —
that is, after the arrival of the Dutch, Eng-
lish, Irish and Guernsey bulbs, which means
that you get your bulbs about the middle of
September. Be emphatic, therefore, in giving
instructions to ship the bulbs "as they come
in." The purchaser then receives early in
August, the South of France and Asia Minor
bulbs including Paper White, Double Roman,
and two or three others of the older Tazetta
varieties, as well as tEree or four varieties
of the old standard trumpet sorts — probably
Spurius major, Golden Spur, and Emperor.
Be very chary about accepting any Double
Van Sion from these sections as they are apt
to produce flowers with some or much green
in them. It is just possible that the bulb
dealer will also have a shipment in July or
early in August of a few sorts of home grown
bulbs from Virginia, probably Golden Spur,
Emperor, Empress, Barri conspicuus, poeti-
cus, and ornatus.
With a start of even half a dozen varieties
FLOWERING IN WINTER 51
in August, and the arrival of the European
varieties in September, it is perfectly easy
to have a grand show of narcissus and daffo-
dils all winter from Christmas on. The ob-
ject of getting the bulbs potted early is to give*
them plenty of time to "make root" — three
months is none too long — for remember that
without good roots, good flowers cannot be
produced even from the best bulbs.
POTS AND POTTING
I prefer to use five or six inch* pots with
several bulbs in each. The large potful not
only gives better and more pleasing results,
but is easier to manage tHan a small pot. One
Golden Spur daffodil may be grown and
flowered successfully in a four-inch pot, but
it requires more watching and care, is more
susceptible to changes of moisture, etc., than
three or more Golden Spurs in a six-inch pot.
In other words, it is better to suit your bulbs
to the pot than to suit the pot to the bulb.
An inch of space between the bulbs in a pot
is ample.
In the case of small-bulbing varieties, such
as the Bulbocodium, triandrus, and cyclami-
52 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
neus groups, a dozen or more bulbs may well
be grown in a five or six-inch pot. On the
other hand, the big-bulbing Tazetta varieties
can only go one bulb to a six-inch pot. The
great majority of the trumpet and crown
daffodils can be planted 3 to 5 bulbs to a six-
inch pot. Plant only one variety in a pot;
different varieties of different heights and not
flowering simultaneously give an unsatisfac-
tory result.
The pots to be used must be washed clean;
if old ones; and if they are new, soak them
thoroughly in water so that the pots them-
selves will not dry out the soil after potting.
Before putting in the soil, provide for good
drainage by placing two or three pieces of
broken pots over the hole in the bot-
tom of the pot, to prevent it from getting
stopped up. Cover this drainage with a small
layer of sphagnum moss, cocoanut fibre refuse
or old fibrous roots that have been shaken out
of sod; then fill in with soil until, when it is
shaken down and a bulb set on it, the top of
the bulb is almost up to the top of the pot.
Place the requisite number of bulbs in po-
sition, and fill in with soil to within half an
FLOWERING IN WINTER 53
inch of the top (this much space being needed
for watering). A little of the neck of each
bulb will remain exposed, excepting in the
case of the very small pea-like bulbs of minia-
ture varieties, which should be covered with
soil to a depth of about half an inch.
If earthen pans are used, the procedure
will be the same as for pots. Eight-inch
pans make ideal receptacles and when the
plants are in flower look better than pots.
Shallow boxes (flats) are used when flowers
are to be grown in quantity for cutting. This
is discussed in detail in Chapter V.
AFTER POTTING COMES "PLUNGING"
The secret of success in flowering bulbs is
to make them develop roots before top growth
starts. The object of "plunging" potted bulbs
out of doors is to induce them to do this by
keeping the lower portion of the bulbs
warmer than the top. Failure to do this is
responsible for most disappointments in grow-
ing and flowering bulbs under artificial con-
ditions. Without roots the flower can only
develop as far as the stored up nutriment in
the bulb will sustain it; and, as the bulb's
54 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
supply of food is generally exhausted before
the flower is half grown, nutrition supplied
by the roots then becomes essential. It is
easy to understand, therefore, that growth
ceases if no roots are at work and the stunted
plant becomes a monument to incompetent
treatment.
There are various ways of plunging the
potted bulbs; my method, and the one that I
think most nearly fulfils the requirements of
nature, is to dig a trench in the garden a
foot deep in some location sheltered from the
north and west, and where water will not flow
into it. A three-inch layer of coal ashes is
placed in the bottom of the trench for drain-
age and to prevent worms from entering the
pots. The pots or pans of bulbs are then
placed closely together on the ashes and the
interstices filled with soil, the trench being
filled in to a little above the level, and the
surface rounded over to shed water. Here
everything is as conducive to root action and
deterrent to top growth as if the bulbs were
planted in the garden in the regular manner.
When the surface of the ground is frozen to
a crust, a layer, three or four inches deep, of
FLOWERING IN WINTER 55
salt hay, straw, or leaves is put over all.
Another way is to set the pots on the sur-
face of the soil (on ashes) in a shady part of
the garden, hold them together with a board
frame and fill in around and over with ashes,
leaf mould, tanbark or sand. Some growers
stand the pots on the floor of a cool, airy cel-
lar, or place them in a cold pit or cold frame.
All of these methods are successful; but I
prefer and always follow the trench method.
The hardy bulbs, potted and plunged as
advised will be sufficiently rooted in twelve
weeks' time and some of the early sorts may
be ready a week or two sooner. Most Taz-
etta varieties root more quickly, Paper White
and Double Roman especially, these usually
being ready in five to six weeks' time.
If left in the plunge, all the bulbs will rest
without making much, if any, top growth,
the entire winter. Advantage is taken of this
fact, and by lifting a few pots at intervals,
and holding the remainder in storage, a con-
tinuous succession of bloom throughout the
winter is maintained.
The time required for forcing into bloom
after the bulbs are brought into house heat,
56 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
varies from three to five weeks according to
the variety. Before taking in the first lot
of potted bulbs for forcing, make a careful
examination to see if the pots are filled with
roots, and do not take the pots indoors unless
they are. The only way to do this is to
"knock out1' one potful of bulbs. Place the
palm of the hand over the top of the pot, in-
vert the pot and tap the edge lightly on a
box or board. The ball of earth will slip
out of the pot, intact, into your hand. If
the bulb is well rooted, the surface of the
earth ball will show a network of white roots.
If only two or three roots are visible and the
earth is inclined to fall apart, the bulb is not
well rooted and is not ready for forcing. The
examination completed, slip the pot back over
the ball of earth, turn the pot right side up,
press the top slightly to make all firm again,
and replace in the plunge.
FLOWERING TIME, AND AFTER
When the well-rooted potted daffodils are
taken from the "plunge" they must not at
once be placed in warmth, but brought up to
it progressively. Too much heat is apt to
FLOWERING IN WINTER 57
expand the flower prematurely so that it can-
not pass the neck of the bulb; or, if it does
get through, the developing bud will be
strangled by its unopened sheath. In other
words, it "blasts."
First, place the potted bulbs in a tempera-
ture of 45 to 50 degrees, either in cold pit,
cold frame, azalea house, cold greenhouse,
light cool garret, or cellar. Here the young
growth — probably blanched from its cover-
ing in the plunge — will gradually turn green
and grow slowly, but sturdily. At this stage,
and thereafter until through flowering, water
freely; and once a week give manure water
the strength of brown tea or soluble commer-
cial fertilizer dissolved in water, one table-
spoonful to a gallon.
If the flower stems and buds keep pace with
the foliage in growth, the treatment is cor-
rect; if the foliage is outstripping the flower
stems, it is proof of too much heat. When
both foliage and flower buds are in an ad-
vanced stage of development, the plants may
be removed to their sunny flowering quarters
in the window, conservatory, or greenhouse.
For the best health of the plants at this time,
58 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
the temperature should not exceed 60° and
the atmosphere should be fairly moist. In a
higher temperature and dry air, the flowers
sooner wither.
AFTER FLOWERING
Bulbs that have been forced into flower in
the winter are usually thrown away, especially
the cheaper sorts; still if the variety is choice,
or prized, the plants may be saved. This is
accomplished by growing them on in a cooler
temperature until the foliage has ripened —
about six weeks after blooming — then turn
the pots on their sides, withhold water, and in
another month remove the bulbs from the soil,
cutting off dead leaves and roots, and store in
a cool place until the time to plant in the gar-
den in July or August. In a year or two such
bulbs will have recuperated sufficiently to be
again forced, but they cannot be forced two
years in succession.
VARIETIES FOR WINTER FLOWERING
Practically all types and varieties of narcis-
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FLOWERING IN WINTER 6 1
flowered in pots, pans or boxes during the win-
ter if the cultural instructions previously
given are carefully followed; but some kinds
are much more responsive to forcing than
others. If any are to be ruled against, it
would be the late and extra late sorts (those
marked E and F in the Descriptive Lists of
varieties on pages 1 1 2 to 207 ) . These are
quite difficult to force, yet with a maximum
time allowance for rooting and by growing
cool — absolutely without bottom heafc — •
even these may be brought into flower in
March or April, but not in winter. The va-
rieties marked * in the Descriptive List are
especially suitable for winter culture in pots.
For the convenience of the reader, a tabu-
lar selection from the forcing varieties is giv-
en on pages 59 and 60. The varieties named
embrace first class representatives from all sec-
tions, including early, medium, and late flow-
ering varieties, to maintain an unbroken suc-
cession of bloom. These are in three grades,
popular, choice, and fancy, so that the pock-
etbooks of all may be suited. It will, how-
ever, be noted that in the "fancy" no mention
is made of rare new hybrids that are held at
62 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
prices that are prohibitive so far as the aver-
age buyer is concerned.
In addition to those named in the tables
there are a number of small and miniature
flowering kinds that force most easily : Bulbo-
codium, (all varieties) ; capax plenus
(Queen Anne's double daffodil) ; cyclami-
eus (cyclamen flowered) ; Johnstoni Queen
of Spain; the jonquils; juncifolius; Macleaii
(Diomedes minor) ; triandrus (Angel's
tears), all varieties; and trumpet minimus.
Plant these small growing narcissus 12 to 1 8
bulbs one-half inch apart in a pot or pan
of suitable size, putting only one variety
in the pot.
CHAPTER IV
WATER CULTURE IN THE HOUSE
No soil to make dirt indoors — How much water? — Start-
ing in the dark and bringing into light — The "blast" —
Culture in plain water, sand, or moss fibre — Chinese
sacred lily— Trumpet daffodils in hyacinth glasses—-
Feeding.
FOR parlour and library or any place where
there is more or less danger of damage to car-
pets and furniture from overflow watering of
potted plants, the method of growing bulbs
in glasses of water, bowls of pebbles and wa-
ter, and moss or fibre and water has much to
recommend it. The ladies of the family usu-
ally find much pleasure in growing a few flow-
ers in this way and the early varieties can
easily be made to bloom by Christmas time.
Whatever the method adopted, the pro-
cedure is substantially the same in all
cases. The vessel holding the bulb and the
water is put into an airy cool cellar, garret,
storeroom, or cold pit, in dim light — not into
a close confined closet — and kept there until
63
64 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
the bulbs are rooted. The time required is
five to six weeks for the polyanthus varieties,
and ten to twelve weeks for the hardy varie-
ties. By this time, the tops will also have
grown an inch or two. At this stage, remove
to a light room with a temperature of about
40° to 50° for two or three weeks or until the
growth and buds are prettty well developed,
when the plants may be placed where they
are to be used for their decorative effect.
The object of starting the growth very cool
at first and reaching warmth by progressive
degrees is to have the bulbs first make roots,
and then a sturdy growth and produce flow-
ers of greater substance and lasting qualities.
Too much warmth, especially at first, induces
long, limp leaves and is apt to cause the flow-
ers to "blast," i. e. fail to open the sheath.
Daffodils may be successfully grown in
glasses by using ordinary hyacinth glasses
filled with soft or rain water, not quite touch-
ing the bottom of the bulb. A lump of char-
coal in the bottom assists in keeping the wa-
ter sweet. Replenish the water as evapora-
tion reduces the quantity and change entirely
every week or two, or whenever there is an
WATER CULTURE IN THE HOUSE 65
indication of its getting stale. A pinch of
some soluble plant food, purchasable at seed
stores, in each glass of water once a week
while the plants are in bud and blooming will
be of great benefit.
Probably any of the early flowering daffo-
dils may be grown in this way but the follow-
ing trumpet varieties have proven well
adapted: Henry Irving, Golden Spur, Hors-
fieldi, Victoria, and Double Van Sion.
THE CHINESE SACRED LILY IN WATER
Varieties of the polyanthus section, espec-
ially the so-called "Chinese Sacred Lily" give
very beautiful results when grown in glass
bowls filled with pebbles and water. The
pebbles are used merely to support the bulb.
Use shallow bowls, place a little granulated
charcoal in the bottom to keep the water
sweet, and cover with a one-inch layer of bird-
gravel or sand. Set the bulbs on this nearly
touching one another, three or more to a bowl,
according to size. Fill in with white pebbles,
or, if they are not available, more bird-gravel.
This will prevent the plant from toppling
over when in leaf and bloom. Pour in water
66 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
until it almost reaches the bulbs. Place in a
cool spot to root, and grow on in a low tem-
perature as advised in the preceding pages.
Replenish the water as it evaporates and
occasionally change if it shows any signs of
getting stale.
Some of the early flowering trumpet daffo-
dils may also be grown in this way, but the
kinds of narcissus almost infallibly successful
are the Tazetta varieties, especially gloriosa,
Grand Soleil d'Or, Grand Monarque, Maes-
tro, Paper White, and particularly the Chi-
nese sacred lily, the latter coming into bloom
the quickest of any, often in six weeks from
planting.
By making an incision just through the skin
across the bulbs of the Chinese variety and
about an inch from the top of the main bulb,
it will liberate an additional lot of leaves and
flowers. By this method one bulb will often
bear eight to twelve spikes of bloom.
FIBRE OR MOSS AND WATER
This is perhaps the best and most success-
ful of all methods of water culture. Use
bowls, pots, or jardinieres without holes.
WATER CULTURE IN THE HOUSE 67
To prepare the medium, take one part of
cocoanut fibre — or if that is not available,
sphagnum moss — and add to it one pint of
granulated charcoal and one quart of washed
sand or bird-gravel. Mix thoroughly. It
will probably be necessary to tear the fibre or
moss to pieces to accomplish this. Place
about two inches of this material in the bot-
tom of the jardiniere, put the bulbs on it,
nearly touching one another, and fill in with
more material, making all quite compact, but
do not jam too tight. Leave only a portion
of the necks of the bulbs exposed. Water to
thoroughly moisten the fibre all through; and
turn the vessel on its side until all surplus
water has drained off.
Rooting can be done in any cool, airy room ;,
and, for the rest, follow the directions given
in the preceding paragraphs. The fibre must
never be allowed to get dry — neither must it
be so freely watered that it becomes soggy,
at least not until the plants are in bud and
blooming, during which period they will stand
more water.
As stimulating food for the bulbs grown
by the moss and water method a little weak
68 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
manure water the strength of brown tea may
be used, but I prefer the soluble plant food
tablets on sale at the seed stores. They are
clean, odourless and quickly dissolved in warm
water. Dissolve one tablet to a gallon of
water and give each pot a tablespoonful of
this solution once a week.
All hardy varieties previously recom-
mended for pot culture, and all of the half-
hardy polyanthus varieties, may be grown in
fibre or moss and water — preference being
given to the early and mid-season flowering
kinds.
Some English amateurs have been most
successful with the method. A report of a daf-
fodil show at Bideford states: 'Especially
noticeable were Mrs. Hobhouse's six trum-
pet daffodils, grown in moss fibre — Golden
Spur, Empress, Mrs. Thompson, Victoria,
princeps, and albicans. These were a mass
of bloom, containing over 100 fully-devel-
oped flowers, size and quality leaving noth-
ing to be desired, while the foliage was per-
fect. The best pot of daffodils in the show,
and which deservedly won the silver medal,
was grown by Miss Farrington, and had
WATER CULTURE IN THE HOUSE 69
twenty splendid flowers of Sir Watkin. The
whole pot was as sturdy as if grown in the
open and in the most congenial soil. This
shows what can be done with moss fibre."
CHAPTER V
THE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION OF CUT
FLOWERS
The florist's special requirements — Economy of bench space
— Making flats — Burying in the open — Temperatures —
When to water — Feeding and stimulating — Profitable
forcing varieties — Causes of failure — A new industry —
Daffodil cut flower farms — Field culture in the South
— Preparation of the ground — Shipping the flowers.
THE florist whose sole object is to produce
during winter, under glass, a large quantity
of high quality flowers in a small space with
the minimum of labor and expense grows his
daffodils in "flats." The cultural details in
this case, however, do not differ materially
from those already described in Chapter III,
though here the routine of handling is more
specialised.
FORCING IN FLATS
Flats are shallow boxes or trays about four
inches deep and of a size approximating 12
to 1 8 inches, though the actual size should
70
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION 71
be such that they may be placed on the green-
house bench without loss of room. A flat of
the dimensions given will hold 36 to 48 bulbs,
according to size, allowing a space of from
1-2 inch to i inch between bulbs, which is
sufficient. The reason for using flats is to
economise space, enabling one-third more
bulbs to be grown to a square foot of bench
than could be done in pots or pans. The flow-
ers produced in flats are exclusively for cut-
ting and they are nearly as good as those pro-
duced in any other way.
The flat should have a few holes or a
couple of slits or cracks in the bottom to
permit free drainage, these openings being
covered with moss, fibre, or the fibrous roots
from old sod to prevent soil from washing out.
Put over this an inch of the prepared soil and
set in the bulbs, using, of course, only one va-
riety to a flat. Fill in with more mould to
within half an inch of the top of the flat ; give
a good watering if the soil is dry and place
— preferably— in an uncovered frame. Fin-
ally cover the flats with old leaf mould, ashes,
tanbark, or soil to a depth of three or four
inches.
72 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
The buried flats or boxes are now to re-
main without any further attention, not even
watering, until the bulbs are thoroughly
rooted, which will require: for the Paper
White and early flowering Tazetta varieties
from five to six weeks, and for the hardy varie-
ties, the trumpets, etc., from ten to twelve
weeks. The earlier the normal flowering
time of a variety the quicker it roots.
BRINGING INTO WARMTH
When the bulbs are well rooted the mulch-
ing is removed and the flats taken into a cold
shed, cold greenhouse, or pit with a tempera-
ture of from 45°to 50°, and kept there until
the foliage has grown somewhat and the buds
are well up. From here a few flats are taken
at different intervals, when a succession of
bloom is desired, into the greenhouse or con-
servatory, for flowering. Even here a tem-
perature of from 60° to 65° is high enough
for the best flowers. The early flowering
Tazetta varieties can stand a slightly higher
temperature with some loss of substance only ;
but the later flowering and hardy varieties
will in all probability fail to develop their
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION 73
flowers — "go blind," as it is termed, in a high
temperature.
As soon as the flats are brought indoors,
watering must be attended to carefully, espe-
blooming. At this stage of growth daffodils
will consume great quantities of water and a
meagre supply is sure to result in poor flow-
ers, if not in absolute failure. A moist atmo-
sphere should be kept in the greenhouse to as-
sist the flower sheaths in opening, in fact an
occasional good syringing is advisable for
this very purpose. In the open air, the wind
and rain, and the movement of the plants as-
sist in opening the sheath and in preventing
its drying up and strangling the enclosed
flower. Manure water diluted with water to
the colour of weak tea, applied once a week
(about a pint to a flat), will materially assist
in the production of large, well-formed
flowers.
Bottom heat must not be given. Some varie-
ties, particularly those of the poeticus family,
or in which the poeticus blood predominates,
resent heat. Even though well rooted, they
cannot be forced beyond their limit. A case
in point: A well-rooted batch of poeticus or-
74 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
natus was brought into heat too quickly and
the top growth simply stood still — it would
not budge with six weeks of forcing. The
grower finally in disgust threw the flats out
of doors where the bulbs encountered the
rigours of frost and snow, but with the ad-
vent of spring weather developed plump buds
and later splendid flowers. This will empha-
sise the vital importance of making haste
slowly when forcing the naturally late-flower-
ing kinds. A good rule to keep in mind when
forcing hardy narcissus is: Temperature 40°
for roots, then 50° until the buds are through
the necks, then 60° to 65° for best and most
substantial flowers and foliage, 70° to 80° to
rush growth and bloom with loss of substance
and danger of going "blind."
VARIETIES FOR FLAT CULTURE
All the undermentioned varieties (page
75) will "force." It is understood that the
early flowering varieties can be held back to
flower later than the time specified; but the
late-flowering sorts cannot safely be brought
in bloom before the time mentioned. Some of
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76 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
the varieties named may be a little too high
priced for general commercial work; but will
be found beautiful for private use where qual-
ity, irrespective of cost, is more considered.
While the forcing into early bloom is a
comparatively easy matter for the experienced
commercial grower and well-informed pri-
vate gardener, yet there are others to whom
success is not always assured. Their failures
are usually traceable to neglect of some one
or more of three things: ist, early planting;
2nd, cool treatment (45° to 50°) until the
buds are well through the necks; 3rd, plenty
of water and a moist atmosphere while in bud
and bloom.
FIELD CULTURE FOR MARKET FLOWERS
Within the last few years a new industry
has been developed in the United States, the
growing of daffodils under field culture for
the production of cut flowers for market.
Though yet in its infancy, there does not seem
to be any reason why this industry should
not attain considerable proportions. There
are three establishments of this kind of which
PLATE IX
PAPER-WHITE NARCISSUS AS A PARLOUR PLANT
It may be grown in bowls of water like the Chinese Sacred Lily and can be had
flower before Christmas if potted in August and brought into the light as
rooted (six to eight weeks)
PLATE X
A flat measuring 12x18x14 inches will accommodate three to four dozen bulbs.
Water thoroughly and place under cover, either in a frame or buried in the open ground
under light soil or salt hay until rooted. Polyanthus varieties root in six weeks;
trumpet varieties in ten to twelve weeks.
After rooting, take the flats into a cold shed (temperature 45° to 60°), keeping
them there until the foliage and buds are well up. From this cold shed they can
be brought in for forcing as required, in a temperature of 60° to 65°
COMMERCIAL CULTIVATION IN FLATS
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION 77
I have personal knowledge, and probably
there are others.
The pioneer daffodil farm is near Peters-
burg, Va., a second started up near Ports-
mouth, Va., and the third is situated a few
miles southeast of St. Louis, Mo.
It is significant that these three daffodil
farms are situated in practically the same lati-
tude ; not too far south for the well doing of
hardy daffodils, and yet not so far north but
that their open ground flowers can be pro-
duced sufficiently early to compete — especially
for Easter trade — with the daffodils forced
under glass in the Nprth. These farms com-
mence to cut flowers in March.
A FLOWER "FARM"
The soil of the Petersburg daffodil farm
is ordinarily good ucorn ground," a long cul-
tivated sandy loam. This was manured heav-
ily and plowed. A subsoil plow followed in
the furrow to break the hardpan and open the
subsoil, mole-track like, to a depth of eighteen
inches. A crop of cowpeas was grown on the
land and plowed under in the fall The next
7 8 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
spring this ground was again plowed and
harrowed, leaving the soil in a fine mechanical
condition — a rich deep sandy loam, with mois-
ture holding humus.
Planting is done in July and August, the
bulbs being dropped four to six inches apart
in furrows plowed out six inches deep. Five
or six furrows, one foot apart, constitute a
bed, and the beds are separated by a three-
foot walk. These walks are for the conven-
ience of the flower gatherers, affording a con-
venient place to set the baskets, preventing in-
jury to the plants. In early winter a top
dressing of strawy manure is placed over the
beds and is allowed to remain as the growers
think that longer stems are thus produced.
The first spring after planting only a fair
crop of medium-sized flowers is produced —
possibly because the more expensive, large-
sized, bulbs are not planted. But the second
year after planting, and for three or four
years more, great quantities of long-stemmed
flowers are gathered. About the fifth or
sixth year after planting the bulbs become
crowded as a result of natural increase and the
flowers they bear are smaller and less salable.
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION 79
Consequently they are dug up, separated, and
replanted in fresh ground.
GATHERING WITH LONG STEMS
The flowers are gathered when only about
half open for they develop quickly after they
reach the customer and the stems are put into
water. As long stemmed flowers are de-
manded in the markets, the stems are pulled
as long as possible, not cut nor broken off.
As the flowers are gathered in the field they
are stood up in baskets, and carried to the
packing shed where the stems are placed in
tubs of water, to absorb moisture and freshen
up the flowers. Girls now pick them out, one
by one, tieing them in bunches of twenty-five.
The bunches are long, flat, and one sided, a
layer of two or three flowers, then an under
layer, and so on, every care being exercised so
that the flowers are not bruised or broken.
The bunches are then packed for shipment in
light, wooden boxes, — paper lined, to retain
a moist atmosphere — and sent by express to
various city flower markets.
Very many varieties may be grown under
field culture for cut flowers, but naturally the
DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
expensive, newer, large-flowering hybrids can-
not be used with profit, for the bulbs must be
planted by the thousands. So long as the flow-
ers are of good-size with long stems, all varie-
ties seem to bring the grower about the same
average price, 5oc. for a hundred flowers,
though early in the season they often realise
double that figure or more ; but late in the sea-
son the return is much less. For this reason the
old reliable medium-priced standard sorts
mentioned below are chosen. These, well
grown, produce large marketable flowers on
long stems, and the different kinds furnish
succession of bloom for two months or more.
DAFFODILS FOR CUT FLOWERS OUTDOORS
Type
Name
Season
Large trumpet, yellow
bicolor
Henry Irving
rugilobus
Golden Spur
Double Van Sion
Emperor
Horsfieldi
Victoria
Empress
Early
Early
Early
Early
Mid-season
Early
Early
Mid-season
Medium trumpet, crown,
or cup
incomparabilis Sir Watkin
incomparabilis Autocrat
Stella superba
Barrii conspicuus
LeeHsii Dutchess of
Westminster
noetir.ns ornatus
Early
Mid-season
Mid-season
Late
T.ate
Late
CHAPTER VI
NATURALISING IN THE GRASS
The lesson from nature — Where to plant — How to colonise
in meadows — Where delicate kinds flourish — Methods
of planting — Hardy varieties naturalised in New Eng-
land— The Tazetta in Bermuda — What to Plant.
"NATURALISING" is a most effective
method of planting daffodils. By this term I
mean planted broadcast in quantity in field,
meadow, open woodland or the wilder por-
tions of the estate, and left alone to flourish
and spread along natural lines. All the hardy
daffodils may be naturalised, the wild types
doing the best while the larger flowering
modern hybrids are likely to urun out"; that
is to say, they may lose their size, and dete-
riorate toward the parental types.
The effect of the daffodil blooms mingling
among the grass is one that cannot well be
described in words. The army of graceful
flowers nodding and waving with the breeze
is entrancingly beautiful. The greater the
quantity used, the more the pleasure derived.
8 2 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
It is the collective view of the mass that at-
tracts and not a close analysis of the indi-
vidual flowers.
The naturaliser should make his plantings
simulate nature's distribution of plants. Do
not plant bulbs evenly over the field, in serried
ranks, but take double handfuls of the bulbs
and, as it were, scoop them out over the sur-
face of the ground in irregular masses, plant-
ing them where they fall, dense in one place,
thin in another. Scattered in this way, they
grow with a natural effect which is little dis-
tinguishable from the handiwork of Nature
herself.
COLONIZING IN MEADOWS
In the meadows of England the Double
Van Sion, or N. telamonius var. plenus, covers
acre upon acre.
Colonies may be established wherever there
is a bit of grassland that need not be mown
before the end of June, for narcissus leaves
must not be cut before the bulbs are thorough-
ly ripe if flowers are desired the next season.
The charm of a mass of daffodils in flower is
often enhanced when it is opened to our view
NATURALISING IN GRASS 83
in unexpected places. A colony in flower
with a background of sombre tree-trunks is
contrastingly effective, a group on the bank
of a stream, pond or lake with reflections of
the flowers mirrored in the water is entran-
cing. A pocket of soil beneath some boulder
on the hillside enlivened with daffodils will
be a gem. Dozens of locations will suggest
themselves to those who catch the spirit of
planting daffodils to simulate nature's plant-
ings. But only those who have seen narcissus
and daffodils naturalised can fully appreciate
their wealth of beauty, creating a picture not
unlike a cloud of gold and silver butterflies
resting on the turf — yet ever restless, nodding
and fluttering.
THE MATTER OF SITE AND SOIL
Naturalising is so universally successful
because the bulbs when grown thus are not
so particular as to soil as when grown under
garden cultivation. Planted in grass they
are in an ideal home; the turf is sweet and
free from manure, the soil's moisture and tem-
perature are more evenly maintained, and,
moreover, the grass-roots bind together the
8A DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
upper and lower strata of soil, rendering tHe
bulbs less susceptible to the tearing of alter-
nate freezing and thawing, and the winter
mulch or protection of dead grass is better
than what we can supply under artificial con-
ditions; therefore it is not to be wondered at
that many delicate varieties often thrive for
years under these conditions but die out after
a season or two in the garden.
At the same time, if a variety of soils and
situations are available, choice should be
made to suit variety to soil. Thus, on the
heavy, moist, lowland, plant the poeticus and
odorus families and on the high land, with
lighter soil, the white trumpets which revel in
checkered sun and shade. Almost any situa-
tion will answer for the other classes; viz:
the all-yellow and bi-colour trumpets, and va-
rieties of the incomparabilis, Barii, Burbidgei
and Leedsii groups. In moist, heavy soils
daffodils increase by offsets and then grow in
clumps. In harder ground the increase is
mostly from seed and the plants grow singly.
ART IN GROUPING
If group planting is followed, never mix
NATURALISING IN GRASS 85
two varieties, but plant each kind by itself. It
is quite permissable and indeed very effective
to plant two or three groups, early, mid-sea-
son and late-flowering sorts, in proximity so as
to keep up a longer display of bloom. Ar-
range the groups or collections of groups so
there will be a liberal breadth of grass be-
tween to act as a foil. Plant the bulbs with a
bounteous hand — about six inches apart — not
less than twenty-five bulbs of one kind to a
group — though 100 to 1,000 will be better if
the area of ground permits. Arrange the
groups with irregular outlines, having a dense
patch, not necessarily at the centre, as a focus
point for the eye; no circles, no squares, no
rows, and no two groups alike.
Another method of natural planting, espe-
cially suitable for borders and shrubbery, is
in dense, irregular clumps. Old plantings of
bulbs will often take on this character, and in
truth, as the influence of time is felt, irregu-
larity of distribution with heavy, dense masses
irregularly outlined here and there, is the ul-
timate disposition. This effect is due to two
prime causes of planting in natural, or unpre-
pared soil ; namely, that certain bulbs find ex-
86 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
ceptionally congenial situations, while others
are set in spots absolutely uncongenial and
consequently die.
HOW TO PLANT BULBS IN TURF
The bulbs are most quickly planted when
the ground is soft after a rain. I then use a
spade handle, sharpened dibber-like. A cross
piece, mortised in and securely bolted about
eight inches from the point, serves as a foot
rest to assist in thrusting the dibber in the
earth. Working the handle a little enlarges
the hole at the bottom large enough to re-
ceive the base of the bulb which should be
about six inches below the surface. After
dropping in a bulb, fill in with a handful of
soil. The bulb will thus have a covering of
soil three to four inches deep.
Another method that is quite expeditious
and satisfactory is called "notch planting."
A sloping cut is made with a spade, the turf
and soil being pried up and held by a man
while a boy places two or three bulbs in the
cleft. The turf is then tramped back firmly.
The bulbs in this style of planting lie inclined
NATURALISING IN GRASS 87
on their sides, but it does not seem to make
any difference for the growth comes up
straight above the surface.
VARIETIES FOR NATURALISING
For naturalising in lawns which have to be
cut in May the following extra early flower-
ing miniature daffodils may be utilised : trum-
pet minimus, cyclamineus, moschatus (Span-
ish), trumpet minor and capax plenus. They
make a beautiful picture when in flower
against the green grass carpet, and will be suf-
ficiently matured not to be injured for the
next season's blooming if the grass is not
mown before May.
TRUMPETS IN NEW ENGLAND
There is an impression in some quarters
that the trumpet daffodils cannot be natura-
lised as far north as New England, but Mr.
John Parkinson, of Boston, is said to have
large groups of Emperor and Empress plan-
ted twenty years ago on his country estate,
at Bourne, Mass. At the Ames Estate, North
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NATURALISING IN GRASS 89
Easton, these varieties, together with prin-
ceps and Golden Spur, are naturalised in a
spot where the soil is always quite damp;
they have now been planted seven years and
show a gratifying increase, but it is noted that
the smaller white flowered Leedsii varieties
increase faster than those of the large trum-
pets. On the other hand, Mr. E. O. Orpet
at South Lancaster reports that he finds
that the trumpets do better where the soil
dries out during the summer resting period
of the bulbs.
In warm climates, the Tazettas or polyan-
thus narcissus will naturalise and spread like
weeds. On the island of Bermuda one of
these charming varieties has escaped from
cultivation and has become as firmly estab-
lished as any wild native. In this congenial
climate there are narcissus flowers from De-
cember to July. The residents assert that
these narcissus have been growing in the same
places "since they could remember."
CHAPTER VII
MINIATURE DAFFODILS FOR THE ROCK
GARDEN
Little gems that would be lost in the border — Mountain
species to grow only in rock pockets and special soils.
THERE are a number of dainty little-flow-
ered members of the daffodil family, of per-
fect form, that if planted in the garden and
border would be practically lost to sight, yet
they are gems when grouped, a dozen or more
of a kind, two to four inches apart, in the soil
pockets of a rockery. In fact, some of these
"tiny tims" were found wild in the fastnesses
of mountains, growing in the crevices of
rocks in little pockets of gritty soil and they
do not seem able to live in cultivation unless
in a properly built rockery — or rock garden
— with well-drained soil pockets leading clear
to the surface of the ground — filled in with
gritty, peaty, soil and positively no manure.
They thrive to perfection under suitable con-
ditions and increase for several years. If a
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92 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
low growth of alpine plants, hardy mosses or
even short fine-leaved grass can carpet their
nests, the bulbs seem to last longer; moreover,
such a mulch keeps the rain from splashing
dirt on to the flowers, and, peeping through
the green, they present a picture in the spring
far out of the ordinary.
All those named in the adjoining table are
adapted to rock-culture, the special require-
ments of each being given in the last column.
CHAPTER VIII
THE ONE INSECT AND ONE DISEASE
THE daffodil amateur has a happy lot in
the matter of diseases and insects. No
green fly to suck the juices, no host of invad-
ing bugs to chew up the results of the year's
work; nor are there rusts or anthracnose that
must be sprayed with poisons. The daffodils
flower and ripen their foliage before any of
the everyday pests of the garden are awakened
for the season. And after that, even, they
are comparatively safe, for the bulbs are usu-
ally distasteful to moles and mice, which
turn to them only when all else fails ; and foli-
age nor plants are not relished by either
browsing animals or by birds.
Daffodils may not be immune, however,
for the sparrows have made a start. In
the spring of 1906, I noticed for the first time
that a few of the earliest daffodil flowers
were being nipped by these birds. Incident-
ally the variety was Early Bird. Daffodil
salad evidently was not to their liking,
93
96 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
daffodils, and we in America may not long
be immune from its attacks. Having had no
actual experience with the fly, I quote in sub-
stance from European authorities: Dr. J. R.
Bos of Holland, and Rev. W. Wilks of Eng-
land:
uThe narcissus fly — nearly one half inch
long and with wings expanded one inch across
— is not unlike a small 'bumble-bee' though
having only two wings and no sting. It
hovers over the daffodil plants not unlike a
humming bird, its wings moving as swiftly
as it poses in one place for a minute or two —
then suddenly it darts with lightning speed
usually to the right or left, seldom straight
ahead — making a sound between a shriek and
a whistle, though of course, not so loud — yet
great compared with the size of its author. It
then settles down among the daffodil leaves
and lays its eggs near the top of the bulb. It
will probably lay 100 eggs at different times
during its season from May to July. The eggs
seem to hatch quickly, the little grubs finding
their way in to the bulb when their destruc-
tive work commences. There they live on
the tissues and heart of the bulb until autumn
ONE INSECT AND ONE DISEASE 97
when they eat their way out and hibernate
in the ground in chrysalis form until spring
when the fly hatches out and begins its annual
cycle."
Imported bulbs of the lower priced cheaper
grades may be to some extent infected. A
blackish spot the size of a pin's head near the
shoulder of the bulb is suspiciously indicative
that a grub has entered. If a similar and
larger spot is found near the base of the bulb
your suspicions are likely to be well founded,
for it is customary for these grubs to make
the second hole as an outlet for the frass.
Of course, to be on the safe side, you will
destroy infected bulbs with their inhabitants
and this is not any sacrifice, because only
healthy bulbs will give perfect flowers. Where
the flies do appear they are trapped on plates
containing thick molasses in the centre with
edges smeared with honey to attract them.
Of course, there are some other minor di-
seases and troubles, but their total result
amounts to practically nothing. As affecting
the gardener, for whom this book is written
they may be ignored, and so are dismissed
with this bare reference.
CHAPTER IX
STRAIGHTENING DAFFODIL NOMENCLA-
TURE AND CLASSIFICATION
UP to a hundred years ago, when there
were comparatively few kinds or varieties in
this now numerous family, the old system of
naming — always descriptive — answered ad-
mirably; but, with the advent of numer-
ous intermediate types, perhaps combining
the distinctive forms of both parents, and
so to be classed with neither, something
else became imperative. The old name
"Pseudo-Narcissus albus aureus," signify-
ing the large yellow trumpet daffodil with
white perianth petals, could now be applied
to a dozen or more varieties, each one of
which has a distinct individuality. After
several fruitless efforts had been made to
straighten out the nomenclature by retaining
the old Latin names, light was at last shed
by Mr. J. G. Baker, in 1869, whose arrange-
ment of the genus into three main sub-divi-
98
NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION 99
sions stands to-day. These are respectively
magni-coronati, medio-coronati, and parvi-
coronati, wittily interpreted into ulong-nosed"
"short-nosed" and usnub-nosed," now com-
monly spoken of as trumpet, cup and saucer.
(Editor's Note: These three popular terms are intro-
duced as being entirely logical and descriptive. The word
"crown" that has sometimes been used to indicate the en-
tire medio-coronati sub-division, is inadequate since it is
a translation of part of the Latin designation of all three
sub-divisions.)
Baker's arrangement with a few modifica-
tions received official approval at the Daffo-
dil Conference of the Royal Horticultural
Society held in London in 1884. The matter
of future nomenclature was solved by the
adoption of the following resolution :
RESOLVED : "That in the opinion of this conference, uni-
formity of nomenclature is most desirable, and that
garden varieties of narcissus, whether known hybrids
or natural seedlings, should be named or numbered
in the manner adopted by florists and not in the
manner adopted by botanists."
Under this ruling all recent varieties are
given English names, the Latin titles being
retained for the old species, sub-species and
wild hybrids.
To a very great degree, the botanical sub-
divisions of the family agree with the garden
IOO DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
groups and they are conveniently considered
in that light.
The genus Narcissus has species of two
distinct types of foliage : flat-leaved, which
characterises the trumpet daffodils as well
as the poet's and Tazetta narcissus; and the
rush-leaved, which is found in jonquils, and
which are thereby pretty well isolated into
a distinct garden group.
For the practical man's convenience, in
the following chapters, the garden, or hor-
ticultural significance of the types and sec-
tions has been considered, rather than their
exact botanical sequence, and the varieties
are listed according to these artificial but prac-
tical garden groups as follows:
GROUP I.— THE GIANT-TRUMPET OR AJAX
DAFFODILS
Embracing all the one-flowered varieties
having a cyclindrical, or funnel-shaped trum-
pet at least three-quarters as long as the petals,
which are spread horizontally, or are inclined
forward; not deflexed. These again are sub-
divided as follows:
NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION IOI
A. Yellow Ajax; self yellow varieties derived from
wild flowers of yellow N. Pseudo-Narcissus.
B. White Ajax; white petals and white or sulphur trum-
pets; descendants from N. moschatus and the Pyrenean
form, N. pallidus praecox, both of which are marked
sub-species of N. Pseudo-Narcissus.
C. Bicolor Ajax; yellow trumpets and white petals; hy-
brids of the two preceding groups.
GROUP II. THE LESSER TRUMPETS
Here are included two sections, Backhouse!
and Humei, both of which, botanically con-
sidered, belong with the trumpet daffodils,
but for garden purposes are separated from
the Ajax group, partly on account of size as
they are both comparatively smaller.
Ar. Backhousei, hybrid of Ajax and JV. incomparabilis. The
trumpet often is as large as the petals and the crown
itself often unflared, giving it a tubular appearance.
There is considerable difficulty in the exact placing of
this section, it being sometimes considered among
large trumpet daffodils and at other times as belonging
to the intermediate, or medium-crowned group which
is composed entirely of hybrid forms between the first
and third of Baker's classification.
AT. Humei and its varieties ("Dog-Eared Daffodils") are
garden hybrids between N. Pseudo-Narcissus and N.
incomparabilis, flower drooping and petals inclined
forward. In other respects the flowers of this section
agree with Group I.
IO2 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
GROUP III. THE HOOP-PETTICOAT DAFFO-
DILS
A very distinct group, with conspicuous,
wide-flaring trumpets and insignificant petals
but the same colour as the trumpet; stamens
deflexed, which does not occur in any other
group; leaves rush-like.
All varieties of N. Bulbocodium (sometime* spoken of as
N. Corbularia).
GROUP IV. CYCLAMEN-FLOWERED DAFFO-
DILS
This is an artificial group, but is well
marked from the horticultural standpoint, be-
cause the petals in the three sections which
comprise this group are reflexed. All have
comparatively large trumpets.
A. N. cyclamineus\ the yellow cyclamen-flowered daf-
fodil (sometimes considered to be a sub-species of
yellow Ajax). Sharply reflexed petals, so that the
petals and trumpet form one continuous line; leaves
flat.
B. N. Johnstoni; Johnston's cyclamen-flowered daffodils.
Wild hybrids between an Ajax variety and the follow-
ing, N. triandrus. The flowers of this group are
similar to those of the large trumpet varieties with
NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION 103
the exception of having reflexed petals; flat leaves.
C. N. triandrus; white cyclamen-flowered daffodil, or
"Angel's Tears"; two or three flowers to a stem.
White with petals well reflexed; flowers small; leaves
rush-like.
GROUP V. MEDIUM-CROWNED HYBRIDS
This large group of cup daffodils is a
most interesting one and corresponds practi-
cally to the second division of Baker's mono-
graph "the medio-coronati." In this we con-
sider seven hybrid groups which are distin-
guished by the proportionate length of the
trumpet which is now shortened to a cup.
All are hybrids between the larger-crowned,
or trumpet daffodils and the smaller-crowned
or saucer narcissus. The sections as here
grouped are in relation to the diminishing
size of the crown or cup.
A. N. incomparabilis; hybrid between yellow Ajax and
N. poeticus; goblet-shaped crown one-third to three-
quarters the length of the petals; colouring, various.
B. N. Nelsoni; Nelson's goblet-cupped, or "shortened bi-
colour"; garden hybrids between bicolor Ajax and N.
poeticus. White petals; goblet-shaped crown more
than one-half the length of the petals.
C. N. Leedsii; Leeds' silver-winged star daffodils; hy-
brids of white Ajax and N. poeticus. In reality,
IO4 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
white and sulphur cupped forms of Barrii and incom-
parabilis.
D. N. montanus; the drooping silver-starred narcissus;
natural hybrid possibly of N. moschatus and N. poeti-
cus. Flower drooping; star-like perianth, pure white;
cup white.
E. N. Maclaei; a natural hybrid probably between bi-
color Ajax and N. Tazetta, aptly described as "droop-
ing baby bicolor." Petals milk white, with bright
golden-yellow crown two-thirds as long as the petals.
F N. Barrii; garden hybrids of various forms; hybrids of
N. poeticus and an Ajax variety, while a cross of N.
poeticus and N. incomparabilis will yield flowers of
both Barrii and Burbidgei forms. Flowers usually
smaller than those of N. incomparabilis borne nearly
erect; cup always yellow and usually orange-reddish
rimmed, wide-mouthed and one-fourth to one-third the
length of the star-like yellow, or pale yellow petals.
G. N. Bernardi; natural hybrid between N. abscissus (a
yellow Ajax variety) and N. poeticus; very variable;
flowers with spreading white petals, twice as long
as the yellow cup.
GROUP VI. THE POET'S NARCISSUS
Late and comparatively late-flowered varie-
ties in which the varieties of the white-petalled
and fragrant poet's narcissus, or hybrids
which are marked by their shallow, saucer-
like crowns, are included.
A. N. poeticus with its varieties. Distinguished by pure
white petals surrounding a small, round, flattened,
NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION 105
saucer-like crown, not more than one-half the length
of the petal and edged with carmine.
B. N. biftorus; hybrid of N. Tazetta and N. poeticus.
Flowers like N. poeticus in form and colour, but with-
out the red brim to the cup and borne in clusters of
two or three. This is Parkinson's "primrose peerless"
daffodil.
C. N. Burbidgei; "dolly cup" narcissus; garden hybrid
of N. incomparabilis and N. poeticus, closely resem-
bling poeticus. Flowers borne singly; cup about one-
fourth the length of the petals, and a trifle longer
and not quite so flat as in N. poeticus; petals white,
sulphur or yellow. Flowers earlier than poeticus.
D. N. Englehearti; Engleheart's flat-crowned poet's nar-
cissus; hybrids of N. poeticus and N. incomparabilis,
many of which have been separated from the Burbid-
gei section and may be aptly described as Burbidgei
forms with fluted, or ruffled flat cups.
GROUP VII. THE JONQUILS AND CAMPER-
NELLES
Rush-leaved, yellow, cluster-flowered and
deliciously scented, small-growing species and
varieties which show a great range of varia-
tion in themselves, and about which there is
considerable confusion, one authority (Eng-
lish) holding that the true Campernelle vari-
ety has a flaring cup, and another (Dutch),
equally competent, asserting the Campernelle
has a spreading cup. It is in this manner
IO6 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
stocks are mixed and nomenclature becomes
confused.
A. N. Jonquilla; true sweet-scented jonquil; petals three
to four times as long as the saucer-shaped shallow
crown; though usually regarded as a species, has
sometimes been supposed to be a hybrid between N.
Tazetta and N. gracilis; very variable.
B. N. odorus; Campernelle or giant jonquil ; considered to
be a hybrid between yellow Ajax and N. Jonquilla;
larger than the preceding, wider petals and more up-
right cup, more widely flared.
C. N. gracilis; later flowering than the jonquil, opening
yellow and fading with age. Petals spreading and
imbricated. One to three flowered.
D. N. juncifolius; "baby jonquil"; the very smallest
species, generally bearing three bright yellow flowers,
petals well imbricated, about twice as long as the cup
which is often widely expanded; very variable; petals
about one-third of an inch long.
GROUP VIII. THE TENDER, CLUSTER-FLOW-
ERED NARCISSUS
Including all the cluster-flowered, flat-
leaved species which are not reliably hardy in
the North, but which may be grown outdoors
in the South and are excellent for forcing.
A. N. Tazetta; remarkably variable; usually four to eight
flowers; perianth segments white or yellow, well im-
bricated and spreading horizontally; crown cup-
NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION IOy
shaped, relatively small and generally yellow but
white in some forms; popularly known as the polyan-
thus narcissus.
B. & C., N. orientalis: N. intermedius. These form a
sub-section and which might be called "intermediate!
cluster-flowered" narcissus. They are all natural
hybrids and so closely resemble the true Tazettas thav
it is very difficult to separate them. More hardy, and
the leaves of the N. intermedius group are more rush-*
like than those of the true Tazettas. N. orientalis is
supposed to be a hybrid between N. Tazetta and N.
incomparabilis. Flat leaves.
GROUP IX. HARDY CLUSTER-FLOWERED
NARCISSUS
This group is likely to grow into consider-
able importance through the acquisition of the
new hybrids between N. poeticus and N.
Tazetta.
A. N. poetaz; cluster-flowered hybrids of N. poeticus and
N. Tazetta, having individual flower characters very
closely resembling the former one in colour and size.
A most remarkable recent acquisition in the family.
B. N. tridymus; the long-crowned, cluster-flowered daffo-
dils; hybrids between Ajax and N. Tazetta; individ-
ual flowers resemble a small form of Nelsoni. They
differ from all other cluster-flowered narcissus in the
comparatively long crown.
1 08 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
GROUP X. DOUBLE-FLOWERING NARCISSUS
AND DAFFODILS
Double forms of species or varieties from
any of the foregoing groups.
GROUP XL AUTUMN-FLOWERING NARCIS-
SUS
A few curious species of little garden value.
[NOTE — A botanical key to the species
and sections of the genus Narcissus will be
found in the Appendix, page 220.]
THE NAMED VARIETIES
In the following pages will be found de-
scriptions of practically all the purchasable
varieties of narcissus and daffodil, notes upon
their importance as garden plants and ap-
proximate prices at this writing (1907),
Many of the very newest seedlings are not
yet on the market and so are ignored, al-
though some of them will no doubt supersede
varieties now grown.
The catalogues of growers in Europe and
PLATE XIII
THE POET'S NARCISSUS IN LANDSCAPE EFFECT
In conjunction with scenery, especially where water is used, the white poet's
narcissus will give most happy results. It prefers a heavy soil
<<X;
NOMENCLATURE CLASSIFICATION 109
America have been thoroughly searched and
the synonomy noted. For instance: "Abscis-
sus" and "Muticus" represent the same vari-
ety; "Emperor" and uLorifolius Emperor"
are the same; "Golden Spur" and "Spurius
Golden Spur" are the same; "Grandis" and
"Grandee" are the same. These different
names for one variety are very bothersome to
the beginner, as I know by experience.
If the name of a variety be known, but not
its class, reference must be had to the index,
where it will be found in alphabetical order.
EXPLANATION OF SIGNS.
In the discriptions of narcissus and daffo-
dils which follow various signs will be noted
following the name of the variety, the mean-
ings, of which are here explained :
The letters: A, B, C, D, E, and F, indicate the degree
of earliness or lateness in flowering in the open under ordi-
nary weather conditions, the wintry weather not unduly
extended into spring to retard the earlies, nor the summer
suddenly bursting forth and hastening the flowering of the
late varieties. During normal seasons the difference in time
of flowering between the A's and B's and C's, etc., should
be from a week to ten days. We can not give the exact
time that flowers are due for all latitudes and altitudes so
have followed dates noted in the author's grounds near
New York City. Allow six days later for every hundred
1 10 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
miles north and six days earlier for every hundred miles
south, on sea level.
The varieties may be expected to flower near New York
City as follows:
Those marked A during the first and second weeks of April.
Those marked B during the second and third weeks of
April.
Those marked C during the third and fourth weeks of
April.
Those marked D during the fourth week of April and first
week of May.
Those marked E during the first and second weeks of May.
Those marked F during the second and third weeks of May.
The season may be considerably ex-
tended by planting in special situations and
by other cultural conditions (see pages 41 and
42) so that daffodils outdoors may in fact be
had for over three months.
* Vigorous-growing, free-blooming; well suited for natur-
alising,
t Especially adapted for naturalising in partial shade or
on slopes facing the north.
fl For planting in gardens, herbaceous borders, etc.,
§ For growing in pots, etc., for winter flowers.
In regard to awards made to varieties, R. H. S. stands
for Royal Horticultural Society, and R. B. S. for Royal Bo-
tanic Society, both of London, England.
CHAPTER X
THE LARGE TRUMPET DAFFODILS
All varieties, regardless of size, belong to
this group, if they have a tubular corona ex-
panding trumpet-like at the mouth where it
must be as broad as it is long; the trumpet
not be less than three-quarters the length of
the petals. This "large trumpet," or daffodil,
section is again sub-divided into three colour
groups, viz: the "Ajax self," or all yellow;
the "Ajax bicolor," or white winged yellow
trumpets; and the "Ajax albino" or all-white
varieties,
ALL YELLOW TRUMPETS
This group of more than 100 different
named varieties has been developed from the
wild N. Pseudo-Narcissus. The all-yellow
trumpet varieties have greater adaptability
to varying methods of cultivation in most cli-
mates and soils than any other members of the
family, are excellent for naturalising and for
winter forcing.
in
1 1 2 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
ABSCISSUS. Syn: muticus. (D. 12 in. t$2.$o hu.) A
native of the French Pyrenees. Belongs to the broad-
leaved lorifolius section and is one of the latest blooming
of all trumpet daffodils. It is somewhat variable in size
and form, though well-rogued cultivated strains usually
produce large flowers with a much elongated trumpet of
bright yellow and a sulphur-yellow perianth of
twisted petals. It is a free pollen bearer and a parent
of some of the best bi-colours. Well suited for naturalising.
When mingled with the red-mouthed poeticus types,
flowering at the same time, they cross freely
and produce many interesting hybrids, and, according to
Mr. Max Leichtlin, "if we are to have scarlet daffodils
this would be the beginning."
ACHILLES. (B. 15 in. *$2.so hu.) A native of Guernsey,
very early and free flowering. A handsome flower
with rich yellow trumpet and a sulphury-yellow perianth.
ADMIRAL MAKAROFF. (C. 20 in. § fl $5 ea.) A new seed-
ling, a fine large flower of the Emperor type: soft yellow
trumpet, broad, smooth and straight with a wide-fluted
nouth, perianth light yellow.
ADMIRAL TOGO. (C. 20 in. §fi$2 ea.) A handsome
seedling of strong growth and free-blooming qualities.
A bold flower with widely expanded golden trumpet and
broad canary-yellow perianth: desirable for pot culture and
borders.
ALIDA. (D. fl soc ea.) A new seedling of strong
growth, blooming very late. It produces a very large,
finely-shaped flower with a long bright yellow trumpet and
a toft canary-yellow perianth.
ALVAREZ. (D. 6 in. $3 doz.) A new seedling, the
miniature of Emperor. A sturdy plant of dwarf growth
producing dainty, rich yellow flowers of much substance.
ARD RICH. Syns: Irish King and Yellow King. (A
15 in. t $i doz.) An extra early flowering variety, a
favourite for forcing and for naturalising. Freshly
LARGE TRUMPET 113
manured soils rich in vegetable humus it resents,
thriving best in a well-drained, coarse loam. Under
congenial conditions, it produces splendid large flowers
with deep yellow perianths and large, rich yellow trum-
pets. It is one of the earliest of all large trumpets to
bloom. Annual lifting is advisable as it becomes dormant
early, and new root action soon begins — replanting should
therefore be done not later than September.
BIG BEN. (B. 21 in. §^$2.50 ea.) One of the newer
varieties ranking among the giant trumpets. The flowers
measure about five inches across. Perianth sulphur yellow,
trumpet yellow. A flower of good form and substance;
a strong grower, free seeder, and very valuable for hy-
bridising. Awarded certificate of merit by the Royal
Botanic Society.
CAMBRICUS. (B. t$i-so doz.) A Welsh Lent lily; an
early flowering beautiful variety; a favourite for natural-
ising in turf; perianth sulphur, trumpet yellow
CAPTAIN NELSON. (B. 13 in. §^$2.50 doz.) A large
distinct and handsome early flower of soft, clear yellow ;
long incurving perianth petals; trumpet of gigantic size,
long and spreading. A fine sort for pot and garden cul-
ture: Awarded first-class certificate by the Royal Horti-
cultural Society.
CERVANTES. (A. 15 in. §$1.50 doz.) A remarkably
early flowering form of Princeps which it resembles in
form. It is fully as large in size though of rather a diff-
erent colour being a uniform pale primrose in tone. It can
be flowered by Christmas if desired, and is valuable as
«n early market flower.
C. H. CURTIS, (C. 18 in. §fl$i.so ea.) A magnificent
new variety similar to Monarch but much better; a very
large flower of model form with a bold expanded trumpet
of golden yellow and a broad smooth perianth of deep
primrose.
CLEOPATRA. (D. §^$25 ea.) Another new variety
114 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
resembling Monarch. It is one of the largest and most
perfectly formed of all the giant yellow trumpets. The
trumpet is long, bold and of deep yellow: the perianth
rich yellow, its petals broad and gathered at the base.
Like all the largest flowering sorts it is late in blooming.
Especially good for pots and borders. Awarded the certi-
ficate of merit from Birmingham and also from the Royal
Horticultural Society of England.
CORONATUS. (B. 19 in. f$5 doz.) An early flowering
variety with a broadly expanded trumpet of rich yellow
and a spreading light yellow perianth of wide petals. It
thrives best in partially shaded situations. First-class certifi-
cate, R. H. S.
COUNTESS OF ANNESLEY. (A. 15 in. t § ft $1-50 doz.) A
vigorous, extra early flowering Irish daffodil with a dis-
tinctive large bold flower, trumpet of a rich golden yellow
well expanded, serrated and flanged: perianth sulphur,
yellow, imbricated and hooded. Good for pot and border
culture and useful for naturalising, thriving best in par-
tial shade.
COUNTESS OF DESMOND. (B. 13 in. t$i-25 doz.) A de-
sirable early free-flowering dwarf variety, producing a
bold flower with a pale yellow trumpet, well flanged at the
brim, and a perianth of soft primrose. Quite a gem when
naturalised in the grass.
CROM-A-BOO. Syn: Crown Frilled. (A. 15 in. t soc. ea.)
An extra early flowering daffodil, found wild in Ireland.
The trumpet is frilled or gathered the whole length.
Colour, a self yellow. It thrives best when naturalised in
partial shade.
DANIEL DEWAR. (B. *$i.so doz.) A very early flower-
ing daffodil, varying in colour from orange-yellow to
cream white, this variation being often shown in one flower.
It is a free seeder and splendid for naturalising in grass.
DEFIANCE. (A. 21 in. $3 ea.) A new daffodil with light
LARGE TRUMPET 115
yellow petals, and a beautifully twisted, large trumpet,
golden yellow — well flanged at the brim.
EARLY BIRD. Syn: North Star. (A. §fi$2 doz.) Per-
haps the earliest yellow daffodil in cultivation. It is ad-
mirably adapted for forcing, and if potted in September
may be had in flower at Christmas. Out of doors it blooms
two to three weeks earlier than any other sort. The flower
is of medium size and resembles the Tenby in outline.
The colour is full yellow, the perianth perhaps slightly
lighter in shade.
ELIZA TURCK. (C. n in. fl § * $1.50 doz.) A good-grow-
ing, free-flowering dwarf variety, well suited for the front
•of borders and edgings, for rock gardens and naturalising,
as well as for pot culture. The flowers, of refined form,
are of soft, uniform yellow.
EMPEROR. Syn: Lorifolius Emperor. (C. 21 in. § ^ * 6oc.
doz.) A universally admired variety. It is one of the
best and largest of the all-yellow daffodil^ deservedly
popular for pot culture, forcing, naturalising and for use
in borders. The flowers, borne on long stems, are of im-
mense size, firm in substance and of well-balanced form.
The broad trumpet is rich golden yellow, and the petals-
broad and rounded — are but slightly lighter in tone. It is
a strong, healthy grower and a free bloomer, doing itt
best in a strong, rich, well-drained loam.
EXCELSIOR. Syn: Spurius Excelsior. (B. 18 in. §fi*$i
doz.) A new extra large, early flowering, variety, similar
to Golden Spur, but richer in colour, being a deep self-
yellow throughout ; splendid for pot culture and for forcing,
and is thought to be the forcing narcissus of the future.
FRED MOORE. (C. 14 in. §fi$2 ea.) A new seedling;
a handsome flower of much substance, with an immense
deep golden trumpet, well expanded at the mouth. The
broad petals are well formed and of light yellow. A
grand variety for pot culture and for borders. Award of
Merit, R. H. S.
Il6 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
GEORGE PHILIP HAYDC-N. (C. 18 in. $125. ea.) A new
variety, having a very large, extra good flower of splendid
texture and refined form. Trumpet, canary yellow, with
large open mouth, fluted and flanged ; perianth light yellow,
the petals being broad and rounded. A strong grower,
with wide foliage; flowers in mid-season.
GLORY OF LEIDEN. (D. 14 in. § fl $2.50 doz.) Dubbed
and truly "The King of Daffodils." It is a giant
seedling resembling, but superior to, Emperor, one of its
parents. A strong grower, with massive flowers of great
(substance, boldly tilting upwards on strong stems, challeng-
ing admiration and comparison with more modest semi-
pendent flowering varieties. Glory of Leiden, big and
beautiful, seems conscious of its superiority in size, strength
and durability. It comes unscathed through vicissitudes
of unseasonable weather that dim the beauty of many more
delicate sorts. It can always be depended upon as a "show
flower," and to be the surprise and envy of daffodil-loving
visitors. The enormous trumpet is rich yellow, the petals
broad and rounded, of lighter shade with deeper yellow
pencilings. For pot culture, flower beds and borders it
is most effective. First-class certificate, R. H. S.
GOLDEN BELL. (A. 14 in. §fl*$i ea.) An extra-early
and remarkably free-flowering daffodil, with broad, light
yellow twisted petals and a large and prominent trumpet,
with an open frilled mouth. It is a tall grower, and most
adaptable for pot culture, borders and naturalising. First-
class certificate, R. H. S.
GOLDEN EAGLE. (B. § $1.50 doz.) A vigorous, early
flowering, self-coloured variety of rich yellow. A splendid
forcer and valuable for market.
GOLDEN PLOVER. Syn: Golden Princeps. (B. 14 in. §ff*
75C. doz.) An early flowering Irish daffodil having a
rich yellow trumpet and perianth. It is of the same habit
and nearly as early as Ard Righ, with a strong, vigorous
constitution. Easily forced for cut flowers, and as it seeds
LARGE TRUMPET II?
freely is a desirable variety for gardens and naturalising.
GOLDEN PRINCE. (B. 16 in. $4 doz.) An early flower-
ing daffodil of a uniform golden yellow. The trumpet is
lobed and serrated at the brim. Foliage broad and leek
like.
GOLDEN SPUR. Syn: Spurius Golden Spur. (A. 18 in.
* § H 5°c doz.) A native of the Netherlands. An extra
early free-flowering variety that is a great favourite with
the writer, who if he could have but one daffodil would
choose this. It is not the biggest, nor yet the most beauti-
ful, but when you plant a dozen bulbs of it you are pretty
sure to get eighteen to twenty-four flowers all large, perfect
and as richly coloured as the most fastidious grower could
desire. Golden Spur has a vigorous constitution, is easily
forced in flats, flowers beautifully in pots, and is perfectly
at home in the garden border; and when naturalised, seeds
freely and increases correspondingly. The flowers of large
size have a spreading megaphone- like trumpet with grace-
fully rolled brim, perianth large and open. The colour, a
self-yellow, is almost as deep as that of maximus.
HAMLET. (C. 18 in. §^[$1.50 ea.) A handsome new
variety after the style of Emperor, with a bold, well-formed
yellow trumpet, and a large broad, flat, light yellow peri-
anth.
HENRY IRVING. Syn: Spurius Hy. Irving. (A. 18 in.
§ fl * 5oc doz.) A native of the Netherlands and a fine type
of spurius major, with handsome flowers of great substance.
Trumpet, rich golden yellow, wide and recurved at the
mouth. Perianth, broad, spreading and of clear yellow. Ex-
cellent for forcing, pot culture, growing in borders and nat-
uralising in grass. It thrives best in sandy, gritty loam, and
like all of the "spurius" class, can be injured by kind-
ness; that is, given a soil too freshly manured.
HER MAJESTY. (B. 15 in. $1.50 doz.) An early flowering
light, self yellow, expanding trumpet, beautifully serrated
at the brim.
1 1 8 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
HON. MRS. JOCELYN. (D. 19 in. § 1[$i ea.) A new and
but is a free producer of large flowers elegantly formed,
and of a uniform rich golden yellow ; perianth, large and
winged, the petals being longer than the straight crown or
trumpet, which is elegantly serrated at the brim. Well
suited for both pot and border cultivation.
ISOLDE. (D. 20 in. § ff $50 ea.) A new daffodil having
a handsome large flower with a bold campanulate light
yellow perianth, which sometimes measures five inches
across ; trumpet long and of soft yellow. This is a good late
flowering variety for both pot and border culture.
IVANHOE. (C. 10 in. § If $1.50 ea.) A new variety of rich
uniform lemon yellow. It is similar to John Nelson, but of
better quality.
JOHN BRIGHT. (A. §$2 doz.) Of Dutch origin, be-
longing to the spurius family. It is of dwarf spreading
rich yellow colour. The petals incurve towards the trumpet,
of distinct clear yellow. Excellent for pot culture and
forcing.
JOHN NELSON. (C. 10 in. §ft*$5 doz.) A very dis-
tinct late flowering dwarf variety, of an almost uniform
rich yellow color. The petals incurve towards the trumpet,
forming a large rounded flower, which droops and nods al-
most to the surface like Mrs. J. B. M. Camm, Colleen Bawn,
and others of its class. For pot and border cultivation and
for naturalising it is especially adapted.
KING ALFRED. (B. 24 in. § fl $15 ea.) A new
daffodil, perhaps the most beautiful of all yellow trumpets;
free and early flowering. The flowers are not only of im-
mense size but are of noble form and great substance. The
trumpet is extra large and elegantly frilled at the mouth.
The colour is a deep rich maximus yellow. The plant,
which has bluish green foliage, is strong, vigorous and
healthy, and grows two feet high. It is a superb variety
for exhibition, pot and border culture. First-class certifi-
LARGE TRUMPET 119
cate, R. H. S. ; Award of Merit, R. B. S., and Premier Prize
Midland Daffodil Society.
KING HUMBERT. Syn: King Umberto. (B. t$2-5Q hu.)
A wild, early flowering Italian daffodil of robust growth.
Desirable for naturalising in shaded places, and also amen-
able to forcing. Trumpet yellow, perianth, paler in colour
with darker yellow stripes through the centre of each petal.
LADY HELEN VINCENT. (C. 13 in. §fi$6 ea.) A com-
paratively new, large trumpet variety, with flowers of re-
fined form and good substance ; blossoming in mid-season.
Colour, a uniform, soft and clear yellow ; excellent for pot
and border cultivation. Award of Merit, R. H. S.
LADY WILLES. (C. 14 in. §H*$3 doz.) A handsome,
strong-growing, free-blooming daffodil, with bold yellow
trumpet, having a deeply flanged open mouth. Perianth
light yellow. Adaptable for both pot and garden culture.
LORNA DOONE. (B. 75 in. $4 ea.) A distinct new variety
of richest canary yellow. Trumpet long, tube-like and
beautifully fluted. Erect habit. Foliage broad, resem-
bling that of Emperor.
LORD ROBERTS. (C. 23 in. §ff$2o ea.) A new giant-
flowering variety, and one of the grandest of all yellow
trumpet daffodils. Broad and massive petals and a noble
trumpet, all of a rich uniform golden yellow. A strong,
tall grower and blooms freely in mid-season. Awarded
first-class certificate, R. H. S., Midland Daffodil Society,
and Cornwall Daffodil Society, etc.
LORIFOLIUS. A section with broad, flat, massive foliage
best represented in the varieties Abscissus (Muticus), Em-
peror, P. R. Barr, Rugilobus, etc.
MAJOR. (C. §ff*soc. doz.) The true Trumpet Major
has a handsome large flower of rich golden yellow, nearly
as deep as Maximus. It is a mid-season variety, effective
for pot culture; also for borders and naturalising where
conditions suit it, otherwise a shy bloomer. Tens of thou-
sands, perhaps millions of bulbs, are annually sold under
1 20 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
the name of "Trumpet Major," most of them for forcing.
To the best knowledge of the writer the majority of these
are the following:
MAJOR SPURIUS. (A. §t$2-5o hu.), also known as
Early Flowering Major, Early Trumpet Major, and
Spurius Major, is in reality a type of Single Van
Sion. A splendid winter forcer, and valuable for cut
flowers. Similar in form to the true Trumpet Major, but
somewhat smaller and lighter in colour. Spurius Major is
two to three weeks — some claim four weeks — earlier.
MAXIMUS, or Trumpet Maximus (B. 1 8 in. § If * 750. doz.)
is the recognised peer in colouring among yellow daffodils,
being intense golden-orange throughout. The Deputation
of any daffodil approaching "maximus colour" is establish-
ed. Unfortunately, perfection in everything is never centred
in any one individual, animal or plant, and N. Maximus is
no exception. While the flower is of grand size, form and
colour, with an immense, beautifully formed, well-opened
recurve-brimmed trumpet and large, gracefully twisted
petals, it has one fault — shy blooming, or not blooming at
all, excepting under congenial conditions. Those who supply
these conditions will glory in the result. The bulbs of N.
Maximus require to be planted not less than five inches
deep in well-drained (and if possible, trenched) strong
rich loam, with some very old rotted manure below — not
in contact with — the bulbs. The prong-like roots start
early in the fall down deep in the soil. If the bulbs can
be planted in August — and the roots find their desired food
— magnificent flowers may be expected, on stems two to
three feet high.
MAXIMUS SUPERBUS I.ONGIVIRENS. Syn: Maximus of the
Pyrenees. (B. 18 in. §fl*$2 doz.) The characteristics
of this variety so closely resemble those of the variety just
described that the writer has been unable to appreciate any
distinguishing differences in comparative tests covering
•everal years, It may be that under other conditions of
LARGE TRUMPET 121
soil or climate, Maximus- longivirens might prove the cata-
loguers' claims of superiority, viz.: "Earlier in flowering,
a freer bloomer and of richer orange-yellow colouring."
The added name "longivirens" (meaning long-lived foli-
age) applies, as far as my experience goes, to both varieties,
the leaves remaining green a month longer than the foliage
of other varieties.
MIKADO. (C. 15 in. §fi$3 ea.) A handsome, large
flowering new seedling of the Maximus style. Colour, gold-
en-yellow. Trumpet, very large, open-mouthed and deeply
flanged at the brim. Petals, gracefully twisted. A mid-
season free-flowering variety.
MINOR. Syn: Trumpet Minor, Nanus minor, Dutch
minor, etc. (A. 7 in. t$2-5O hu.) This is the single form
of the double-flowering Rip Van Winkle. Minor is a very
dwarf, very early and very small flowering type, a perfect
"baby daffodil," valuable for edgings, rock work and for
naturalising. It increases rapidly, thriving best in shaded
locations. The trumpet, expanded and distinctly lobed, as
well as the gracefully twisted petals are of rich yellow.
MINIMUS. Syn: Nanus minimus. (A. 3 in. t 75C. doz.)
This pigmy, the smallest and most dwarfed trumpet daffo-
dil known, grows only three inches high, producing dainty,
perfectly formed flowers, not exceeding one inch from tip
to tip of perianth. The colour of both trumpet and perianth
is rich yellow. This quaint lilliputian is a gem for edgings,
rock work and naturalising, and if grown in a pot, gives
a most charming effect. It thrives in peaty soil or sandy,
gritty loam.
M. J. BERKELEY. (B. 17 in. § fl * $i doz.) A magnifi-
cent large and early flowering variety, rich yellow colour,
the flower resembling that of Maximus but slightly
lighter in tone. The trumpet is large, well expanded and
reflexed at the brim; the petals are better formed than
those of Maximus. Popular for pot and border cultivation
and naturalising.
122 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
MONARCH. Syn: Golden Giant. (C. 20 in. §fi$5 ea.)
A noble flower, large, of model form, good substance, one
of the best of the yellow trumpets. Large trumpet and
perianth, both of full rich yellow ; a strong, sturdy grower,
flowering in mid-season. Superb for pot and border cul-
ture.
MORNING STAR. (B. $1.50 doz.) An early flowering
dwarf variety, with a deep yellow trumpet and a pale
yellow perianth.
MRS. H. J. ELWES. (B. 17 in. $2 doz.) Very early
flowering variety with large trumpet. Entire flower soft,
clear yellow.
NANUS. Syn: Nanus Major: Lobularis Neerlandicus. (A.
6 in. f $1-50 doz.) Closely similar to Dutch minor, with
possibly a trifle larger flower. A very dwarf, extra early
flowering variety, blooming with chinodoxas, scillas and
crocus, and is a pretty companion for such early flowering
bulbs. Yellow trumpet and lighter yellow perianth. In
Ireland it is popularly called the Earth Star, "its flowers be-
spangle the earth like golden stars." It grows about six
inches high, thriving best in partial shade, and is a gem
for naturalising and edgings.
OBVALLARIS. (A. 12 in. t fl § 5oc. doz.) The old "Ten-
by" daffodil, long popular for its many good qualities. A
distinct extra early variety of stiff upright habit. Flow-
ers full rich yellow, the trumpet short but well expanded,
petals broad and well rounded. It forces well, is excellent
in pots and thrives when naturalised in shaded positions.
OBVALLARIS PALLIDUS. Syn: Buttercup. (A. 12 in. § f
$i doz.) The pale primrose-coloured form of the Tenby
daffodil. Extra early, a beauty in pots, and superb for
naturalising in grass.
OONAH. (B. § f$2 doz.) A very early flowering bright
canary-yellow self; a new seedling with flowers of lasting
quality. A free seeder.
LARGE TRUMPET 123
OPHELIA. ($1.50 ea.) Seedling from Emperor. Flowers
neatly hooded and of refined form. Colour, rich canary
yellow.
OPHIR. ($3 doz.) A long barrel-shaped trumpet of
rich golden yellow. A good market variety. Dwarf.
OTHELLO. (E. 10 in. §ff*$i.5o ea.) A new seedling
with a broad campanulate, primrose-yellow perianth and
a rich yellow trumpet. A flower of good substance. A
dwarf, sturdy grower. Very late.
PHIL MAY. (C. §fi$4ea.) A new variety with large
bold straight yellow trumpet and paler yellow perianth.
A strong, sturdy grower for pots and borders, flowering
in mid-season.
P. R. BARR. (D. 16 in. § fl * soc doz.) A splendid late-
flowering Emperor-like variety of sturdy growth and free-
flowering qualities. The flowers are of good form and
very large. Trumpet, rich yellow ; perianth, primrose yel-
low. A valuable variety for anything and recommended
for flower beds, borders and for naturalising in grass.
PRINCE GEORGE. (C. 16 in., $2.50 ea.) A very well-
formed flower, with a long, soft, yellow trumpet and a
primrose-yellow perianth. Sturdy grower.
QUEEN OF HOLLAND. ($i ea.) Very large. Both trum-
pet and perianth sulphur yellow.
RANGER JOHNSON. (D. 15 in. §ff$5 ea.) A new late-
flowering variety. Flower is large, of refined form and
good substance. Colour a uniform soft yellow. Trumpet
large and elegantly flanged at the brim.
RAY SMITH. (16 in. § H soc ea.) A graceful flower
of uniform rich yellow colour, the flower large, of good
substance. The petals gracefully twisted and tapering.
A free bloomer and a strong grower, with broad deep
glaucous blue foliage.
REGINA MARGUERITA. (B. 750. doz.) Very early flower-
ing, with a deep yellow trumpet and lighter perianth
with golden stripes in the petals.
I 24 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
REV. D. R. WILLIAMSON. (§ ff $2.50 ea.) A new seed-
ling with a long, handsome rich yellow trumpet and
lighter yellow petals. A bold, handsome flower.
RUGILOBUS. Syns: Rugilobus lorifolius. Pseudo-rugilo-
bus. (B. 15 in. fl * 500 doz.) A most useful low-priced
daffodil, not unlike a small Emperor, but earlier. A
standard variety for cutting, the flowers being of good
substance and travel well. Trumpet rich yellow, furrowed
or fluted, perianth sulphur yellow.
SABRINA. (§ fl $50.00 ea.) A handsome new variety with
a bold stiff pale yellow trumpet well flanged at the mouth;
perianth cream colored.
SANTA MARIA. (A. 14 in. $1.50 doz.) Very early
flowering, remarkably distinct and graceful. Perianth
charmingly twisted, and of great substance. Colouring
very deep orange yellow.
SHAKESPEARE. (C. § fl 7$c ea.) Bold and erect with an
immense deep golden yellow trumpet, the longest of any
daffodil. Petals, sulphur yellow, large and broad.
SHIRLEY HIBBERD. (flsoc doz.) Distinct free flowering
with a much expanded deep yellow trumpet and perianth
of light yellow. Remains in bloom for seven to eight
weeks.
SPREAD EAGLE. (E. ff$i.so doz.) A magnificent new
variety, very late, with large deep rich yellow flowers.
The petals are gracefully twisted : a flower of much sub-
stance, therefore well suited for cutting. Strong, vigorous
grower with dark green foliage.
SPRIGHTLY. (B. §H*$3-50 doz.) Strong free grower
with brilliant golden-yellow flowers of medium size.
Trumpet open at the mouth, and prettily frilled. Foliage
deep blue-green.
SPURIUS. Syns: Single Van Sion of the Dutch: telamon-
ius of English Gardens. (A. §fft35c doz.) Very early
free flowering. Good sized flowers of soft yellow ; trumpet
well expanded; perianth hooded. Very useful for forcing,
PLATE XVI
ALL-YELLOW TRUMPET DAFFODIL
Glory of Leiden, one of the handsomest of the large trumpet section : all yellow,
trumpet rich yellow, perianth pale yellow, sometimes with deeper yellow markings
LARGE TRUMPET 125
garden culture, and naturalising. Popular on account of
its satisfactory qualities and low price. There are several
forms of spurius resulting, no doubt, from differing en-
vironments and selection. Spurius major and spurius
major Blondin, spurius excelsior, spurius Golden Spur, and
spurius Henry Irving are improvements. All narcissus
of spurius blood are impatient of too rich or freshly ma-
nured soil, and can be killed by kindness. They thrive best
in gritty loam or turf and in partial shade.
THOMAS MOORE. (B. 7$c doz.) A deep yellow trumpet
with clear yellow perianth: said to be similar and better
than Trumpet Major.
TOTTENHAM YELLOW. (B. § fl ysc doz.) The outline of
the flower resembles that of a small Maximus; trumpet
deep yellow, perianth of lighter tone the petals being
gracefully twisted, very early and fine for pot culture.
TUSCAN BONNET, (ysc doz.) A pale straw-coloured
form of Princeps, distinct and beautiful flower of bold out-
line.
VAN WAVEREN'S GIANT. (C. §ff$25. ea.) A magnifi-
cent new variety — probably the largest trumpet daffodil
yet introduced, bright yellow trumpet with a very large
open mouth flanged at the brim: perianth light yellow and
of rather campanulate form, flower of great substance, very
tall grower; late.
WILLIE BARR. (15 in. §H*$s doz.) A strong growing
daffodil producing perfectly shaped flowers of much sub-
stance: an elegantly brimmed trumpet of deep yellow and
a campanulate perianth of soft and clear yellow.
ALL WHITE TRUMPETS
Descended from the very rare wild white
forms of Pseudo-Narcissus, particularly the
Pyrenean types moschatus and pallidus-
I 26 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
praecox. As a class they are more delicate
in constitution than their self-yellow and bi-
colour brethren, requiring conditions akin to
those in which their mountain-loving ances-
tors thrive ; viz : partial shade, in well under-
drained soil of gritty loam and decayed leaf
mould. There are now fully 50 named varie-
ties, varying in colour from all pure white to
palest sulphur.
ALBICANS. Syns: Silver Trumpet, Sulphur Trumpet,
Dutch Moschatus. (B. 14 in. § ff * 750 doz.) This is a
large form of the native Spanish moschatus and is some-
times known as the Large White Spanish daffodil. A
strong grower. Early and free bloomer, bearing large
handsome musk-scented flowers with white perianth ami
a long trumpet prettily recurved at the brim. It opens
straw colour but soon changes to white.
ALICE KNIGHTS. (A. 12 in. §fi$8 ea.) A new variety
and the earliest of all white trumpets. Good substance,
lasting well whether cut or on the plant. Perianth white,
trumpet cream white of elegant form with an open mouth
prettily filled. Good constitution and a free bloomer.
Award of Merit, R. H. S.
APRICOT. (C. 1 6 in. § H 75C ea.) A new and remarkably
beautiful variety with a colouring heretofore unknown
among narcissus, the long straight trumpet being of a rosy
apricot hue, though opening creamy buff in strong con-
trast to the pure white perianth. The flower is of good
size and form. Delightfully fragrant. Plant healthy,
vigorous. Several certificates and awards of merit are to
its credit
LARGE TRUMPET 127
ATALANTA. ($100 ea.) A new seedling with
broad snow white perianth petals and a long, pure white
bell-shaped trumpet.
AVALANCHE. ($150. ea.) A very elegant new seedling
with broad petals of pure white, curving towards the
trumpet which is long and straight and also of pure white.
CECILIA DE GRAAFF. (D. 20 in. $i ea.) A new seedling
cf interesting form. The medium-sized flower has an
elegantly spreading channelled trumpet recurved at the
brim. Colour, creamy-white; the perianth is also creamy-
white with a yellowish line running through each petal.
CERNUUS. (A. tH $i doz.) The Silvery Swan's Neck
daffodil, so called from the graceful poise of the pendent
flower. Very distinct. Early flowering. Perianth silvery
white, trumpet cream white passing to white. The petals
and trumpet are of the same length. Best when grown
in shade.
CERNUUS PULCHER. (B. 16 in. §fl $2.50 doz.) The
large Silver White Swan's Neck daffodil. A somewhat
larger form of the preceding and a little later in flower-
ing, but classed among the earlies. The gracefully droop-
ing flower composed of broad and spreading petals of pure
white and a long, expanding trumpet opening primrose
but changing to silvery white. A strong grower.
COLLEEN BAWN. (A. 15 in. § 1ft $4 doz.) A gem among
white daffodils, silvery-white drooping, nodding flowers.
Gracefully twisted petals. Best when grown in shade
and grass.
CORA PLEMP. ($1.25 ea.) A new seedling with white
flowers of light primrose colour, passing to white.
C. W. COWAN. (C. 16 in. § ft $1.50 doz.) A distinct
short, thick set albino. An elegant flower with white peri-
anth and a sulphur trumpet passing to white. A strong
grower and free bloomer.
DUCHESS OF CONNAUGHT. (B. n in. 750 doz.) A neat
128 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
habited plant well suited for small beds, etc. — bearing
dainty flowers of light primrose colour, passing to white.
DUCHESS OF NORMANDY. (B. §ff$s ea.) A new early
variety with a long white beautifully ribbed trumpet,
mouth open and flanged. Petals of white, fairly broad,
slightly shouldered, and twisting. Delicately scented.
DR. HOGG. ($3 ea.) Perianth white; trumpet sulphur
passing to white. First-class certificate.
EXQUISITE. ($i ea.) A tall-growing, early-flowering
albino with sulphur white petals, and a primrose trumpet
maturing white.
F. W. BURBIDGE. ($i doz.) Strong and vigorous, with
an elegantly serrated long trumpet of sulphur passing to
white and a white perianth.
GRACE DARLING. (B. 20 in. §fl$i ea.) A strong-grow-
ing, free-flowering new seedling of great beauty: the petals
of pure white are gracefully twisting and overlap the
elegant trumpet of light sulphur maturing white.
HATFIELD BEAUTY. (C. 21 in. $15 ea.) A bold and
showy new variety with creamy-white perianth and a light
canary trumpet well expanded and flanged at the mouth.
HENRI VILMORIN. (C. 13 in. § ft $125. ea.) A magnifi-
cent new white daffodil that scores high on all points. Re-
fined texture and form, the perianth of Empress shape
spreading 4^2 inches across: the trumpet is long and of
good substance. Award of Merit, R. H. S.
JENNY WOODHOUSE. ($3 doz.) Best described as a
white obvallaris or Tenby daffodil. Trumpet beautifully
imbricated and flanged. A free seeder. A small shapely
daffodil for the buttonhole.
LADY AUDREY. (D. §H $25 ea.) A new late-flowering
variety of great beauty; perianth white, slightly cam-
panulate and a straight, bold creamy-white trumpet widen-
ing at the mouth. Award of Merit, Birmingham.
LADY OF THE SNOWS. (D. $125 ea.) A large and
beautiful new seedling with a broadly rounded white
LARGE TRUMPET 129
perianth — and a well-formed, white trumpet well-frilled
at the brim.
LADY GROSVENOR. (750 doz.) White perianth and sul-
phur white trumpet.
LADY SOMERSET. (C. 12 in. § j|$2 ea.) A new seedling
of strong growth with long-stemmed pure white flowers.
Petals long and gracefully twisting; trumpet very long.
LADY SYBIL. (A. n in. H*$i ea.) A new variety with
flowers of medium size and of uniform pale sulphur colour.
The open-mouthed short trumpet is prettily flanged.
L'lNNOCENCE. (C. 20 in. $i ea.) A magnificent daffo-
dil with purest white perianth, and broad straight trumpet
of sulphur passing to white.
LISMORE. (B. 15 in. §H $3 ea.) Strong constitution.
Perianth white with a faint suggestion of green. Trumpet
sulphur white. First prize at Truro.
LOVELINESS. (D. 14 in. § ft $125 ea.) A new and highly
recommended seedling, producing very large flowers.
Petals broad, smooth, stiff and snowy white. Trumpet of
elegant form well expanding to the mouth and also white.
Award of Merit at Birmingham and also at Truro.
MADAME DE GRAAFF. (D. 16 in. §fl $7.50 doz.) This
magnificent seedling ranks front of all white daffodils.
The flowers, while unusually large for an albino, are of
splendid substance and unsurpassed in grace of carriage
and elegance of form. The fully expanded flower is
pure white, though in opening the trumpet usually shows
a tinge of sulphur. A strong grower, free blocmer, and
equally well suited for pot or garden culture. First-
class certificate, R. H. S.
MARCHIONESS OF LORNE. (B. 12 in. fi*$i doz.) Not
unlike Princess Ida, perianth sulphur white, trumpet prim-
rose and elegantly recurved.
MATSON VINCENT. (D. 14 in. §^$2.50 doz.) Strong-
growing, late-flowering, with a neat, small, pure white
flower, the trumpet being well expanded and lobed.
130 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
MOSCHATUS. (A. 6 in. t$4 hu.) A wild sub-species of
N. Pseudo-Narcissus found in the Pyrenees and especially
plentiful in places on the Spanish side of these mountains.
It varies in size, form and colour accordingly as influenced
by natural hybridisation when growing in proximity to
other native types. In its purest form it is of dwarf habit
with rather small flowers. The whitest of all trumpet
daffodils when fully open, but of a sulphur tinge in the
bud and expanding stages. It is very early in flowering
and, like most wild types, quite at home when naturalised;
a grassy slope facing north being especially congenial. In
cultivation many selections have been made from "mos-
chatus" which are catalogued under various names as
albicans, moschatus of Haworth, etc., and it is the opinion
of the writer that many if not all varieties of the so-called
white trumpet daffodils owe their varying degrees of
trumpet whiteness, directly or indirectly, to the predomi-
nance of moschatus blood.
MOSCHATUS OF HAWORTH. (A. 6 in. t75c doz.) A
charming dwarf small-flowering variety, a selection from
the preceding with charming, purest white flowers. A gem
for naturalising.
MRS. J. BELL CAMM. (D. 12 in. *$2 doz.) An exceed-
ingly handsome late variety of vigorous growth, produc-
ing large flowers that nod to the ground. Lasting vrell
when cut. Perianth white, the trumpet sulphur white.
First-class certificate, R. H. S. (Do not confound this, as
the writer did at first, with Mr. J. Bell Camm, the bi-
colour.)
MRS. BETTRIDGE. (C. 12 in. $15 ea.) Very large flower
with white, prettily twisted petals and cream-coloured
trumpet, well expanded, fluted, and flanged at the brim.
MRS. BURBIDGE. A vigorous grower with large flower,
opening sulphur but passing to white.
MRS. GEO. H. BARR. (D. §^$125 ea.) A very lovely
new white daffodil of exquisite form: petals slightly curv-
LARGE TRUMPET 131
ing towards the well-formed open-mouthed trumpet.
Award of Merit, Birmingham.
MRS. THOMPSON. (B. 14 in. §ff*$i doz.) A hand-
some extra early strong grower of good shape and sub-
stance and a free bloomer. Flowers large and pure white,
the trumpet being elegantly frilled. One of the earliest of
the moschatus section.
MRS. VINCENT. (D. 12 in. §11 $2.50 ea.) A lare beauty
of perfect form and of great substance. Perianth and
trumpet pure white. Good grower but late.
PALLIDUS PRAECOX. (A. 12 in. f 6oc doz.) The earliest
of all white trumpet daffodils and very popular. Varies
slightly in form and colouring, but usually the perianth
is pure white and the trumpet pale straw colour. When
grown in partial shade it comes pure white. Natural-
ised on moist grassy slopes facing north it is perfection.
Avoid manure.
PETER BARR. (C. 16 in. §t$25o ea.) All reports indi-
cate that this is the most beautiful white trumpet daffodil
yet raised. The writer has not grown it nor seen it. It is
likely that in a few years the increase will be such that
the price will fall within the reach of ordinary people.
The English "Gardeners' Chronicle's" description in sub-
stance is as follows: "PETER BARR is not the only white
Ajax or large trumpet variety that has been raised, but it
is certainly the best and much the best In colour the
flower is described as white, but it must be understood that
by this is not meant the pure white which is seen in Nar-
cissus poeticus. No trumpet daffodil is yet so pure, but
Peter Barr is the very palest sulphur-white, the perianth
being a shade purer than the trumpet. It is said to have
been raised from Monarch and Madame De Graaff, and
will be a fitting memorial to a man whose life has been
spent in developing and popularising the daffodil."
The raiser's description reads thus: "The finest white
trumpet daffodil yet raised. It is of distinct and elegant form
1 3 2 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
having a beautiful pure white shouldered perianth and
a large handsome trumpet almost pure white. The flower
is large and bold — of beautiful symmetry and fine sub-
stance. It is a strong grower and a free bloomer with
handsome deep bluish green foliage. First-class certifi-
cate, R. H. S.
PRINCESS IDA. (B. 14 in. § If $2 doz.) A distinct strong-
growing free-blooming early white variety with a silvery
trumpet edged at the brim with yellow. A good grower
and charming in pots.
ROWENA. (B. 13 in. §fl$3 doz.) A new robust free-
blooming seedling with spreading star-like petals of snowy
white and a large trumpet, silvery-white flushed peach,
expanding to the brim.
SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE. (B. 15 in. ff*$i.5o doz.) A
strong-growing free-blooming early variety with a silvery-
white perianth and a long pale sulphur trumpet. Good
for naturalising and for borders.
SNOWFLAKE. (B. 14 in. §fi$4 doz.) Early flowering
strong-growing with distinct and handsome flowers holding
their heads well up. Perianth white, trumpet soft apricot
passing off white. Certificate of Merit, R. H. S.
SULPHUR KING. (C. 12 in. §fi$2 ea.) New seedling
producing in mid-season a well-formed flower of good
substance. Perianth pale sulphur, long trumpet of soft
sulphur yellow.
TORTUOSUS. (A. 15 in. § fit $2-50 doz.) A popular,
vigorous, extra early flowering form often called "The
Swan's Neck Daffodil" from the graceful pendent poise of
the flowers. Selections have been catalogued under the
names of Leda, Sarnian Belle, etc., but any distinctiveness
claimed for these has apparently merged back to the type
until their "variety names" have become merely synonyms.
All, in fact, belong to the variable moschatus group.
Tortuosus being distinguished by its long trumpet of pale
LARGE TRUMPET 133
sulphur and gracefully twisted petals of pure white. The
flowers are delightfully musk scented.
WILLIAM COLORING. (C. 16 in. §fit$i doz.) A droop-
ing Swan's Neck daffodil of good constitution, with long
tapering petals of pure white, gracefully curving over the
primrose tinged white trumpet.
W. P. MILNER. Syns: Minnie Warren, nanus albus. (B.
ii in. §fl*$i.25 doz.) Dwarf, of good constitution, es-
pecially effective for small beds, edgings, naturalising in
grass and a lovely thing to plant permanently in rock
work. The dainty little flowers of cowslip fragrance are
freely produced ; creamy-white out of doors but pure white
when grown inside. It seeds freely.
TWO-COLORED TRUMPETS WHITE WINGED
OR BI-COLOUR
Hybrids between the all-yellow and the
all-white trumpet daffodils. They have
"white wings," or petals, and yellow trum-
pets. Healthy vigorous growers, thriving
in the garden border, in pots, or naturalised.
ADA BROOKE. (D. 15 in. § fl soc doz.) A late free
blooming variety flowering after Empress and before Gran-
dis. Trumpet orange yellow, perianth creamy-white. A
strong grower and valuable for cutting.
BICOLOR. ($1.50 doz.) The type, dwarf and late flower-
ing. Rich yellow trumpet and broad pure white petals.
BICOLOR OF HAWORTH. (E. 13 in. t $1.50 doz.) Con-
taining abscissus blood — and like the latter — among the
latest to bloom. The flowers last into June if grown in
partial shade. Trumpet rich yellow, perianth pure white.
In outline the flowers resemble the elegantly formed earlier
flowering Horsfieldi.
134 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
BREVIFLOS. ($2.50 hu.) Neat habit, small, early to bloom.
Increases rapidly. Golden yellow trumpet and sulphury-
white perianth.
CABECEIRAS. (C. 15 in. f$3 hu-) A Spanish daf-
fodil, showy and handsome, with large rich yellow
trumpet frilled at the brim, and a white perianth shading
to primrose at the base.
CALPURNIA. (D. 15 in. §^$25 ea.) A long straight
trumpet of soft primrose yellow and bell-formea perianth
of white. New.
CAMEOENS. Syn: Lusitanica. ($3 doz.) An early
peculiarly formed and distinct bi-colour from Portugal ;
yellow trumpet and sulphur-white perianth.
CYGNET. (D. §fl$ioo ea.) New, and a beauty, long
bold trumpet of canary-yellow. Elegantly reflexed at the
mouth. Petals white, bold, broad and gracefully twisted.
Award of Merit, R. H. S. and Birmingham.
DAINTY MAID. ($1.50 ea.) A very dwarf new bi-colour
of handsome form.
DEAN HERBERT. Syn: primulinus. (D. 18 in. $1.50 doz.)
Of distinct, stiff, erect habit; vigorous grower. Trump-
et large, rich yellow; perianth primrose changing to sul-
phur white.
DUKE OF BEDFORD. (B. 22 in. §fl$io ea.) Exception-
ally large flowers measuring 4^2 inches from tip to tip of
the pure white perianth, with a great broad trumpet of
clear soft yellow measuring 2^/4 inches across at the mouth :
a flower of splendid proportions, form and substance. It
flowers early, opening even before Horsfieldi and has a
pleasing fragrance. First-class certificates, Birmingham,
Manchester, Edinburgh.
EMPRESS. (C. 20 in. §fl*6oc doz.) This and Hors-
fieldi rank among the high-class bicolors, both being free,
early and reliable producers of large well-formed flowers
of good substance. They thrive under most conditions
where any sort of daffodil can be expected to grow — in
LARGE TRUMPET 135
garden borders, naturalised in grass, in pots, bowls of moss
and water, or forced in flats for cut flowers in winter.
These many merits in conjunction with the reasonable price
of their bulbs render both sorts most popular. Empress
resembles Horsfieldi closely, is a little later in blooming,
perhaps, a little more stiff and robust in growth with not
quite as white perianth petals — and a rich yellow trumpet.
E. T. COOK. (14 in. $30 ea.) New. Broad, bold peri-
anth of white and a rich chrome-yellow trumpet.
GRANDEE. Syns: bicolor maximus, grandis. (E. 12 in.
§fi*4oc. doz.) Late flowering; excellent for succession,
blooming nearly two weeks after Empress and Horsfieldi.
It is of rather dwarf growth, sturdy and robust, with broad
foliage. The flowers are beautifully formed, massive and
of splendid substance. Trumpet large, and long, of rich
yellow. Perianth wide, round petalled and pure white.
Planted in shade, it flowers in May. Good cut flower.
GWENDOLEN. ($125 ea.) A new bi-colour trumpet of
large and noble form, white perianth petals and a long,
straight light canary-yellow trumpet
HORSFIELDI. (B. 14 in. § If * soc. doz.) It is a pity that
this grand and popular daffodil could not be popularly
known as John Horsfield in veneration of the narcissus
enthusiast — a modest Scotch shoemaker — who produced it.
It is very early flowering, very free, splendid for forcing,
and showy in beds and borders. The large flowers have
a rich yellow trumpet and a broad petalled, well expanded
perianth of pure white. Unfortunately, in the later years
of its life it is getting weaker in constitution, and in some
places is now becoming diseased.
HULDA. (C. 1 8 in. $25 ea.) New and remarkably hand-
some. Large and broad petals of pure white and measur-
ing four inches across, large trumpet of pale yellow. A
flower of great substance.
IONE. Trumpet rich yellow, well expanded and beauti-
fully flanged. Perianth imbricated and straw-yellow.
1 3 6 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
ISOLDE. (D. 20 in. $75 ea.) A handsome, large, new
variety, five inches from tip to tip of petals, the latter of
cream colour. Trumpet long, and of soft canary. Award
of Merit, R. B. S.
J. B. M. CAMM. Syn: Mr. J. Bell Camm. (C. 12 in.
§ff$2 doz.) A distinct dwarf, but strong-growing va-
riety, almost pure white, but classed as a bi-colour. The
flowers, in symmetry of form, are perfection, and the chaste
colouring, pure white perianth and creamy-yellow trumpet
combine in causing this variety to be known as "The new
queen of daffodils." First-class certificate, R. H. S.
JOHN DAVIDSON. (C. 12 in. §fi$s doz.) Strong-
growing, large-flowering; bearing a beautifully formed
flower. Trumpet of clear yellow, widely opened at the
mouth and prettily frilled. Perianth large and broad,
creamy-white.
LENA. ($1.50 doz.) Long, yellow trumpet of the best
form. Primrose perianth.
LOBULARIS. (A. 7 in. fjoc. doz.) This native of the
Netherlands is also known as Dutch nanus. Dwarf and
lovely for edgings and naturalising in grass. Trumpet,
yellow ; perianth, sulphur white.
MADAME PLEMP. (D. 16 in. § fl $2.50 doz.) A new late-
flowering variety of strong growth, producing very large,
bold, well-formed flowers of great substance. Trumpet of
immense size and of rich golden-yellow; perianth, white,
the petals being large and twisting gracefully; one of the
finest of daffodils as a garden plant. Floral certificate at
Daffodil Conference.
MAW'S BICOLOR. (A. t$2.50 hu.) An interesting but
confused form about which much has been said which was
true but proved untrue, and vice-versa. This paradoxical
statement is explained when we understand that Mr. Maw's
bicolor, "discovered" by him in the Pyrenees, was in re-
ality "selected" by him. The individuals selected being
everything claimed for them: superior in constitution, in
LARGE TRUMPET 137
earliness, in substance, with large golden-yellow trum-
pets, fine white perianths, etc. Some of the progeny of
these "individuals" proved so fine that they were re-named
nobilis, and others fell so low in the scale of merit that they
were named variformis, and others again could have been
correctly named <uari- coloured. The fact is that Mr.
Maw's selections belong to a large variable family, indi-
genous in many mountainous sections of Southern Europe;
those near abscissus being the most varied. The writer
once planted 100 bulbs of Maw's bicolor with surprising
results: flowers of all shapes and colours were produced,
bi-colours, all yellows and exquisite albinos. Some sur-
passed the cataloguer's description, but many fell short.
This type increases rapidly, and like many native sorts is
especially suited for naturalising. Thrives best in gritty
loam.
MICHAEL FOSTER. (C. 13 in. § ft $1.50 doz.) A large
and distinct thick-set flower of good quality: trumpet
rich yellow, perianth sulphur white. First-class certificate.
MRS. BUCHANAN. ($8 ea.) New; distinct and delicate
shade. Petals, slightly twisted and cream white; trumpet,
primrose-yellow, with nicely flanged open mouth.
MRS. C. W. EARLE. (E. 14 in. §ff$s ea.) A new
seedling, bearing flowers of great beauty, with broad, pure
white petals, and elegantly shaped trumpet of citron-
yellow.
MRS. MORLAND CROSFIELD. (B. 19 in. §ff$s ea.) A
magnificent new variety, blooming as early as or earlier
than Horsfieldi. A large, showy and beautiful flower with
long, bold, clear yellow trumpet and large, pure white
petals.
MRS. WALTER T. WARE. (C. 16 in. §^$1.50 doz.)
Healthy, strong growing, very free flowering and
early. Flower of perfect shape, with large white perianth
and a well expanded golden-yellow trumpet. Beautifully
recurved and frilled at the brim. Where Horsfieldi does
1 3 8 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
not thrive this should be used in its place. Award of
Merit, R. B. S.
ORIANA. (C. 18 in. §fi$3 ea.) New; perianth white,
trumpet short and broad of soft canary-yellow.
OSIRIS. (D. $100 ea.) A large, late-flowering new
variety, with a bold, handsome, canary-yellow trumpet, well
expanded at the mouth and elegantly crinkled ; broad petals
of creamy-white.
PHARAOH. (D. $100 ea.) A new, very large-flowered
seedling, with creamy-white petals and a large, broadly-
expanded trumpet of canary-yellow. Award of Merit at
Birmingham.
PORTIA. (B. 12 in. fl * soc. doz.) Dwarf, early and very
free-blooming, closely allied to Michael Foster. Trumpet,
yellow; perianth, soft primrose. Good substance.
PRINCE COLOBRI. ($i ea.) A new seedling of very
dwarf habit. Trumpet, deep yellow ; perianth, white.
PRINCEPS. (A. 15 in. §fi*$2 hu.) A very good,
free, early-flowering variety; very popular for cut flowers,
forcing and naturalising on account of its low price;
flower of good size though lacking in form and substance.
Perianth, light sulphur ; trumpet, yellow.
PRINCEPS MAXIMUS. Syns: Giant Princeps, Don Quixote.
(A. 15 in. § ff *$2.so hu.) A selection from the preceding
and said to be a little bigger — but so little that were the
labels removed no one would notice the difference.
PROSERPINE. (B. 13 in. t$i'25 doz.) A very pretty
free-flowering native Spanish daffodil, resembling "cabe-
ciras," but larger and earlier, with gracefully twisted petals
of pure white, and a bold golden trumpet with an open
spreading mouth.
PSEUDO-NARCISSUS. (B. 9 in. t$i-5Q hu.) A species in-
digenous to several sections of Southwestern Europe and
England. In the latter country it has long been popu-
larly known as the "Garland Flower," and also as the
"English Lent Lily." Like most native daffodils it is es-
LARGE TRUMPET 139
pecially suited for naturalising. It varies considerably in
form and colouring, but the commonest form has a whitish
perianth and a long yellow trumpet. It is very early in
flowering and may be used for forcing, pot and garden
culture.
PYRAMUS. (D. $30 ea.) A new late-flowering bi-colour
of distinct and elegant form. Perianth, creamy, trumpet,
canary-yellow, long and slightly rolled back at the mouth.
Award of Merit, R. H. S.
QUEEN CHRISTIANA. (D. 14 in. $125 ea.) New late-
flowering, extra good variety of great substance, with
a large, elegantly formed, bold trumpet of soft lemon
colour, widely opened at the mouth and beautifully flanged.
Broad, pure white perianth. Award of Merit and special
medal for the best trumpet daffodil in the Show at Bir-
mingham.
QUEEN ISABELLA. (B. 12 in. § ft $2.50 ea.) A new seed-
ling with pointed white petals and an elegantly shaped and
frilled trumpet of cream and canary-yellow.
RHEA. (D. $3 ea.) New; good form and great sub-
stance. Perianth, white; trumpet, golden-yellow.
SCOTICUS. (A. f$a hu.) The Scotch garland flower. A
dwarf, extra early flowering native, thriving when
naturalised in grass or shaded localities, but often dis-
appointing in the cultivated garden, though it frequently
forces well. The flower is bold in outline, with whitish
perianth and rich yellow trumpet, serrated and flanged at
the brim.
SENTINEL. (§fi*$2.so doz.) A charmingly effective,
strong-growing bicolor for bedding, the flowers just top-
ping the foliage. Pure white petals, broad and spreading;
trumpet, clear yellow, short but well expanded and flanged
at the mouth.
SILVER SPUR. (A. $3 doz.) Newly introduced and
said to class among the bicolors as Golden Spur in the all-
140 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
yellows. As early as Golden Spur. Perianth, nearly
white; trumpet, long and yellow.
TUSCAN BICOLOR. (f § $1.50 doz.) An extra-early
type from Italy; does well in grass, and excellent for pots.
VICTORIA. (B. 18 in. §H$i doz.) A comparatively
new variety, bearing immense flowers of ideal form and
unsurpassed substance. When flowered under glass it is
even more beautiful than when grown in the open. It
forces easily and is earlier than any other high-class bi-
colour. As a pot plant it is most effective, the flowers being
carried erect on tall, stiff stems, gracefully topping the
foliage. The petals are of remarkable breadth, creamy
white out of doors, but snowy white under glass ; the bright
yellow trumpet is very large and broad, beautifully flanged
and frilled at the mouth. A variety of great merit, strong
and healthy in growth, a free bloomer, and especially noted
for its vanilla-like perfume. Award of Merit, R. H. S.;
certificate of merit, R. B. S.
WEARDALE PERFECTION. (D. 24 in. §fl$s ea.) A new
seedling, the largest and most beautiful bi-colour. Some
blooms of this daffodil have been exhibited measuring five
inches across. Well proportioned, large white petals and
an immense sulphur trumpet. First-class certificate, R. H.
S. ; Premier prize as the "Finest Daffodil" at Birmingham ;
Floral certificate at the Daffodil Conference, and numerous
other awards.
CHAPTER XI
THE LESSER TRUMPET, HOOP PETTICOAT
AND CYCLAMEN-FLOWERED DAFFODILS
The grouping together of the sections
Humei, Backhousei, Bulbocodium, with cycla-
mineus, Johnston! and triandrus is done for
convenience.
The varieties of the two first named sec-
tions often have a character in common in the
"clipped off" trumpet; but on the other hand
the true Backhousei type is almost insepar-
able from the large trumpets except that the
flower as a whole is smaller.
NARCISSUS HUMEI
"Hume's Dog-Eared Daffodils" are gar-
den hybrids, some people say, between N.
Pseudo-Narcissus and N. montanus, others
claim between N. incomparabilis and N.
Pseudo-Narcissus. But whatever the paren-
tage of the Humei type may be, the flowers, if
not very beautiful, have the merit of distinc-
141
1 42 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
tiveness of form, so precious to the collector of
varieties. The flowers are nodding and have
a straight crown or trumpet of "clipped off"
appearance and about one inch long — with
loosely-flopping petals about half as long
again as the crown — from which the
suggestive name of "dog-ear" originated. All
of the varieties of this type are admirably
adapted for beds, borders and naturalising.
HUMEI ALBIDUS. (fi*$i doz.) Small flowers with sul-
phur white perianth petals and a lemon-yellow crown.
HUMEI CONCOLOR. (C. 15 in. § ft $1.50 doz.) Perianth
and crown of uniform light yellow.
HUMEI MONSTROSUS. Syn: Hume's Giant. (B. 12 in.
§ H75C doz.) A larger flower with yellow petals changing
to sulphur colour which overhang the deeper yellow
straight trumpet.
THE LEEK. (D. 19 in. §ff*$i ea.) A new variety
with creamy-white pointed perianth petals overhanging
the straight rich yellow trumpet; foliage broad and droop-
ing.
NARCISSUS BACKHOUSEI
A small group with trumpet shaped crowns,
a connecting link between the large trumpet
daffodils and the medium-crown or cup types,
though they are usually classed in the latter
section. The whole flower is comparatively
small for a trumpet daffodil.
LESSER TRUMPET, ETC. 143
The original type was raised by Mr. W.
Backhouse in whose honour the group is
named. One parent was undoubtedly N.
Pseudo-Narcissus but it is disputed whether
the other was a Tazetta or incomparabilis
variety. Backhousei forms have been raised
by crossing Ajax bicolor with poeticus.
They are all suitable for pot culture, garden
beds, borders and naturalising.
BACKHOUSEI (the type). (C. 17 in. § ft $1.50 doz.) A
distinct hybrid, with a pure yellow, stout trumpet-shaped
crown, well expanded reflexed petals of a sulphur-yellow ;
a bold, handsome lasting flower.
WILLIAM WILKS. (C. 15 in. § fi soc. doz.) Quickly
described as an Ajax bicolor, with a shortened trumpet of
striking orange-yellow. The trumpet is well expanded,
has a beautifully frilled brim. The perianth petals are
broad, spread well and are cream-white in colour; excellent
cut flower; foliage, broad and massive.
WOLLEY DOD. (B. 1 8 in. $2.50 doz.) Large, spreading,
cream-yellow petals and a short, deep yellow crown; a
very distinct and excellent form.
THE HOOP PETTICOAT DAFFODILS
A small well characterised dwarf group
with rush-like leaves and flowers having a
very wide-mouthed trumpet, that in form re-
calls the old-fashioned crinoline; petals nar-
1 44 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
row and of comparative insignificance. They
are all varieties of the one species : N. Corbu-
laria or Bulbocodium, indigenous to the south
of France, Spain, Portugal, Algeria and Mo-
rocco. Suitable for rockwork and edgings,
or for grouping in the foreground of the her-
baceous border; but when forced in pots and
pans they are truly beautiful. Easily grown
from seed, which is freely produced, flower-
ing in about three years from sowing. Give
a gritty or sandy, well under-drained loam.
BULBOCODIUM CITRINUM OF CITRINUS. (C. 6 to 8 in. § fl.)
750 doz.) The large yellow "Hoop Petticoat"; rich golden-
yellow flowers.
BULBOCODIUM CITRINUM or CITRINUS. (C. 6 to 8 in. §fl.)
The large sulphur "Hoop Petticoat", pale lemon yellow
flowers.
BULBOCODIUM PRAECOX. (B. 6 in. §fl$x doz.) The
early yellow "Hoop Petticoat". In favored locations this
flowers out-of-doors in February.
BULBOCODIUM MONOPHYLLUM or MONOPHYLLA. Syn: Clusii.
(A. 6 in. §H$i doz.) The White Hoop Petticoat. Extra
early and especially adapted for winter flowering in pots,
it also flourishes in sunny nooks in rockwork or sandy
soil. The snowy white flowers are of exquisite beauty.
BULBOCODIUM MINIATURE. (B. 3 in. § If $2.50 doz.) A
very rare variety growing only 3 in. in height bearing
diminutive yellow flowers.
LESSER TRUMPET, ETC. 145
THE CYCLAMEN FLOWERED DAFFODILS
CYCLAMINEUS, JOHNSTONI AND TRIAN-
DRUS
These three family groups — N. Cyclami-
neus, N. Johnstoni and N. triandrus — are in-
cluded under the one heading because the
flowers of all are distinguished by reflexed
petals that liken them to the flowers of the
cyclamen. That the three groups are closely
related is indicated by the fact that N. cycla-
mineus is a sub-species of the Portugese form
of N. Pseudo-Narcissus, and the typical forms
of JV. Johnstoni are natural hybrids between
the latter and N. triandrus which is also a
wild Spanish and Portugese daffodil. The
proper classification of these varieties has
been and is still much discussed and the plac-
ing of them in one garden group seems to be
the logical situation. N. triandrus has rush-
like leaves.
CYCLAMINEUS. (A. 6 in. §tfl$i doz.) The yellow
cyclamen-flowered daffodil. This dwarf, dainty little
variety was lost to cultivation for nearly 300 years — but
was rediscovered in Portugal in 1887. It grows only 6 inches
high, bearing small drooping flowers of rich yellow and as
shiny as gold. The tubular trumpet, about one inch long,
is topped with turned-back petals in cyclamen-like form..
1 46 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
It is the earliest of all daffodils to bloom and is worthy
of a place in every collection for its peculiar and distinctly
characteristic flowers. It may be grown in pots, for edg-
ings to beds, or in well-drained pockets of rockwork. It is
especially valuable for naturalising in shaded places, but it
must have a moist, well-drained soil. First class certificate
R. H. S.
CYCLAMINEUS, var. MAJOR. (A. 6 in. §^[$1.25 doz.)
This is supposed to be a larger flowering form of the pre-
ceding— but I have found no difference between them.
JOHNSTONI. A wild type found in Portugal and Spain,
supposed to be a natural hybrid between some Ajax and
Triandrus (Angel's tears). But whatever its parentage,
Johnstoni is a very pretty though diminutive daffodil with
a funnel-shaped trumpet about one inch long and reflexed
(turned back) petals which place it among the cyclamen-
flowered class. In its wild form it varies somewhat in
shape and size and also colour, the latter ranging from
cream to lemon-yellow. I do not know that any stock of
bulbs as collected are offered for sale — but selections from
the wild are to be had under the names of "Queen of
Spain" and "Mrs. George Cammell." There are also
several artificial or garden hybrids including those enume-
rated below but none yet in commerce, viz:
Johnstoni Countess Visconti
" Countess Grey
" Count Viscounti
" Cyprian
" Dorothy Kingsmill
" Earle Gray
" Elenor Berkeley
JOHNSTONI, "QUEEN OF SPAIN." (B. 12 in. t§fi$i-25
doz.) A superior selection from the varied wild forms of
Johnstoni. A small but beautiful and distinct flower,
droopingly poised just above the blue-green foliage. Its
LESSER TRUMPET, ETC. 147
colour is soft-yellow throughout; the trumpet, short and
slightly expanded, is topped with perianth petals that turn
back like those of a cyclamen. It is attractive in garden
beds, and naturalised in shaded places under trees — its effect
when in masses is not surpassed by any daffodil in culti-
vation. It lasts long in bloom and is a good cut flower.
J. T. BENNETT POE. (15 in. $25 ea.) A beautiful
new hybrid of robust constitution: perianth petals of cream
colour; trumpet of canary-yellow — straight and elegantly
outlined.
TRIANDRUS. Syn: Ganymedes. These small rush leaved
daffodils, popularly known as "Angel's tears," are found
wild in the mountains of Portugal and Spain, where they
grow usually in the fissures of rocks. The flowers are
small, with bell-shaped crowns and reflexed petals, remind-
ing one of cyclamen flowers. For pot culture, several bulbs
to a pot, they are well adapted, also for rock work and
naturalising, always thriving in shaded locations and in
gritty, well drained soil. The varieties are:
TRIANDRUS ALDUS. (C. 7 in. §fl 75C. doz.) The white
cyclamen-flowered daffodil: creamy white.
TRIANDRUS CALATHINUS. (C. 7 in. §fl$i ea.) Flow-
ers larger and distinct from Albus, and snowy white.
TRIANDRUS CONCOLOR. (C. 7 in. § fl 500 ea.) Soft yellow
throughout, beautiful.
TRIANDRUS PULCHELLUS. (D. 9 in. §ff$a ea.) Coro-
na white; petals, primrose; rare and exquisite, slightly
later, taller and larger than the others.
CHAPTER XII
THE MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS
THIS is a most important group, adapted
to the broadest ranges of cultivation and em-
bracing some of the best varieties for cutting
and for naturalising.
NARCISSUS INCOMPARABILIS
THIS is one of the most important sections
of the medium-crown group. The type,
wild over a large area throughout South-
western Europe, was long considered a
species, but comparatively recent proofs in-
cluding artificial crosses between N. Pseudo-
Narcissus and N. poeticus which reproduced
the identical plant and flower, have caused N.
incomparabilis to be generally recognised as
a natural hybrid. There are now many varie-
ties— mostly garden crosses. The distinguish-
ing characteristic is a cup-shaped crown, one-
third to three-quarters the length of the
petals.
148
MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS 149
Practically all the varieties may be de-
pended upon for any purpose; they make
charming pot plants and are graceful and un-
excelled as cut flowers, showy for beds and
borders and most effective for naturalising.
The richness of colouring in the cup varies ac-
cording to season and conditions of soil and
exposure.
AMSTERDAM. ($1.50 hu.) Narrow, white petals; cup,
large, of an orange cast, stained reddish.
ARTEMIS. (D. §H$i doz.) A strong, tall grower,
with handsome flowers, broad perianth petals of white;
expanded yellow cup.
AURANTIUS. Syn: Incomparabilis simplex. (*$i doz.)
One of the type selections from the native N. incomparabilis
An early free-flowering variety with sulphur-yellow petals
and a yellow and orange crown. Splendid for naturalising
and good for cutting. The double-flowering form of this
(aurantius plenus) is well known under the catalogue name
of Golden Phoenix, and the popular name of "Butter and
Eggs."
AUTOCRAT. (C. 20 in. * fl soc. doz.) A rich self yellow
with wide petals and a broadly expanded cup, tinged scarlet
at the mouth.
BEAUTY. (D. 23 in. §fl*75C doz.) One of the best
varieties in the group. A strong grower and free bloomer,
producing bold, handsome flowers on long stems. Perianth
light yellow, with darker yellow bars shading each petal ;
cup, very large, well expanded, deep, rich yellow, stained
reddish orange. Unsurpassed as an exhibition variety, and
should be largely grown as a cut flower. It is also most
1 50 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
effective in garden and when naturalised. Award of merit,
R. H. S. Certificate of merit, R. B. S.
BERTIE. (C. 15 in. fl*$i doz.) A bold, showy flower
with broad, creamy-white perianth petals, and a deep yel-
low cup bordered orange. A good cut flower, and fairly
early.
BLACKWELL. (A. fl*$x ea.) A new variety and the
earliest of all narcissus, excepting the small N. minor and
N. minimus. It commences to flower by the middle of
March and holds its beauty for a month. The flower is
bold and handsome. Perianth petals, cream-yellow; cup
straight, deeply fluted, rich yellow, stained orange scarlet.
CANARY QUEEN. (D. 21 in. $i ea.) White petals;
crown, canary-yellow, edged with apricot.
CARDINAL. (B. 18 in. $i ea.) A new seedling of
robust growth. Petals, white; crown, large and coloured
vivid orange clear to the base.
C. J. BACKHOUSE. (C. 20 in. fit $1.50 doz.) Though
named in honour of the daffodil enthusiast, this should not be
confounded with the "Backhousei" section, for this variety
is a typical incomparabilis and one of the best of the class.
The flower is most attractive and distinctively coloured:
crown, much elongated, rich orange-yellow, tinged reddish ;
petals, yellow, medium size. It prefers cool soil in a half-
shaded situation. First class certificate, R. H. S.
COMMANDER. (D. 18 in. §U*$2 doz.) Very large and
beautiful flower, not unlike Sir Watkin. Petals, pale sul-
phur-yellow; cup, large and broad, rich yellow stained
orange red. Strong growing, late flowering. Floral cer-
tificate, Daffodil Conference.
CONSTELLATION. (C. 20 in. §ff*$5 doz.) Large and
beautiful flower, with broad white petals, and a bright
yellow cup, tinged orange at the mouth and prettily crimped
at the brim ; a tall, strong grower.
CYNOSURE. (C. 18 in. fi*$i.5o hu.) Very satisfactory,
free-flowering, low-priced variety; extensively grown for
MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS 15!
market flowers and most popular for naturalising in grass.
The flower, of fair substance, is of first-class size and form.
Creamy-white perianth and yellow cup, suffused orange.
Splendid for cutting in quantity.
DANDY DICK. (B. § ff*$4 ea.) New. A showy, bold
flower of good substance. Petals, shortened, broad, cream-
yellow ; crown, well expanded, prettily crimped at the brim,
bright yellow, with a deep showy orange-red margin.
DOCTOR GORMAN. ($1.50 doz.) Well expanded, pure
white petals, and a rich primrose, beautifully crimped
crown.
FEARLESS. ($50 ea.) A new, giant incomparabilis,
with broad, smooth petals of white, and a bold, rich yellow
crown, prettily fringed at the brim. Award of Merit,
Birmingham.
FIGARO. ($1.50 hu.) An old but still popular variety,
producing large flowers with spreading light yellow petals
and a much expanded cup, yellow, shaded orange.
FRANK MILES. (C. 22 in. § fl* soc. doz.) Distinct, with
large flowers. Petals, soft yellow, gracefully twisted. The
cup, clear yellow. A charming flower for cutting, and ex-
ceedingly effective when grown in masses.
GAIETY. (E. 16 in. $2.50 ea.) A new variety with long
tapering perianth petals of soft canary-yellow; crown,
straight, fluted, brilliant orange.
GEORGE NICHOLSON. (D. 17 in., $1.50 doz.) Vigorous,
large, late flowering. Perianth, pure white; cup, clear
yellow. A flower of good form and unusually lasting sub-
stance.
GIPSY LAD. (§11* $2 ea.) A desirable new variety,
producing bold, showy flowers with broad, well formed
petals and a large, pure yellow crown, heavily margined
with fiery orange-red.
GLORIA MUNDI. (D. 18 in. §fl$i ea.) New. Really
glorious flowers. Petals, bold, rich, bright yellow; crown,
very large, well expanded, rich deep orange, suffqsed red.
1 5 2 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
Without doubt the best of the yellow incomparabilis type,
whether for exhibition, for the garden or for cutting. A
strong, vigorous grower, but late in flowering. First-class
certificate, R. H. S. and Midland Daffodil Society.
GOLIATH. (D. 18 in. *ff$i doz.) A handsome, large,
late-flowering variety, with broad, white petals and large
yellow cup.
GWYTHER. (C. 17 in. fl*$2.so hu.) Beautiful and
showy for borders and for cutting. Large, broad yellow
petals, with a large yellow cup, suffused orange.
HOGARTH. (C. 20 in. $1.50 doz.) A quaint flower, with
a very large yellow cup, much expanded and gathered;
petals, yellow and gracefully twisted.
JAMES BATEMAN. (D. 22 in. fl*75c doz.) Late,
a graceful flower of good substance and best form. Petals
broad, pure white; cup clear yellow.
KING OF THE NETHERLANDS. (C. 20 in. fl*75C doz.)
Distinct and extra good. Petals sulphur coloured; cup
large; spreading, yellow stained orange.
LADY ARNOTT. ($6 ea.) A beautiful flower similar to
but larger than C. J. Backhouse; perianth yellow, cup
yellow, tinged red.
LADY MARGARET BOSCAWEN. ($20 ea.) A new giant
flowered seedling that might be called a "bi-colour Sir
Watkin," the flower being of large size with broad, snowy
white petals and a large, expanded crown of golden yellow.
First-class certificate, R. H. S.
LOBSTER. (B. 18 in. $i ea.) A new and showy early
flowering kind with deep yellow petals and an orange
cup, stained red.
LOUISE. (D. 15 in. §U$i ea.) A handsome late flower
of great substance ; round, broad petals and a bold canary-
yellow cup, tinged orange-red. The cup is prettily crimped
at the brim.
LUCIFER. (B. 18 in. ft $2 ea.) A splendid new Irish
seedling. Early, free flowering and a strong grower.
MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS 153
Large handsome white petals; cup intense orange-red,
very striking. First-class certificate, R. H. S. and Midland
Daffodil Society.
LULWORTH. Syn: Lulworth Beauty,. (14 in. 500 ea.)
A real gem when perfect, but some seasons the cup has
an inclination to split. Perianth pure white, cup orange-
red, sometimes almost scarlet. First-class certificate, R. H.
S.
LYDIA. ($2 doz.) New. Elegant flowers borne two to
four on a stem, the white petals gracefully curved: cup
cream, shaded orange-red.
MABLE COWAN. (D. 20 in. ft* $1.50 doz.) A profuse
blooming late sort — a beautiful flower of lasting substance.
Splendid for cutting. Perianth white; cup broadly mar-
gined orange-scarlet. Floral certificate, Daffodil Confer-
ence.
MAGOG. (C. ff*75C doz.) Well known among those
who grow flowers for market. The discriminating col-
lector however chooses Sir Watkin instead. The flower
of Magog is of good size and form with cream-yellow
perianth and sulphur yellow cup. It does well naturali-
sed in grass.
MARY ANDERSON. The single form of Orange Phoenix,
popularly known as Eggs and Bacon. Flower of medium
size, perianth pure white, cup deep orange suffused reddish.
MARS. (B. 18 in. §H$s ea.) A new variety of strong,
tall growth and free-flowering qualities. Broad, white
petals and large, open, orange-red crown.
PERFECTUS. (D. 21 in. § ff soc ea.) A late flower of
charming symmetry and great substance having well-
formed stiff white petals, and an expanded cup of canary-
yellow, slightly suffused orange.
PRINCE OF TECK. (D. 18 in. § fl$i doz.) A late flower
with broad, well-formed, imbricated creamy-white petals
and a large, expanded yellow cup.
1 54 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
PRINCESS MARY. Syn: Princess Mary of Cambridge.
(C. 1 6 in. § fl $i doz.) A well-known mid-season variety
of high merit, producing flowers of perfect form. Petals
creamy-white, broad and spreading; cup yellow suffused
reddish-orange, large and expanding. Distinct and beauti-
ful. First-class certificate, R. H. S.
QUEEN BESS. (A. 15 in. § ft* 750 doz.) The earliest
to bloom among the incomparabilis. Very popular for
early forcing; large, broad, white petals; cup lemon-
yellow, much expanded.
QUEEN CATHERINA. (B. 18 in. § ff *$2.so doz.) A new,
early and meritorious variety, a strong grower and free
bloomer, often producing two flowers on a stem. Reflexed
petals creamy-yellow, and large bright yellow open cup,
suffused orange. The cup is prettily crinkled at the mouth.
Strong foliage, deep blue-green. A valuable bedder.
QUEEN SOPHIA. (C. 18 in. $5 doz.) An old reliable
variety thriving best in stiff loamy soil. Petals sulphury
white; cup yellow, expanded, frilled at the brim and
stained orange-red. First-class certificate, R. H. S.
RED STAR. (E. 14 in. $5 doz.) New. Extra late in
flowering and valuable for succession. Like most late
flowers it surpasses the average in size and substance.
Petals creamy white, elegantly arched; long straight cup,
yellow stained brilliant red. Free flowering and very
showy.
SEMI-PARTITUS. (D. 17 in. $2 doz.) An old, distinct
and interesting variety with a pale primrose perianth
and deeply lobed (imbricated) light yellow cup.
SIR WATKIN. (B. 21 in. §fi*soc doz.) This Welsh
giant is one of the best, largest and freest bloomers of the
incomparabilis section; it is also very early. When well
grown the flowers measure five inches across; the wide-
spreading petals are pale yellow; the cup bright yellow,
and frequently tinged orange near the mouth; a healthy
strong grower with long stemmed flowers of good sub-
MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS 155
stance. The connoisseur may claim the flower is a little
gross and coarse — but for large flowers and plenty of them
it is valuable for cutting, lasting well in water. It
forces easily, does well in pots, is very showy when massed
in garden beds and borders, and for naturalising in grass
it has few equals. It makes large bulbs which multiply
rapidly from offsets.
STEADFAST. ($5 ea.) A new giant of excellent substance
and handsome form. Petals white, crown cylindiical, and
of rich yellow.
STELLA. (C. §fi*$2 hu.) A well-known variety,
popular for forcing, open ground planting and natural-
ising on account of its low price, being grown by thousands
for cutting purposes. It is a reliable bloomer, fairly early.
Charming medium-sized flower, with pure white petals and
lemon-yellow crown.
STELLA SUPERBA. (C. 20 in. §fi*75C doz.) A new
and splendid introduction, great improvement over Stella,
the flowers being as large again and of great substance,
borne on long stout stems, splendid as cut flowers. Large
spreading clear white petals; cup large, well expanded,
bright yellow. A free bloomer, strong grower, effective
bedder, and also does well naturalised.
STARLIGHT. ($1.25 ea.) One of the most brilliant of
this section, the bright orange crown contrasting well
against the white perianth. Very free-blooming, averaging
three to five flowers on each stem.
SWEETHEART. (C. 15 in. $1.50 ea.) This new variety
was originally introduced in 1901 as Phyllis, but that
name having been given to both Leedsii and Tazetta
varieties the "incomparabilis Phyllis" was withdrawn. It
produces large and beautiful flowers with white petals and
a straight canary-yellow crown beautifully fluted and
flanged at the brim.
THE RIVAL. (C. 18 in. $3 ea.) New seedling. Sym-
metrical round form; petals broad and over-lapping, pale
156 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
canary-yellow. Crown fluted at the brim and edged
orange-red.
TITIAN. (B. 18 in. §ff*$2 hu.) Early, large and well
formed, with yellow petals and a yellow cup stained
orange-red.
TORCH. (U*$3 ea.) New and very showy. Large
yellow petals, gracefully twisted: very large crown, yellow
suffused fiery orange-red. Award of Merit, R. H. S.
TRIUMPH. ($5 ea.) Flowers almost as Jarg^ as those
of Sir Watkin but later and of more perfect form and
greater substance. Pure white petals; very large deep
yellow crown.
VESUVIUS. (15 in. fl*$2 doz.) A good grower and
free bloomer; sulphury-white petals; cup, glowing orange,
tinged reddish.
WHITE WINGS. (§ fl $1.50 ea.) Broad round pure white
petals; crown, clear yellow. Award of Merit, R. H. S.
WILL SCARLETT. (fl*$20 ea.) A new and strikingly
attractive flower. The fiery orange-red colouring of the
wide-mouthed crinkled cup is remarkable, perianth rather
weak, creamy white. First-class certificate, R. H. S.
NARCISSUS NELSONI
Garden hybrids, the parentage of which
seems to be Ajax bicolor and N. poeticus.
They are aptly described as "shortened trum-
pet bi-colours," having white petals and gob-
let-shaped crowns more than half the length
of the petals.
Late flowering and therefore highly prized
for succession. Suitable for beds and bor-
PLATE XVII
ALL-WHITE TRUMPET DAFFODIL
Madame De Graaff, one of the most important of the white trumpet varieties.
Remarkably sturdy, growing sixteen inches high. On first opening, the trumpet
is faintly tinged with a shade of primrose
or -HE
UNIVERSITY
OF
PLATE XVIII
MEDIUM-CROWN, OR CUP DAFFODIL N. INCOMPARABILIS
Sir Watkin, a most popular large-flowered variety of the medium-crown group for
bedding, for cut flowers and for forcing. Early, very sturdy and taller than the
average. Perianth rich yellow, cup rich sulphur tinged orange.
MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS 157
ders, for naturalising and for pot culture, 3
to 5 bulbs in a five-inch pot. As cut flowers
they are especially valuable, lasting a long
time in water.
AURANTIUS. Syn: Nelson's Orange. (D. 12 in. 500 ea.)
A distinct flower, one of the best shapes in the section; the
pure white perianth is broad and flat: the long crown
bright yellow suffused with orange-red is well expanded
and fluted. First-class certificate, R. H. S.
NELSONI MAJOR. (D. 16 in. § If * sex: doz.) Late
flowering variety with a rather long cylindrical golden-
fellow crown, suffused with orange on first opening. Petals
pure white.
NELSONI MINOR. (D. 12 in. f$idoz.) The small
form of Nelsoni Major. Dwarf small, snow-white peri-
anth; crown deep yellow, the pistil projecting beyond the
brim; excellent for naturalising.
MRS. C. J. BACKHOUSE. (D. 12 in. §ft*75c doz.)
Superb. Massive broad white petals and a clear yellow
well-expanded crown. First-class certificate, R. H. S.
MRS. KNIGHTS. (E. fl*$a ea.) New seedling, very
late. Broad white petals and a broad bright yellow crown.
PULCHELLUS. (D. 15 in. ,fl * $1.50 doz.) A beautiful
drooping flower with imbricated campanulate perianth
of pure white and a light yellow crown.
RESOLUTE. (D. 13 in. §Hysc ea.) New. A bold,
pendulous flower. Perianth broad and of creamy-yel-
low, long straight crown of clear yellow. A strong grower
and free bloomer.
STRONG Bow. (D. n in. §^$2.50 ea.) A new and
sturdy variety with broad thick foliage. The flower of
great substance has broad snowy-white petals, and a
large well-expanded rich-yellow crown. Award of merit,
Birmingham; award of merit, R. H. S.
158 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
WILLIAM BACKHOUSE. (D. 15 in. §^$2.50 hu.) A
good late flower. Petals white and broad: cup clear yel-
low. First-class certificate.
NARCISSUS LEEDSII
Popularly known as the "white star nar-
cissus," "eucharis-flowered narcissus," and
"silver-winged narcissus." The predominating
characteristics are white, spreading, star-like
perianth, and white or pale sulphur yellow
cups. As now understood this section com-
prises not only the typical Leedsii hybrids
but the white and sulphur cupped incompar-
abilis and Barrii forms, having white petals.
Leedsii varieties are produced from cross-
ing white Ajax varieties with N. poeticus.
From the first mentioned parent they inherit
the graceful pendant carriage of the flower,
and from the latter their constitution and ro-
bustness. They embrace some of the most
generally useful varieties.
The sweetly perfumed flowers are highly
decorative in vases and bouquets. Grown in
pots (3 to 5 in a five-inch pot) the Leedsii
varieties flower well, and in beds and borders
they are most charming; excellent also when
naturalised in quantity.
MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS 159
AGNES HARVEY. (D. 13 in. §fi$8 ea.) A beautiful
new late-flowering seedling having some N. triandrus blood
in it, which probably accounts for the flowers sometimes
coming three on a stem. Petals pure white and of ex-
quisite form; cup widely open at the mouth, pure white
though sometimes flushed with rosy apricot. Award of
merit, R. H. S.
AMABILIS. (B. 13 in. *fl$2 hu.) Early and very free
flowering, large pure white spreading petals and a long
lemon-coloured crown toning off to silvery white.
AMAZON. (§^[$2.50 ea.) A remarkably beautiful
flower of splendid substance and form. Petals pure white,
crown lemon-yellow. Robust in growth and free flowering,
often producing two flowers on a stem.
ARIADNE. (C. 15 in. § ^[$2.50 ea.) New and of striking
beauty. Cup ivory white, very large, saucer shaped,
spreading wide at the mouth and prettily frilled. Perianth
white. Awards of merit, Birmingham, Truro, Plymouth
and R. H. S.
BEATRICE. (C. 16 in. §fl*$i.5O doz.) One of the
handsomest and most distinctive flowers in the section.
Snowy white perianth of graceful campanulate form; cup
globular flesh colour tinted white.
BIANCA. ($50 ea.) A new seedling of beautiful form.
Perianth broad and of pure white, the goblet-like, prettily
fluted crown is bright canary-yellow with a green eye.
BRIDAL VEIL. (C. §ff*$2 ea.) New. Gracefully twist-
ing snowy white petals. Long globular creamy white cup.
A beautiful drooping flower.
BRIDESMAID. (C. 20 in. §fi*$3 doz.) A large and
beautiful flower with a fairly broad campanulate pure
white perianth, and a large globular cream white cup
well-expanded at the brim.
CONSTANCE PIERPONT. (B. 22 in. §fl$2.5o doz.) Very
early. Strong growth. Perianth pure white; cup pale yel-
low well-expanded at the brim.
1 60 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
DELOS. (B. 24 in. §^$2.50 doz.) An early, tall, and
vigorous grower: gracefully twisted pure white petals;
cup citron-yellow at the base. It flowers in perfection for
several weeks.
DIANA. (17 in. $15 ea.) A new giant flowered form
with broad, white, slightly reflexed petals and a large
expanded crown of soft canary-yellow. Award of merit,
R. H. S.
DUCHESS OF BRABANT. Syn: Circe. (C. fl *$i.5o hu.)
A popular free-flowering dwarf variety often grown in
quantity both for cutting and naturalising. In grass it
thrives as well as N. poeticus, charming medium-sized
flowers sometimes borne two or three on a stem. Petals
white, small canary cup.
DUCHESS OF WESTMINSTER. (D. §ff* $1.50 doz.) This
Queen of the Leedsiis is a comparatively new variety,
producing immense handsomely formed flowers on strong
stems. The petals of pure white are very large, spread-
ing and taper prettily to a point; the long cup on opening
is canary tinged with orange, but this colouring soon passes
off to almost white. Excellent for pots, flower beds, bor-
ders, cutting or naturalising. Late flowering. First-class
certificate, R. H. S.
ELAINE. (17 in. $3 ea.) New and very beautiful, with
a broad silvery white perianth and a globular fluted crown
of white, shaded towards the base with citron-yellow.
First class certificate R. H. S.
ENID. (§fl*$io ea.) New, in the way of Mrs. Lang-
try but a decided improvement. Large snowy white peri-
anth and long straight sulphury-white crinkled crown.
Tall.
EOSTER. ($15 ea.) A new seedling, producing large
flowers of perfect form. Perianth white of much substance.
Crown globular shaded lemon yellow. Award of merit,
R. H. S.
FAIRY QUEEN. (16 in. § ft $2.50 doz.) A remarkably
PLATE XIX
NARCISSUS BARRII CONSPICUUS
One of the most beautiful and generally useful varieties of the medium-crown,
or cup daffodils. Equally suitable for cut flowers or for growing in the garden border
and when cut lasts longer in water than most other varieties. Late. Yellow peri-
anth; cup yellow, conspicuously edged with orange-scarlet
PLATE XX
THE HOOP-PETTICOAT DAFFODILS
The flowers are practically all trumpet and no petals. Best suited for rockeries
or for growing in pans in the cool greenhouse. The leaves are rush-like and the
flowers range from yellow to sulphur white (N. Bulbocodium)
MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS l6l
free-flowering strong-growing new variety with a pure
white perianth and a straight, broadly expanded and
fluted creamy white cup.
GEM. (C. §fi$2 doz.) One of the best of the section.
Petals broad and white as snow, the cup also is pure white.
GRAND DUCHESS. (B. § ff * 6oc doz.) A new early with
white spreading petals and broad white cup at first stained
rosy orange: A prize cut flower.
HEROINE. ($125 ea.) A new giant in this section
with large broadly spreading pure white petals and a
large, broadly expanded and crinkled crown of citron-
yellow distinctly edged with apricot-orange.
HON. MRS. BARTON. (15 in. §$2 doz.) Very distinct
and handsome. Rather delicate on some soils — but a prize
where it succeeds. Perianth large and broad, purest white;
cup expanded, and passes from cream to white.
JANET IMAGE. (A. 16 in. §fl*$4o ea.) A new giant
remarkably early. Perianth white, la*"ge straight crown
of lemon-yellow. Award of merit, R. H. S., also at Truro
and Birmingham.
KATHERINE SPURRELL. (D. §fl*$2 doz.) One of the
most beautiful, especially as a cut flower. Flower large,
well formed, with broad overlapping petals pure white,
and a light lemon-yellow cup.
LEEDSII. (B. 15 in. fi*$i.5o hu.) The type; raised by
a Dr. Leeds, in honour of whom the whole section is named.
This variety though superseded by better sorts, is still
popular with many on account of its earliness and free-
flowering qualities. Silvery white star-like flowers. Very
fragrant.
LADY MCCALMONT. (26 in. §ff$4 ea.) A tall vigor-
ous-growing Irish variety with large flowers four inches
across of very lasting quality. Petals twisted and fluted,
pure white; the broad crimped cup is white, rimmed with
pale citron. Remains in flower for six weeks. Immense
bulbs.
I 62 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
LADY GREGORY. Another vigorous Irish variety with
massive leek-like foliage. The flowers, of lasting substance,
have pure white petals and pale yellow cup, well expanded
and mitred at the brim.
LORD PALMERSTON. Syn: Palmerston. (D §ff* 500
doz.) A charming late-flowering variety, with broad
spreading white petals and an elegant canary coloured cup.
Delightfully fragrant
LUCIA. (16 in. $10 ea.) Resembling Katherine Spur-
rel but said to be much better, which is high praise in-
deed. The petals of Lucia measure four inches from tip to
tip and are of pure white; Crown straight, prettily fluted
and of citron-yellow. New.
MADGE MATTHEW. (B. 18 in. § ft* $1.50 doz.) A very
distinct early flowering variety with deep blue-green
foliage: large snow white perianth and white cup. Very
effective when grown in masses in the garden or natural-
ised.
MAGGIE MAY. Syn: Edmond's White. (D. 22 in. § %
$15 ea.) New, late flowering and one of the best in the
section, producing flowers of great size. White perianth,
and a very large pale citron coloured cup, beautifully frilled
at the mouth. Strong grower. First-class certificate, R. H.
S. First-class certificate at Birmingham.
MARY MAGDALINE DE GRAAFF. (D. §fi*$i doz.)
Often catalogued as Mary M. or M. Magdaline or M. M.
De Graaff. A distinct late-flowering, free-blooming
Leedsii with broad white imbricated petals and a broadly
expanded cup of cream yellow, often suffused with orange
cr terra-cotta colour. Usually bears two flowers to a stem*
Very effective and highly scented.
MINNIE HUME Syn: Queen of Holland. (C. § fi * 300
doz.) Distinct and beautiful. Large and broad pure
white petals and a widely expanded pale lemon cup, rim-
med at first with a deeper shade, but eventually passing
to pure white. First-class certificate, R. H. S.
MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS 163
Miss WEISSE. (B. 20 in. $4 doz.) One of the earliest
of the section. Vigorous grower, with rather pendulous
flowers, sweetly perfumed. Petals pure white and much
channelled; cup pale citron.
MOUNTAIN MAID. (C. 15 in. §fl*$i ea.) Although
recent it is already a great favourite; a flower of graceful
drooping habit with broad snowy white petals and a pure
white cup.
MRS. LANGTRY. (D. §ff*$2.so hu.) One of the best.
Remarkably free, late-flowering variety generally bearing
several flowers to a stem and two or more flower stems to
a bulb. The pure white petals are very wide, and the
large wide-mouthed cup opens canary-yellow but soon
changes to white. Sometimes, but not always, edged
distinctly with bright yellow. This lovely narcissus
should be grown in quantity for its effect in the garden
border and also where cut flowers are desired. First-
class certificate, R. H. S.
NIOBE. (20 in. fl *$i.5O ea.) A distinct drooping flower
strongly perfumed. Petals of pure white tapering to a
point and gracefully twisted, and much grooved: cup pale
citron and beautifully mitred at the brim.
PEACH. (C. 13 in. §ff*$i ea.) This with Salmonetta
at present comprise the apricot crowned Leedsiis. A new
break in colouring. Peach produces flowers of remarkably
good quality and beauty. Perianth pure white and slightly
shouldered. Crown apricot-orange long, straight, prettily
fluted.
PHYLLIS. ($1.50 ea.) Large pure white petals; straight
fluted crown of canary-yellow, shaded amber.
PRINCESS MAUDE. (B. § ft* $1.50 ea.) Has a short,
broad, rather campanulate white perianth with a large
globular cream-coloured crown. New.
PRINCESS OF WALES. (D. §ff* $i doz.) A small star-
like silvery white perianth but a very large cup, spreading
and elegantly frilled: A late-flowering gem.
164 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
SALMONETTA. (D. 14 in. §ff*$3 ea.) A remarkably
distinct and beautiful break in the Leedsii family. This,
with "Peach" form a new branch known as the "Apricot-
Crowned Leedsiis." Salmonetta has almond shaped clear
white petals and a well opened prettily fluted cup
of orange passing off into peach; a distinct and remark-
able colouration. Award of Merit, Birmingham.
SUPERBUS. (750 doz.) White petals drooping over
the long creamy yellow crown.
SYLVIA. (D. 18 in. $2.50 ea.) A dainty pendant flower
with gracefully twisted pure white petals and a small
cup of white flushed with peach.
THE SISTERHOOD. (D. 20 in. §fl*$2.5o ea.) New;
vigorous and floriferous, often bearing two and three
flowers on a stem. A distinct and attractive flower with
white petals and fluted cup of pale buff, changing to white.
UNA. (D. 18 in. § ft* $2.50 ea.) A new and exquisite
flower of great size; large cream-white petals and long
straight crown of bright citron. A vigorous grower and
free late bloomer.
UNDINE. ($25 ea.) A remarkably new seedling, with
a snowy white bell-like perianth and a straight deeply
fluted crown of creamy-white.
WHITE LADY. (§ ^[* $1.50 ea.) Perfect form; broad
white petals and a crinkled pale canary cup. Award of
merit, R. H. S.
WHITE QUEEN. (§^$25 ea.) Practically a white Sir
Watkin. A strong sturdy grower: large broad pure white
petals and a large bold straight cup of pale citron pas-
sing to white. The brim of the cup is prettily frilled.
First-class certificate, R. H. S.
NARCISSUS MONTANUS
Narcissus montanus, (C. H * $2.50 doz,)
also known as poculiformis and popularly as
MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS 165
the "drooping silver star" narcissus, known to
cultivators for more than 200 years, is a wild
hybrid, said to be a native of damp Pyrenean
valleys, and forms another monotypic section.
Its parentage is supposed to be TV. moschatus
crossed either with N. poeticus or N. dubius
(a Tazetta variety). The drooping "swan's
neck" character of moschatus distinguishes
it from the Leedsii. The flower has a star-
shaped perianth of pure white and a white
cup. The flowers, while not large, about two
and one-half inches from tip to tip of perianth
petals, are of distinctive form when well
grown and very interesting. They are fre-
quently borne two to a stem. Rather difficult
to grow.
NARCISSUS MACLEAII
A distinct type also known as Diomedes
minor and Panza bicolor. (D. 4 in. § If $1.50
doz.) A very pretty and distinct dwarf-
growing, small-flowering type aptly described
as a "baby bi-colour." It is an old-time hy-
brid of unknown origin, received from France
in 1819. The flower is composed of milk-
white imbricated petals about three-fourths
of an inch long, and a bright golden yellow
1 66 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
goblet-shaped crown half an inch long.
Though small in all its parts it is a healthy,
vigorous plant, flowering freely, and equally
valuable whether grown in pots, beds, or
naturalised.
NARCISSUS BARRII
A connecting link between the longer
incomparabilis group and the smaller crowned
poeticus and Burbidgei types. They are gar-
den hybrids of various forms but all have a
yellow and usually orange or reddish rimmed,
wide-mouthed crown, the depth of which is
one-fourth to one-third the length of the
spreading star-like petals.
Barrii forms are produced by crossing N.
poeticus with an Ajax variety, though a N.
poeticus and a N. incomparabilis cross will
produce flowers of both Barrii and Burbidgei
forms.
The flowers of the Barriis while usually
smaller than those of incomparabilis varieties
are of refined and beautiful form and are usu-
ally carried "nose-up."
Well suited for pot culture — three to five
bulbs in a pot — while for beds, borders, natur-
MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS 167
alising, and as cut flowers, they are highly
prized.
ALBATROSS. (D. 18 in. §fl$2 ea.) A late large, spread-
ing eucharis-like flower with white petals and a prettily
frilled pale citron yellow cup conspicuously edged with
orange-red. First-class certificate, R. H. S.
BULLFINCH. (D. $1.50 ea.) New. Broad, creamy
white petals and a pretty crenulate-formed yellow cup
deeply rimmed reddish orange.
CECILY HILL. (D. 19 in. 750 ea.) Late flowering, and very
beautiful. Stiff white perianth, flushed cream-yellow at the
base; cup yellow, shaded orange and edged cinnabar-red.
CONSPICUUS. (D. 20 in. § fl * 5oc doz.) This "queen
of the chalice cups" is a general favorite and one of the
best of the section. A strong robust grower and very free,
late bloomer. The flowers are large, of refined and beauti-
ful form and splendid substance, lasting in water longer
than almost any other narcissus. Broad soft yellow petals;
short wide-mouthed cup of yellow with a distinct rim of
orange-scarlet First-class certificate, R. H. S.
CROWN PRINCE. (C. 20 in. §ff*$2 doz.) Sturdy
grower, with a large handsome flower. Petals white, large
yellow cup, heavily stained orange-red.
CUPID. (E. 18 in. $2.50 doz.) Very late — the last of
the Barriis to flower and valuable for succession. Perianth
white; cup yellow, flushed apricot. Very sweetly scented.
DOROTHY E. WEMYSS. (E. 22 in. §ff$5 doz.) By some
considered the best of the Barrii section. A strong-growing
late-blooming variety. Petals pure white, long and wide;
Cup canary-yellow, conspicuously edged with orange-red.
Award of merit, R. H. S., and Floral certificate, Daf-
fodil Conference.
DR. FELL. (A. §^[$1.50 doz.) Extra early flowering
and better adapted for pot culture and forcing than for
open-air culture in cold climates as the buds often get
1 68 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
frosted and fail to expand perfectly, though in mild
climates it does well. Petals sulphur white, cup soft
yellow with a pronounced reddish tinge.
FLORA WILSON. (D. 20 in. § fl * $i doz.) A very tel-
ling flower. Perianth pure white. Cup canary deeply
rimmed orange-red.
GENERAL MURRAY, (f $1.50 hu.) Perianth creamy-
white; cup canary, shaded orange. Very free flowering
and useful for masses and naturalising in grass.
GLITTER. (D. $i ea.) A beautiful new seedling; flower
of fine substance, rich yellow petals broad and well rounded.
Crown deeply edged with orange-red.
GOLDEN GEM. (E. 15 in. fl$4 hu.) Very late, free
blooming, prized for succession. Small but showy flowers
with rich yellow petals and yellow cup edged orange.
GOLDEN MARY. (D. ^[$2.50 hu.) Dwarf and late.
Primrose-yellow perianth with golden cup.
LADY GODIVA. Syn: Barbara Holmes. (D. 20 in. §fl*$2
doz.) Sport from Barii conspicuus and having white
petals instead of yellow. Award of merit, R. H. S.
MAURICE VILMORIN. (C. 13 in. §fl* $1.50 doz.)
Beautiful flowers with broad creamy white petals and a
rather long lemon-yellow cup stained orange-red at the
brim.
MIRIAM BARTON. (C. 15 in. fl*3oc doz.) Popular for
cutting purposes, beautiful flowers of a distinct delicate
shade of soft primrose-yellow throughout.
MRS. C. BOWLEY. (D. 20 in. § If* $1.25 doz.) A very
good flower, white petals and striking orange-red cup.
Floral certificate, Daffodil Conference.
MRS. R. C. NOTCUTT. (D. 15 in. §fl*$6 ea.) New
and extra good. Long, broad, snow-white petals; cup
buff and orange, prettily crinkled.
OCCIDENT. (14 in. $35 ea.) A new Barrii with flowers
of perfect form, flat perianth petals of anary-cyellow ; crown
fiery orange clear to the base. Award of Merit» R. H. S.
PLATE XXI
NARCISSUS LEEDSII VARIETIES
Beatrice, star-pet ailed, with very short crown; and Duchess of Westminster, with
larger crown and broader petals. Two flowers of the large trumpet daffodil Grace
Darling are added for comparison. The Leedsii varieties are white forms of the
incomparabilis and Barrii sections; i. e., white, with sulphur cups
rHE
MEDIUM-CROWN HYBRIDS 169
ORPHEE. Syn: conspicuus minor. (B. 18 in. § H * 300
doz.) Useful as an early cut flower. Perianth canary-
yellow; cup yellow, heavily edged reddish orange.
SEA GULL. (B. 21 in. If + $1.50 ea.) Large spreading
pure white petals and a canary cup edged apricot. Very
beautiful. Early.
SENSATION. (D. 20 in. §fi$3 doz.) Late flowering,
large pure white petals and canary-yellow cup, heavily
rimmed with orange scarlet. A beautiful cut flower but
should be taken when the bud is half open and allowed to
develop with the stem in water. In this way the brilliant
colouring is preserved.
SIDDINGTON. (D. 18 in. *ff$2 doz.) A remarkably free-
blooming late variety, generally producing two flowers
on a stem; petals yellow; cup yellow, open, broadly mar-
gined orange-red.
NARCISSUS BERNARDI
Wild Pyrenean hybrids, found wherever
the wild poeticus and N. abscissus or N. vari-
formis are growing together. The flowers
have spreading white petals twice as long as
the yellow cup and vary much in form but
selections from the wild are offered under the
names and descriptions following.
BERNARDI. (type) (D. fl*$i doz.) Late flowering.
Perianth white. Cup varies in size and colour from yellow
to orange and sometimes stained scarlet.
FIRE GLOW, (fl 12 in. $2 ea.) Perianth snowy white,
cup glowing crimson the colour lasting well in the sun.
H. E. BUXTON. (D. 15 in. ff*75c ea.) A specially
meritorious collected form with white petals and a bril-
liant orange-scarlet cup. Very beautiful and remarkably
free blooming.
CHAPTER XIII
THE PHEASANT'S EYE AND POET'S HYBRID
NARCISSUS
THE poet's narcissus with its white petals
and red-rimmed shallow cup is familiar to
all of us. It has been very freely used by hy-
bridisers, and its influence is apparent in many
of the medium-crowned sections discussed
in the preceding chapter. It has lately also
become one parent of the interesting and very
promising new poetaz hybrids, referred to in
the following chapter.
On account of their close resemblance in
form of cup (which is but very little deeper) ,
the varieties forming the Burbidgei and
Englehearti sections are grouped together
with poeticus.
NARCISSUS POETICUS
The poet's or pheasant's eye narcissus is a
native of Southern Europe, and especially the
Mediterranean region. It is distinguished by
170
THE PHEASANT'S EYE 171
white petals surrounding a small flattened
saucer-shaped cup not more than one-quar-
ter the length of the petal, and edged more or
less conspicuously with carmine. All varie-
ties and hybrids of N. poetlcus are especially
suitable for naturalising and for growing in
garden borders; but for pot culture and win-
ter forcing the earlier flowering varieties only
are suitable and even they must be grown cool.
Heat causes the flowers to "go blind," i. e.
the sheath does not burst open.
ALMIRA. Syn: King Edward VII. (C. 15 in. § fl *$i.5o
doz.) A new and beautiful large flowered poeticus with
broad rounded snowy white petals of good substance. The
cup of canary-yellow is broadly rimmed with deep red.
Of taller growth, equally as early as, and even better for
forcing than ornatus.
ANGUSTIFOLIUS. Syn: radiflorus. (C. t$i hu.) An
early flowering form selected from among the wild Pyre-
nean types, with narrow white perianth petals and orange-
margined cup. Can be forced into bloom ten days before
ornatus. It does finely naturalised.
CASSANDRA. (D. 17 in. $i ea.) A new, very large
flowering variety; tall, vigorous grower; flowers of good
substance. Petals broad, wide-spreading, of clear white;
cup yellow deeply rimmed with dark red. Award of
Merit, R. H. S.
CHAUCER. (D. *$i ea.) New, early. Well rounded
large flat white petals, cup edged with bright scarlet.
DANTE. (19 in. $1.50 ea.) A new and beautiful large
flowered poeticus with broad-petalled perianth of pure
172 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
white; cup citron-yellow edged with purplish red. First-
class certificate, R. H. S.
EPIC. (E. $2 ea.) New, large, and solid flower, broad
petals of white ; cup flat, deeply edged with blood-crimson ;
fragrant.
GLORY. (D. 16 in. §fi$2 ea.) A new variety, having
enormous flowers; the largest in the poeticus section, su-
perior even to poeticus grandiflorus in size, shape, form,
and colour. Petals pure -white ; cup yellow-edged with red.
First-class certificate, Manchester.
GRANDIFLORUS. (E. 19 in. §ff$2 doz.) The giant
poet's narcissus. Large flowering vigorous variety twice
as large as ornatus. Petals pure white; cup very broad,
yellow suffused with crimson.
HOMER. (D. §ff*$2 ea.) New, large with broad petal-
led flower similar to Poetarum. First-class certificate.
MARVEL. (F. 15 in. t$i-25 doz.) Late flowering.
Has a small, distended bladder-like spath. Petals, pure
white; cup yellowish, margined with saffron.
ORNATUS. (D. 13 in. §fl*$2 hu.) Early free-flower-
ing, robust-growing variety with large handsome round
white petalled flowers and yellow cups brimmed with red.
Blooms three to four weeks earlier than the common
poeticus, is good for massing in borders, naturalising in
grass and for cutting. It forces easily if grown cool.
POETARUM. (E. 14 in. fi*$2.5o hu.) Distinct large-
flowering old favourite sort with broad "paper white"
petals; cup large orange-scarlet.
PRAECOX. Syns: praecox graddiflorus, grandis-praecox.
(C. 18 in. § ft * 5oc doz.) Earliest flowering of the poeti-
cus group; ten days earlier than ornatus and can be
forced into bloom by Christmas if desired ; blooms out-of-
doors in April. Flowers large; petals pure white; cup-
yellow edged with crimson. It is a free seed bearer.
PYRENEAN POETICUS. (D. & E. 18 in. fl*$2.5o hu.)
Collected forms or their progeny varying much in shape,
THE PHEASANT'S EYE 173
size and time of flowering. Especially adapted for natural-
ising; some very beautiful sorts may be selected from
among them.
RECURVIS. (F. 15 in. *fl$i.5<> hu.) The common, or
"Pheasant's Eye" poeticus, popular in gardens and natur-
alised. Flowers late in May and will not force. Petals
pure white; cup saffron yellow margined with deep
orange-red, very sweet-scented.
THE BRIDE. (E. $10 ea.) New. Flower of much sub-
stance. Petals, broad, snowy white; cup, brilliant red.
TWIN FLOWER. (D. 16 in. fl*$i.5o doz.) Seedling, in-
variably bearing two pretty typical poeticus flowers on
one stem.
VERBANENSIS. (F. 8 in. $i doz.) Dwarf- growing type
from the Lago Maggiore ; flowers late.
NARCISSUS BIFLORUS
Properly known as the "Twin-flowered
poeticus" and in olden times as "Parkinson's
Primrose Peerless daffodil." The type is
usually considered to be a natural hybrid be-
tween N. Tazetta and N. poeticus, as it is
often found wild where the two species grow
in close proximity in France, Italy, and
through the Tyrol to Switzerland. It has
been aptly called uthe extreme northern form
of Tazetta as it approaches poeticus." The
flowers, while of poeticus formation and
colouring, minus the red brimmed cup, are
borne Tazetta-like in clusters of two or three
174 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
i — thougK seldom more than two on one stem.
The exceptionally sweet perfume of N. bi-
ftorus suggests Tazetta influence, though as
Parkinson says, the fragrance is less "stuff-
ing." The forms vary and though selections
have been made under cultivation none have,
we believe, been accepted as sufficiently dis-
tinct to be called true botanical varieties.
There is some difference horticulturally, how-
ever, between the following:
BIFLORUS. (E. 15 in. 1T*$x hu.) The type. Petals,
cream-white or sometimes light primrose coloured; cup,
yellow. Good for naturalising and as a cut flower.
BIFLORUS HYBRIDUS. (E. 18 in. If * $2 doz.) A selection
from collected bulbs, truss many flowered; the flowers
larger than the type.
NARCISSUS BURBIDGEI
Small-cupped hybrids between incompara-
bilis and poeticus, selected from other sec-
tions and having a close resemblance to N. po-
eticus. The cup in these Burbidgei forms is
about one fourth the length of the petals, a
trifle longer than but not quite so flat as
in N. poeticus. Other distinguishing feat-
ures of Burbidgei are the greater range of
THE PHEASANT S EYE 175
colouring in the petals, which run into yellow,
and an earlier flowering season.
The varieties of this section are healthy,
vigorous growing and produce beautiful flow-
ers. They are well suited for either pot
culture, beds, borders or naturalising. The
flowers are particularly attractive when cut
but should be cut when the the buds are but
half expanded, for like all red or ruddy rim-
med narcissus, the vivid colouring fades with
age or when long exposed to strong sun. The
best flowers are produced on good, fairly
strong, moist loam.
AGNES BARR. (C. 16 in. fl *$2.so hu.) An exquisite
flower ; petals, creamy white ; cup, yellow.
BURBIDGEI. (C. 13 in. §ff* $1.50 hu.) The type.
Early flowering. Petals, clear white; cup, light yellow,
rimmed with reddish-orange.
BARONESS HEATH. (C. 18 in. fl*$2.so hu.) Very dis-
tinct. Flowers drooping; petals, yellow: cup, yellow tinged
with orange deepening to red at the brim. Foliage, deep
blue-green.
BEACON. (C. $5 ea.) Beautiful new variety. Petals,
circular shaped, cream-white; cup, fiery-red. First-class
certificate, R. H. S.
BEATRICE HASELTINE. (E. 15 in. $2 doz.) Beautiful
late bloomer. Petals, creamy-white; cup, flat, canary
coloured, edged with orange-scarlet.
BERNICE. (C. 8 in. $2 ea.) Petals, pointed, creamy-
white; cup, funnel-shaped, deep blood-red to the base.
1 7 6 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
Narrow, grass-like foliage. Thrives best in a sheltered
situation which faces north.
BLOOD ORANGE. (§fl $2 ea.) New and very showy.
Petals, broad, cream colored; cup, brilliant orange-red.
CHERRY RIPE. (D. 13 in. $2 ea.) A new and attractive
variety. Petals, snowy white; cup, vivid orange-scarlet,
broadly edged with bright red.
CROWN PRINCESS. (C. 15 in. ff*$5 doz.) Very beauti-
ful form. Petals, sulphury-yellow shading to pure white;
cup, canary, edged rich orange.
ELLEN BARR. (C. 18 in. §11* 500 doz.) Petals, broad,
snow-white; cup, citron, stained orange-scarlet. Very
effective when grown in masses.
FALSTAFF. (C. 16 in. § U * $2.50 hu.) Petals, pure white;
cup, lemon coloured with orange rim. Flowers of splendid
form, excellent for cutting, and when massed the snowy-
white effect is very beautiful.
FIREBRAND. (C. 17 in. H*$2 ea.) New variety, remark-
able for the brilliant colouring of the prettily fluted cup,
which is an intense fiery-red. Petals, cream-white shading
to lemon at the base.
FRAILTY. (C.I4 in. fl*$2.so ea.) Charmingly quaint,
pendent flower with gracefully twisted, snow-white petals;
cup, large, open, yellow, edged with bright-red.
HAROLD HODGE. (C. 18 in. §fl*$i ea.) New. Petals,
white; cup, small, yellow edged, red.
HYACINTH. ($1.50 ea.) Petals, snowy-white; cup,
spreading, lemon-yellow.
JOHN BAIN. (B. 15 in. § fl * soc doz.) An old, reliable,
favourite. The flower is large and of good substance. Petals
white; cup, small, citron-yellow. It blooms early and
freely; forces easily; is a good cut flower, whether grown
under glass or out of doors; very effective for massing in
beds, borders and naturalising.
LADY ISABEL. ($2 ea.) Stiff, erect habit, with highly
colored flower. Petals, reflexed, creamy-white; cup, saucer
THE PHEASANT'S EYE 177
shaped, light yellow, deeply edged and shaded with in-
tense scarlet.
LITTLE DIRK. (D. 17 in., 500. doz.) A small-flowered
variety. Petals, neat, cowslip yellow; cup, bright orange-
red.
LITTLE DORRIT,. (C. 21 in. § ff*$2 ea.) New A small
flower. Petals, white; cup, small, flat orange-red.
MERCEDES. (D. fi*$i.5oea.) A drooping flower with
twisted snow-white petals; cup, spreading, yellow edged,
bright red.
MRS. KRELAGE. (E. ysc. doz.) A very late blooming
variety (May). Petals, reflexed, white; cup, broad, flat,
serrated, citron-yellow flushed with orange.
ORIFLAMME. (§fl$4 ea.) Showy, new variety. Petals,
creamy-white; cup, fiery-scarlet. Award of Merit, R. H. S.
and at Birmingham.
OVID. (C. $1.50 doz.) Petals, opening, yellow fading
to white; cup, saucer shaped, three- fourths of an inch
across, beautifully crimped, rich yellow, heavily stained
with orange.
PRINCESS LOUISE. A beautiful flower with large white
perianth and widely expanded cup of rich orange, passing
off apricot.
PROMETHEUS. ($6 ea.) The flowers, sometimes borne
in pairs. Petals, rich, satiny-yellow, paling with age ; cup,
saucer-shaped, crimped, rich scarlet almost one inch across;
foliage, broad and massive.
ROSALIND. (E. 13 in. § ff * $2 ea.) A new and handsome,
late variety with pendent flowers. Petals, pure white, broad
and inclined to reflex; cup, bright yellow, deeply rimmed
with fiery-scarlet. A strong grower.
SCARLET EYE. ($5 ea.) A fine new Burbidgei. Petals
pure white and of good substance; cup of vivid orange-
scarlet.
SCARLETTA. ($10 ea.) A showy, new seedling with
cream-colored perianth, and a fluted cup of glowing scarlet.
1 7 8 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
SCEPTRE. (D. 14 in. §fi$io ea.) New and beautiful
variety. Petals, cream-yellow; cup, prettily fluted and
of bright reddish orange.
ST. JOHN'S BEAUTY. (C. 20 in. ft* $1.50 doz.) A large,
loose but showy, flower; petals, chanelled, sulphur-white;
cup, beautifully frilled, yellow, edged with orange-red.
THE PET. (E. 14 in. $1.50 doz.) A dwarf, erect
grower with a prim little flower of perfect form. Petals,
firm and almost pure white; cup, citron-yellow with a
protruding pistil.
VANESSA. (C. 16 in. fl*$2-5o hu.) Small, compact,
symmetrical and attractive flowers. Petals, pale-yellow;
cup, small, flatly expanded, orange tinged reddish. Very
fragrant. Sometimes called "yellow poeticus."
VIVID. (D. 15 in. $6 ea.) New and very showy flower.
Petals ivory-white ; cup, large, saucer-shaped, fiery orange-
red, the colour holding well. A strong, free grower.
NARCISSUS ENGLEHEARTII
Hybrids, in which the poeticus influence
predominates; practically Burbidgei forms
with more fluted flat cups that may be likened
to ruffled discs. Some of the varieties indeed
have been plucked from among the Burbid-
geis; others are direct crosses by Rev. G.
Engleheart.
ASTRADENTE. ($25 ea.) A new, large and beautiful
flower, with a white perianth and a very large flat crown
of reddish-orange edged with bright red. Award of Merit,
R. H. S.
THE PHEASANT'S EYE 179
CRESSET. (C. 15 in. $12 ea.) New flower of perfect form
with large, broad, round, white petals, and a flat golden
cup heavily edged with vivid scarlet.
CONCORD. (15 in. $25 ea.) A grand new variety of
perfect form, with broad, rounded perianth petals of deep
canary-yellow; crown, large, widely expanded at the
mouth, and of a deep golden-yellow, heavily edged with
fiery orange-red.
EGRET. (D. §f $25 ea.) Finely formed, broad petals of
pure white, and a very large, flattened, fluted cup over one
inch in diameter of lemon-yellow, shaded and margined
with gold. Award of Merit, Birmingham.
GOLD EYE. (§ fl$3 ea.) New and very excellent variety.
Petals, pure white, and large disk-like crown prettily fluted
and margined with orange-red. Award of Merit, Birming-
ham.
INCOGNITO. (C. § fl 16 in. $30 ea.) A new, large and
very durable flower, with flat, white petals and flattened,
frilled crown of bright yellow, margined with apricot-
orange.
ROYAL STAR. ($10 ea.) A magnificent new Engle-
heartii, with large, showy, lasting flowers, four and a half
inches across. Perianth, creamy-yellow maturing white;
crown, large, flat and fluted orange-yellow changing to fiery
orange-red. A tall, robust grower.
POLESTAR. (D. §fi$3 ea.) New and large, late-flowering
variety. Petals white, four inches across; cup, large, flat
and prettily fluted ; canary-yellow.
SEQUIN. (D. 12 in. §fl*$3 doz.) A very distinct and
beautiful new seedling, with snowy-white petals and a very
large golden cup, flattened against the petals.
THISBE. (18 in. §ft*$i.5o ea.) A very beautiful flower
with slightly reflexed, white petals; cup large, spreading,
flattened against the petals; canary-yellow margined with
orange-red.
CHAPTER XIV
THE SWEET SCENTED JONQUILS AND CAM-
PERNELLES
REGARDED from a garden standpoint, the
jonquils form a characteristic group. They
are all cluster-flowered, deep yellow colour,
most deliciously scented and of a slender
growth with round, rush-like foliage. In
some of the hybrid forms that are included in
this present grouping the flowers may be
borne as few as two on a stem. They show a
remarkable* range of variation.
NARCISSUS JONQUILLA. (E. 14 in. § fl $2 hu.) The true,
sweet-scented, single jonquil. A species indigenous to
sections in Southern Europe, varying in habit according to
environment, and in consequence several typical selections
from the wild are known as N. Jonquilla, var. minor, stel-
lario, etc. But as "collected bulbs" are, I believe, no longer
marketed, and as the bulb growers' "types" are fairly well
selected, I will go no further into their delicate
distinctions. The single jonquil is well known and highly
prized as a cut flower for growing in pots, and it does well
out of doors if planted in a protected, warm, sunny situa-
tion, in well-drained or raised beds of rich soil. It blooms
late in the season. The deliciously fragrant, rich yellow
180
SWEET-SCENTED JONQUILS l8l
small flowers are usually borne in pairs though sometimes
in clusters of as many as six. There is a double form also.
N. JUNCIFOLIUS. The Baby Jonquil. (D. 4 in. § fl $2.50
hu.) Very much like the preceding but smaller; indeed it
is the smallest narcissus known, with little buttercup-
like flowers, only three-fourths of an inch across from tip
to tip of the spreading petals. The cup is usually widely
expanded and often perfectly flat. Colour, rich yellow.
Delicately perfumed. It does best when grown in pots or
the cold-fame. Though it thrives in gritty soil, in well-
drained pockets in rock work or similar situations, it also
makes an excellent edging plant when in favourable lo-
cations.
N. ODORUS. Campernelle Jonquil, A rush-leaved,
cluster-flowered group of narcissus, more robust in growth
and bearing larger flowers than N. Jonquilla, with wider
petals and more upright crown, and generally known as the
"giant jonquil." There are several good forms offered under
different varietal names, the most important of which are
described as below. All are suited for pot culture — six
bulbs to a five-inch pot — borders and naturalising.
N. ODORUS INTERJECTUS. (B. 1 8 in. §fi*$2 hu.) This
is the type known as "Campernelle Jonquil," and though
found wild in some parts of southern Europe, is now con-
sidered to be one of nature's hybrids. Probably, a cross
between N. Jonquilla and N. Pseudo-Narcissus. It is early
in blooming, producing two or more full, yellow, fragrant
flowers on each stem.
N. ODORUS RUGULOSUS. Campernelle major. (B. 18 in.
tinct form of dwarfer growth than the type, a little later
and with a longer, narrower cap of darker yellow ; delight-
fully fragrant, rich yellow flowers. It thrives best in shade,
or in grass on a slope ground facing north.
N. ODORUS RUGULOSUS. Campernelle major. (B. 18 in.
§ff*$2 hu.) More robust and larger flowered than the
other forms, and known as the "Improved Campernelle,"
1 8 2 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
"Giant Jonquil," etc. Fragrant, rich yellow flowers, often
three to a stem, with broader, stouter petals, and a straight,
wrinkled cup.
N. ODORUS RUGULOSUS MAxiMUS. ($ioo ea.) A new
large flowering form. The flower is twice as large as in
rugulosus, and of handsome shape with dark golden petals,
which are remarkably broad ; prominent, straight, chanelled
cup, very fragrant. First-class certificate, Birmingham.
N. ODORUS CALATHINA. ($1.50 doz.) The "many-
flowered Campernelle," bearing three to five yellow, sweet-
scented flowers to a stem.
N. GRACILIS. Syn: Helene. (E. 14 in. fi*5oc doz.) An
old and presumably wild hybrid between N. Jonguilla (or
N. juncifolius) and a N. Tazetta variety. Rush-leaved
and bearing clusters of three to five flowers on a stem. The
deliciously fragrant flowers open rich yellow, but as they
age change to pale sulphur. It is the latest of the rush-
leaved varieties to bloom, and is not only prized for keeping
up the succession, but it is a very graceful garden plant
and also does well in pots.
N. GRACILIS TENUIOR. The silver jonquil. (D. 9 in.
$i doz.) Smaller flowers, more slender in growth and of
paler colour than the preceding. A choice dwarf type, with
sweet-scented flowers; the petals being silvery-white, and
the cup yellow. It bears several flowers on a stem; late
flowering.
PLATE XXVII
X. TRIDYMUS, VAR. CLOTH OF GOLD
The long crown, hardy, yellow, cluster-flowered narcissus. A*, tridymus are
hybrids between a trumpet daffodil and N. Tazetta. The flowers resemble those of
a small Nclsoni variety, but are borne in clusters
CHAPTER XV
THE TENDER CLUSTER-FLOWERED NAR-
CISSUS
The polyanthus narcissus (N. Tazetta)
and its many varieties form a large family
of closely resembling types, popularly called
"sweet-scented cluster-flowered narcissus,"
the flowers being borne in many flowered
clusters.
The history of this ancient race extends
to the misty eras of legend and mythology.
At the present time descendents of the varied
types are found growing wild over a wide
area neighboring the Mediterranean from
Spain to Asia Minor, and some few even as
far east as India, China, and Japan, and
westward others have become naturalised and
typified in the Canary and Scilly Isles, and
even in Bermuda.
Being natives of a mild climate, the Tazet-
tas cannot withstand the rigours of cold lati-
tudes and are not to be depended upon as
garden plants north of the freezing belt. The
183
1 84 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
Hollanders have produced numerous beauti-
ful hybrids, some of which are hardier than
the typical southern forms and I have suc-
cessfully grown ar.d flowered many of the
Dutch varieties in my garden in the vicinity
of New York" City. Yet, like tea roses, while
they may live through two or three winters*
with careful protection, they eventually get
killed by frost. They require the winter pro-
tection of a cold-frame. In lieu of hardiness
the polyanthus narcissus compensates its
grower in northern climes by its accommoda-
ting adaptability to being grown in the house^
in pots, pans, or flats, and some of them even
in bowls of water and gravel without soil.
Under such artificial culture they grow with
luxuriance and flower freely during the winter
and early spring months.
In our southern states and in all favoured
locations where the bulbs do not freeze, they
flourish and increase. A cream-coloured vari-
ety that has escaped from cultivation in the
Bermudas is known locally as "Bermuda Jon-
quil," the thriftiness of which, I think is due
not so much to rich soil as to deep sub-soil
of notable porosity, it being a disintegrated
TENDER CLUSTER-FLOWERED 185
coral rock through which surplus water rap-
idly drains away. If we who garden in the
north over water-holding clay sub-soil would
make it less retentive, greater success would
crown our efforts in growing not only narcis-
sus and daffodils, but all other garden plants.
ALL YELLOW VARIETIES
ADONIA. (C. $1.50 doz.) A medium, early variety.
Large, well-formed flowers; canary-yellow with deep
orange cup.
BATHURST. (D. $i doz.) A distinct and beautiful
dwarf, compact-growing, late variety, bearing very large
flowers of clear, light yellow with dark-orange cups.
CHARLES DICKENS. (D. $i doz.) Large flowers, prim-
rose-yellow, with orange cup. Late.
GRAND PRIMO CITRONIERE. Syn: "Yellow Primo." (6oc
doz.) A selection from the bi-coloured Grand Primo — so
popular for cutting. This yellow form bears the same large
trusses of handsome, clear, light yellow flowers with dark
citron-coloured cups.
GRAND SOLEIL D'OR. (A. $i doz.) A distinct, very
early variety, producing large clusters of rich yellow
flowers having deep-orange — almost red-orange — cups. It
is one of the best of this colour for early forcing and very
popular with the Scilly Islanders, who grow it extensively
for cut flowers for market.
JAUNE SUPREME. (C. $1.50 doz.y Medium early, bear-
ing fine trusses of large, clear yellow flowers with deeper
yellow, or orange, cups. A vigorous grower, and does
particularly well when grown in pots.
LORD CANNING. ($i doz.) Profuse bloomer; rich
yellow, with orange cup.
1 8 6 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
QUEEN OF YELLOWS. ($2 doz.) A new and good variety,
bearing immense clusters of large flowers, rich yellow with
golden cup.
SIR ISAAC NEWTON. Syn: Newton. (C. $i doz.) A very
free, medium early; pure yellow, with orange cups.
Additional varieties of yellow petalled
polyanthus narcissus catalogued in Europe,
but with which I have had no experience, are :
Adelphi. Illustre Soliel.
Apollo. Imperator.
Aurea Floribunda. Isabella.
Daybreak. La Belle Comtesse.
Don Carlos. La Plus Belle Jaune.
Fleur Parfaite. Masterpiece.
Formosa. Mercurius.
Franklin. Phyllis.
Gen'l Gordon. Prince of Wales.
Gladstone. Soleil Brilliant
Golden Era. Surprise.
Goldfinch. Wilhelm III.
Heroine.
BI-COLOUR VARIETIES
BAZELMAN MAJOR. Syn: Trewianus Major. (B. $2
doz.) A magnificent early flowering variety, of robust
growth bearing three to six trusses of extra large,
round flowers. Pure white petals and rich orange-yellow
cups. It is one of the best varieties of polyanthus nar-
cissus in cultivation. It does well in pots and forces
splendidly.
CHINESE SACRED. Syn: Jos flower, Grand Emperor of
China, Good luck flower, etc. ($1.25 doz.) This Chinese
narcissus, a typified form of the Tazetta, is of world-
wide popularity, being prized for its marvellously rapid
TENDER CLUSTER-FLOWERED 187
growth and its abundant silvery-white, yellow-cupped
flowers, which are produced in from forty to sixty days
after planting. It is usually grown in bowls of water.
They grow and flower in the sunny window of any living
room, doing their best in a temperature not exceeding sixty
degrees. The moist atmosphere of a kitchen or laundry
suits them perfectly. Then their flowers never "blast" or
dry up in bud form.
CONSTANTINOPLE. Syn: Double Roman. (B. $2 hu.)
Very early and free flowering. Extensively forced by flor-
ists for winter cut flowers. Also does well in pots. The
petals are white ; the yellow cup usually comes semi-double
or double.
GLORIOSUS. Syn: Gloriosa superba. (A. ysc doz.) An
excellent early, free-flowering sort, producing large trusses
of pure white petalled flowers, enlivened with orange-
scarlet cups. It is one of the best of this colour for early
forcing.
GRAND MONARQUE. (D. 750. doz.) Splendid trusses of
white flowers, with lemon-yellow cups. A vigorous grower,
doing well in pots, and also may be flowered in bowls of
water.
GRAND PRIMO. (ysc doz.) Masses of large white
flowers having citron yellow cups. Extensively grown for
cut flowers.
GROOT VOORST. (6oc doz.) A popular old variety, bear-
ing large white flowers with light yellow cups.
HER MAJESTY. (D. $1.50 doz.) One of the largest
flowering and best varieties in this section. The broad
round petals are pure white, the cups deep golden yellow.
MAESTRO. (C. $2 doz.) A good dwarf, very free
flowering sort, with extra large flowers. Petals white and
dark orange cups which often come double or semi-double.
There is no better polyanthus variety for pot culture.
MONT CENIS. (B. 750 doz.) Very early, and one of
the freest flowering varieties, often producing four spikes
1 8 8 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
from one bulb, and the spikes sometimes carrying from
eighteen to twenty-two flowers each. Petals pure white;
cups rich yellow.
PRINCE METTERNICH. Syn: Prinz von Metternich.
Good for cutting, having exceptionally long stems carrying
broad white petalled flowers with rich golden yellow
cups.
QUEEN OF THE NETHERLANDS. (A. $1.50 doz.) Extra
early large flowering. Resembling Bazelman Major. Pure
white with rich yellow cups.
STATES GENERAL. Syn: Staten Generaal (B. 750 doz.)
A well-known old early variety with creamy white petals
and orange cups. A free seeder, crossing readily with
some of the Ajax varieties.
Other varieties of the two coloured (white petalled, yel-
low cupped) polyanthus narcissus — offered by the trade —
but not tested by the writer are:
Aurora La Noblesse
Bazelman Minor Laura
Bouquet Parfaite Louis le Grand
British Queen Luna
Distinction President Harrison
Duchess of Albany Prince of Narcissus
Empress of India Princess of Wales
Grand Sultana Queen of Narcissus
Insulinde Queen Victoria
La Belle Normandie Sir Walter Scott
Lacticolor Volume Laurius
La Jolie
ALL WHITE POLYANTHUS
Varieties having white petals and white or
cream-coloured cups :
PAPER WHITE. Syn: Totus albus, dubius, papyraceus.
(A. $2 hu.) This and its improved form Grandiflora are
PLATE XXIX
A POLYANTHUS NARCISSUS, N. TAZETTA
These cluster-flowered narcissus are not hardy except in the South and are excellent
for forcing under glass. This variety, Bazelman major, is one of the best for cut
flowers; white with deep orange crown
OF "HE
UNIVERSITY
OF,X
TENDER CLUSTER-FLOWERED 189
the most important and extensively forced of all varieties
of polyanthus narcissus for cut flowers in winter. Snow-
white star-like blossoms borne in good sized trusses on long
strong stems. The bulbs are mostly grown in Southern
France, whence they are exported by millions annually; of
easy culture and vigorous growth, often being brought into
bloom long before Christmas. May also be grown and
flowered successfully in bowls of water with moss or peb-
bles.
PAPER WHITE GRANDIFLORA. Syns: Paper White mul-
ti flora, Snow flake. (A. $2.50 hu.) This improved type
is rapidly supplanting the preceding from which it is a
selection. It possesses all of the good qualities of its pre-
decessor with the added merits of being more vigorous and
producing larger trusses of larger individual flowers which
are also of somewhat more durable substance.
SCILLY WHITE. (B. $2 hu.) Early, dwarf, sturdy
growing. A most profuse flowered variety, grown by
acres in the Scilly Isles. It forces easily. Flowers pure white,
with creamy cups rather small, but borne in good-sized
trusses.
WHITE PEARL. ($i doz.) A distinct and excellent var-
iety bearing medium-sized pure w'hite flowers with almost
white cups.
WHITE PERFECTION. (E. $1.50 doz.) Late flowering,
bearing large trusses of large pure white petalled, cream
cupped flowers. Growth dwarf, and sturdy.
THE "INTERMEDIATE" CLUSTER-FLOWERED
NARCISSUS
These natural hybrids and their varieties
— known as the intermediate and orientalis
sections — so closely resemble in many re-
190 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
spects the polyanthus narcissus that it is taken
for granted that some member of the N.
Tazetta is one of the progenitors, but the
opposite parent is merely conjectured.
Both the intermedius and orientalis types
bear their flowers in bouquet-like clusters and
are as sweetly fragrant as the Tazettas and
imitate them in not being hardy enough to
be always grown successfully in Northern
gardens, though all thrive in temperate and
southern climates and are amenable to pot
culture and forcing into flower during the
winter in greenhouse, frame or window.
INTERMEDIUS. Syns: intermedius minor, tenuifolius
minor. (soc doz.) A supposed hybrid between N. Tazetta
and N. Jonquilla. It bears clusters of several fragrant
flowers; the perianth petals being soft yellow and the cups
of deeper yellow. Its chief difference from the yellow
flowered polyanthus being its serai-cylindrical or half rush-
like leaves.
INTERMEDIUS MAJOR. (E. 13 in. § soc doz.) A larger
flowered selection from the preceding with clusters of
sweet-scented flowers. Perianth primrose; cup yellow.
INTERMEDIUS BIFLORONS. Syn: Etoil d' or. (soc doz.) A
pretty garden form with narrower petals of bright yellow
and a longer cup of golden yellow: a dwarf grower.
Practically a small-flowered polyanthus (Tazetta).
INTERMEDIUS SUNSET. (E. 16 in. § $3 doz.) A selec-
tion or variety of bifrons with an orange-scarlet brimmed
cup, the perianth being canary-yellow. It bears four to
five flowers on a stem and is very showy.
TENDER CLUSTER-FLOWERED 19!
ORIENTALIS. Syn: Schizanthus Orientalis, and Orl-
entalis of Haworth. (D. 12 in. 500 doz.) The yellow Ori-
entalis, a supposed hybrid between varieties of N. Tazetta
and N. incomparabilis. The flowers are borne in clusters
of three to four, petals spreading, light yellow ; cup orange
yellow. Flat foliage. Very fragrant
MUSARET ORIENTALIS, (E. 12 in. 5oc doz.) The white
Orientalis, good sized, sweetly scented, poeticus-like flowers
borne in clusters. Perianth snow white ; cups yellow, stained
orange. Excellent in temperate and warm climates for
beds, borders, and pot culture. Though naturally late
flowering it forces safely if done slowly.
CHAPTER XVI
THE HARDY CLUSTER-FLOWERED
NARCISSUS
IT is only within the last few years that the
beauty, fragrance and variety of the bouquet-
like heads of flowers of the tender Tazettas
have had a counterpart for our Northern gar-
dens. This has become possible through the
new hardy cluster-flowered hybrids, fully
equalling and in some respects surpassing their
more tender colleagues in size of flowers,
beauty, colouring, and form. The new poe-
taz and tridymus varieties have proven as
robust and ruggedly hardy as any wild North-
ern daffodil, and will become more popular
when better known.
NARCISSUS POETAZ
This is a very well defined section produced
by crossing N. Tazetta varieties with N.
poeticus ornatus as the seed parent. The indi-
vidual flowers of the poetaz hybrids resemble
poeticus in form and size, are freely produced
192
HARDY CLUSTER-FLOWERED 193
in pairs and clusters on strong stems so that a
bed or clump of the plants in bloom shows a
dense mass of flower. The varieties force
easily and are effective when grown in pots
and pans. Their fragrance is not so oppressive
in a confined atmosphere as that of the Tazet-
tas. They were awarded a first prize at the
Haarlem (Holland) Exhibition of 1900.
ALSACE. (C. $1.50 doz.) Broad pure white petals of
true poeticus form: cup yellow, edged reddish while the
blossom is young. It blooms three weeks earlier than N.
poeticus ornatus and usually bears three flowers to a stem.
Promises to be extra good for forcing.
ELVIRA. (D. $i doz.) Long-stemmed large flowers of
unusually good substance. Petals pure white; cup yellow.
Extra free flowering, and three to four flowers on a stem;
a very vigorous sturdy growing narcissus that multiplies
rapidly, which accounts for its moderate price. Award of
Merit, R. H. S.
IDEAL. ($2.50 doz.) White petals and a dark orange
coloured cup. The clusters usually contain six to seven
blossoms.
IRENE. ($2.50 doz.) Satiny sulphur-yellow petals and
orange cup. A large broad truss containing eight to nine
flowers.
JAUNE A MERVEILLE. (D. $3 doz.) The largest yellow
flowered variety. Perianth yellow; cup deep golden colour,
seven to eight flowers on a stem.
KLONDYKE. ($1.25 doz.) One of the deepest of the
yellows. Perianth yellow; cup deep golden: six to seven,
flowers in a truss.
LOUISE. ($1.25 doz.) True poeticus formed flowers
1 94 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
borne in clusters of three and four on stems two feet long.
Large pure white petals and yellow cup.
LUCIA. ($1.50 doz.) Tall stems carrying seven to
eight flowers with yellow perianth and golden yellow cup.
PROFUSION. ($i doz.) Of dwarf growth but free flower-
ing, bearing six flowers in a truss. Perianth white, cup
yellow.
SUNSET. ($1.50 doz.) Bears six large flowers on a stem.
Perianth sulphur-yellow; cup orange.
TRIUMPH. ($2.50 doz.) Bears three to four large
Bazelman Major like flowers on a stem. Perianth pure
white, cup deep yellow.
NARCISSUS TRIDYMUS
Hardy cluster-flowered hybrids, the indi-
vidual flowers resembling those of a small
Nelsoni, with spreading perianth, and cup-
shaped crowns. They are produced from
various crosses, N. Tazetta always being one
of the parents, the other being an Ajax or a
Leedsii variety. The type bears two or three,
some varieties four, and a few, five flowers
in a cluster on a single stem. All are noted
for their sweet fragrance.
A. RAWSON. (D. 14 in. $5 doz.) A very handsome
variety with a full rich yellow cup, and bold clear yellow
petals.
CLOTH OF GOLD. (D. 15 in. $2 ea.) One of the best
of this section and the brightest coloured of all ; rich orange
yellow perianth and deep golden cup. A robust grower,
free bloomer and bold flowers rich in perfume.
HARDY CLUSTER-FLOWERED 195
Miss WHITE. (C. 21 in. 500 ea.) Each stem bears
three or four beautiful silvery white "Leedsii" flowers.
MRS. ALFRED PEARSON. (500 ea.) Four or five large
pure white flowers with orange-yellow cups on each stem.
S. A. DE GRAAFF. (C. 12 in. $1.50 doz.) One to three
large b«ld flowers to a stem. Perianth primrose-yellow;
cup rich yellow.
ST. PATRICK. (D. 500 ea.) Free flowering robust grow-
ing, with three large and remarkably striking flowers to a
siem. Perianth campanulate, soft yellow; cup rich deep
golden colour well flanged at the mouth. Very sweetly
scented.
THE TWINS. (C. 15 in. $1.50 ea.) A pretty new
variety bearing two flowers to a stem. Perianth creamy
white; prominent rich yellow cup; violet scented: a
robust grower.
CHAPTER XVII
DOUBLE DAFFODILS AND NARCISSUS OF ALL
GROUPS
DOUBLE-FLOWERED daffodils and narcissus
are found in but few of the sections. The ag-
gregate number of distinct commercial kinds
in all classes does not amount to over twenty-
five — and even some of these are mere selec-
tions— sent out under the introducers1 names.
The large trumpet section has five double va-
rieties in the all-yellows, two in the bi-colour
and one in the all white divisions. The med-
ium-crown daffodils have ten double varie-
ties, while in the solitary-flowered cup
group N. poetlcus supplies one double form
only. Among the cluster-flowered the jonquils
have two doubles and the Tazettas have the
same number.
The origin of the double narcissus is un-
known and I think I am correct in saying that
no double narcissus has been produced by the
art of man, at least, not in modern times. I
196
DOUBLES OF ALL GROUPS 197
am inclined to thinlc that most doubles are
"sports" for double flowering plants are usu-
ally found here and there among their wild
single types and sometimes the double-flower-
ing plants when transferred to other soil or
locations will revert to the single type.
There is much confusion of nomenclature
among the doubles and in describing what I
consider to be the only distinctive dependable
commercial varieties I have given both popu-
lar and botanical names.
When the Daffodil Conference of 1884
authorised the florist's method of naming all
hybrid narcissus (e. g. Princess Mary, Sir
Watkin, etc.) they relieved narcissus lovers of
much complexity, but unfortunately the Con-
ference ruled that wild species, sub-species, or
types — which includes the doubles — were to
retain their botanical titles. The result has
been that in various books and catalogues we
find the same variety under several names,
some being the undiscarded, ancient titles,
others more modern or popular appellations.
Perhaps some future daffodil conference will
straighten out the nomenclature of fixed
double varieties.
198 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
DOUBLE ALL YELLOW TRUMPET DAFFODILS
DOUBLE VAN SIGN. (B. 12 to 15 in. § $ * 500 doz.)
This famous double yellow daffodil of old American gar-
dens is also very popular in Europe under the name of
"Wilmer's Double Golden Daffodil" and among the
more botanical as "N. telamonius plenus" it being the
doubled form of a single yellow large trumpet called
"Telamonius" in England and "Van Sion" in Holland.
It is not only the most important of all doubles, but
probably the most important of all varieties, single or
double. It is planted by the millions annually. It is gen-
erally a reliable producer of large handsome double golden-
yellow flowers under varied cultural treatments, soils and
climates whether grown in garden borders, naturalised,
or "forced" in pots or "flats" for winter flower.
Like its parents Double Van Sion varies in size, form,
and other characteristics accordingly as influenced by
environment. Years ago when there was less demand for
Double Van Sion, the growers of flowering bulbs propo-
gated and dessiminated their own types of "pedigree"
strains, and there was much rivalry among the growers
as to the merits of their respective stocks, some having
"rogued" to the unburst double trumpet type, others to the
"rose double" form, i. e. trumpet burst, its petals curving
backwards and intermingling with the perianth segments.
Between these two extremes were several intermediate
forms. But now no one grower seems to have a specialised
type, all seem to depend upon small "collected" bulbs, most
of which come from Asia Minor and Italy. These of
course are very variable in type of flower. The bulb
grower is supposed to plant and grow these collected
bulbs for a year or two to "tone and fatten them up" and
get the "green" out of the flowers. But every "rogue"
(a bulb producing an undesirable style of flower) that is
DOUBLES OF ALL GROUPS 199
pulled up and thrown away — means the loss of its cost—
and people are not inclined to throw away money — we
therefore do not get the percentage of ideal double unburst
trumpets in our Double Van Sions — that we did a few
years back.
It is almost amusing when you complain to a foreign
bulb grower about his strain of "Double Van Sions" to
hear his explanations diplomatically put, but in substance:
If forced: "you gave them too much heat or too soon," if
in the open: "your climate it is too hot and the sun too
bright." They will never admit anything wrong in their
strains, but insinuate that the grower has actually brought
into being such types of flowers by cultural mismanagement.
And yet I know of double trumpet daffodils in old gar-
dens that have annually produced flowers with unburst
trumpets for many years, regardless of the too sudden
change from winter into summer.
Another vagary of the Double Van Sion is its tendency
to produce flowers tinged with green and sometimes almost
all green.
I do not know that any scientific explanation of the
reason, nor a remedy, has ever been advanced. A few
years ago I visited a Guernsey narcissus farmer who had
removed his wares to Virginia — he had about two acres
of Double Van Sion, the flowers of which were as green
as grass although the bulbs, being unsalable, had remained
undisturbed for three years. Mentioning the circumstance
to an expert in the U. S. Department of Agriculture
an effort was made to solve the riddle but to no good
result. A reputable Holland bulb grower finally trans-
fered the bulbs to Dutch soil saying that in two years the
flowers would become as "yellow as gold." Of course
this does not explain why southern forms of Double Van
Sion "go green" and then grow out of it under different
conditions. The moral however is: If you get a good strain
of golden-yellow Double Van Sion that produces flowers
200 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
with unburst trumpets — treasure and keep it, for such are
getting scarce.
ROSE-FLOWERED DOUBLE. (C. 14 in. f$3 doz.) Rich
yellow and delightfully fragrant This old favourite has
outlived several popular names, originally being known
as "John Tradescant's Daffodil" which was "botanized"
into Tradescanthus and Tradescant's Centifolius, which
was appropriate because the flower is really a conglomera-
tion of small double flowers crowded together into a rosette.
After Parkinson popularised it by the description in his
Herbal published in 1629 — the variety was afterwards
also known as "Parkinson's Rose-flowered Daffodil." Bo-
tanically it is "Lobularis plenissimus or grandir plenus.
DWARF DOUBLE SWEET SCENTED. (B. 10 in. f$2 doz.)
Large, double, bright yellow, fragrant flowers. Dwarf
sturdy growth, and does well in borders or naturalised in
partial shade. It is usually catalogued under its botanical
name or abbreviations of same which are sometimes con-
fusing, its full title being "Pseudo lobularis pumilus ple-
nus" but often the first and sometimes the second words
are omitted.
QUEEN ANNE'S DOUBLE. Syns: capax plenus and Eys-
tettensis. (A. 7 in. t § 11 7SC ea.) A quaint old variety
of greatest interest to the collector of varieties. The lemon
yellow flowers are composed of six superimposed layers
of six petals — like pointed stars — graduating in size. The
single form is unknown.
RIP VAN WINKLE. (B. 9 in. f$6 doz.) A very rare
and interesting doubled form of the single Ajax Minor.
A native of Ireland. Dwarf habit. Early and free flower-
ing. The small doubled flowers are pale yellow, and frag-
rant. Petals pointed and curiously twisted.
GERARD'S SILVER AND GOLD DOUBLE. (B. 9 in. t$7-5Q
doz.) This rare old variety: N. Pseudo-Narcissus albus
aureus plenus — with abbreviations to suit the length of
DOUBLES OF ALL GROUPS 2OI
catalogue line — is a very striking plant in bloom. Its
medium-sized double flowers with silver and gold-coloured
petals intermingled being very beautiful. It does best
when naturalised in a partially shaded location in turf.
DOUBLE SCOTCH. (B. 12 in. t § 11 $2 doz.) This double
form of the wild Scotch daffodil, N. Scoticus, is also cata-
logued frequently under its botanical title "N. Pseudo-
Scoticus plenus" It is a very showy variety with white
and yellow petals interspersed.
DOUBLE ALL-WHITE TRUMPET DAFFODILS
DOUBLE WHITE TRUMPET. (C. 10 in. t$2-50 ea.) This,
we believe, is the only double form of an all white trum-
pet daffodil now purchasable, and even it is very rare.
Botanically it is known as N. cernuus plenus, being the
double of the White Swan's Neck trumpet cernuus. The
flowers are of exquisite beauty— cream-white, with a slight
lemon tinge in the centre of the flower. It is most success-
fully grown in partial shade naturalised in grass. It
resents manure.
DOUBLE MEDIUM CROWN DAFFODILS
This section is comprised of double forms
of well-marked single varieties of N. incom-
parabilis, or the supposed direct progeny of
natural crosses between an Ajax trumpet
form and N. poeticus. The flowers of this
group do not retain either trumpet or crown-
like formation, for the corona bursts bounds,
curves back and socially mingles with the
petals, thus forming what is called a "rose-
double" daffodil.
2O2 DAFFODILS^ — NARCISSUS
Like their single prototypes, these double
forms are healthy, vigorous growers, bloom
freely and adapt themselves to all sorts of
cultural conditions except hot and fast
forcing. They thrive in gardens and bor-
ders; are at home when naturalised; and
when grown cool and slow in pots they flower
beautifully during late winter.
APRICOT PHOENIX. (C. §11* $50 ea.) An introduction
of 1905. Flowers large and very double, crown petals
apricot yellow, interspersed with the cream-white perianth.
ARGENT. (D. 18 in. §fi*$i ea.) A recent introduction
of strong growth, bearing beautifully formed star-shaped
double flowers. Creamy white with yellow centres.
AURANTIUS PLENUS. (B. 17 in. § fl * 250 doz.) The
common old double English garden daffodil known as
"Butter and Eggs" a name doubtless suggested by the
colouring in the flowers which is of a light "butter-yellow"
shading to orange at the centre. A free-growing and free-
flowering variety, which if left undisturbed eventually
forms large clumps or masses. Faintly fragrant.
GOLDEN PHOENIX OR ERINI. (B. 17 in. § fi*$i doz.) A
large-flowered double Irish form, botanically "N. tncom-
parabilis pallidus-plenus." In effect the coloring is a rich
golden yellow, but more closely anaylised lemon yellow
petals are interspersed with the rich golden ones.
GOLDEN ROSE. (B. 17 in. §fi*$2 doz.) Very large,
round and very double flowers, deep yellow with a darker
golden centre.
ORANGE PHOENIX. (C. 17 in. §fl*4oc doz.) Popularly
known as "Eggs and Bacon" and as N. incomparabilis
albus aurantius plenus. Robust and free flowering. The
DOUBLES OF ALL GROUPS 203
large double flowers are composed of white petals with an
orange coloured centre.
PLENIPO. (§ ft* $2.50 ea.) A choice selection bearing
large, double rose shaped flowers of pale yellow.
SILVER OR SULPHUR PHOENIX. (C. 18 in. § ft* 750 doz.)
One of the best varieties in the double incomparable section.
Botanically it is "N. Pseudo-Narcissus albus plenus sul-
phureus" but popularly known as Codlins and Cream.
A robust grower, bearing very large double flowers of
white, with sulphur colored centers.
PRIMROSE PHOENIX. (§H$3 ea.) A much admired
variety with large double flowers of a primrose yellow.
Award of merit R. H. S.
SEMI-PARTITUS PLENUS. (*$i ea.) A rare and distinct old
variety bearing double light lemon-yellow flowers. The
pointed petals are arranged in six star-like superimposed
rows in the same manner as in N, Capax plenus. It
received a first-class certificate from the Royal Nether-
lands Horticultural Society.
DOUBLE POETICUS
DOUBLE POET'S NARCISSUS. (E. 15 in. *$I.SQ hu.)
It produces beautiful, large and fragrant double white flow-
ers, which in purity, form and sweetness liken them to gar-
denias, for which reason it is often called the "Gardenia-
flowered narcissus" Botanically it is N. poeticus albus-
plenus odoratus and so is usually catalogued, though often
with mystifying abbreviations. It thrives best in moist,
loamy soil, often failing to flower in dry locations and it
resents pot culture and forcing.
DOUBLE POLYANTHUS
Notwithstanding that the single forms of
the cluster-flowered polyanthus narcissus are
2O4 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
so numerous there are but three double forms
now offered by dealers. It is curious to note
this as there were more in years gone by.
CHINESE SACRED. It frequently happens that a bulb of
this popular variety will be found to produce flowers with
double cups. It does not appear to be constant, however,
and no separation of the single and double flowering forms
has been made.
CONSTANTINOPLE. Syn: Double Roman. (B. $2 hu.)
Very early and free flowering. Extensively forced by
florists for winter cut flowers. It also does well when
grown in pots. The perianth is white, the yellow cup
usually double or semi-double.
NOBLISSIMUS PLENUS. ($i doz.) Perianth cream
coloured and a large double cup of orange yellow.
DOUBLE FLOWERING JONQUILS
That there are almost as many double
forms of the sweet jonquils as there are sin-
gles is remarkable considering the few dou-
ble varieties of narcissus produced among
other types. The double jonquils range in size
of flower and plant like their single proto-
types, from the small true jonquil (N. Jon-
quilla) to the large hybrid, Campernelle jon-
quil (N. odorus).
DOUBLE JONQUIL. (E. § * goc doz.) N. Jonquilla plenus
is the correct botanical name of this doubled form of the
true old single jonquil. Its beautiful rich yellow flowers
DOUBLES OF ALL GROUPS 205
are borne in twos and threes on short stocky flower stalks.
It does better when naturalised in grass on dry warm hill-
sides than in the garden; but it flowers perfectly in pots,
if grown cool and slowly. A late bloomer.
QUEEN ANNE'S DOUBLE JONQUIL. (B. 12 in. f$z doz.)
Ar. odorus minor plenus. This famous old variety bears
tw* or three small sweet-scented double-rose-shaped flowers
of rich golden yellow colour on twelve inch stems. It does
well in shaded garden beds, naturalised in grass and is
charming when grown in pots, five to six bulbs in a five
inch pot.
GIANT DOUBLE JONQUIL. (C. 20 in. f 7SC ea.) N.
Campernelli plenus. This magnificent jonquil is said to
be a doubled Campernelle, but its strength of growth and
size of flower seems to indicate that it is a double form of
N. odorus rugulosus maximus. Under favoured conditions the
flower stems attain a height of two feet, each stem carrying
erect from two to six large double fragrant bright yellow
flowers, which deepen to orange at the junction of double
cup and perianth. A bed of these left undisturbed until
established — for at least two years — will produce blos-
soms in such numbers and size as to be a revelation even
to daffodil lovers.
CHAPTER XVIII
SOME AUTUMN FLOWERING SPECIES
THESE rare, curious, and dainty little mem-
bers of the genus Narcissus are found grow-
ing wild, not often but occasionally, in Al-
geria, Morocco, Gibraltar, Spain, Italy and
sometimes in other localities closely bordering
the Mediterranean. They are all round or
rush-leaved types bearing their flowers in jon-
quil-like clusters.
The characteristics of spring-flowering daf-
fodils and narcissus, i. e. love of moist cool-
ness is exactly reversed in these autumn flow-
ering kinds. These require almost tropical
heat, and dry seasons followed by wet
ones. They are not recommended for ordi-
nary garden cultivation in the North, though
they may be grown in frames covered with
glass during the late autumn and winter
months and may also be grown and flowered
in pots.
N. SEROTINUS. (10 in. 500. doz.) The fragrant little
flowers of this variety, borne in twos or threes on slender
206
AUTUMN FLOWERING SPECIES 207
stems, have spreading white petals turning slightly back-
wards; the lemon-yellow cup is very small. The leaves
are produced late in the fall, after the plant has ceased
blooming, therefore it must be protected with glass until
growth has been completed if flowers another season are
desired.
N. SEROTINUS, VAR. ELEGANS. This variety somewhat re-
sembles the preceding differing in the following partic-
ulars: the pure white petals are more slender and very
pointed; the small yellow cup is saucer-shaped. The
leaves and flowers are produced at the same time.
N. VIRIDIFLORUS. ($2 ea.) The green narcissus, a rare
little species blooming in November. Its small fragrant
star-like flowers with insignificant cups — are borne in two
to four flower clusters on tall stems. The coloring of the
flower is a really pretty shade of light green.
CHAPTER XIX
HYBRIDISING AND RAISING FROM SEED
In entering into this fascinating field of
hybridising and raising seedlings, avoid above
all things any haphazard way, making what
Mr. Darwin called "fool's experiments."
Have some definite object in view. The pro-
duction of a King Alfred, for instance, in an
early flowering form which might possibly be
accomplished by crossing that variety on spu-
rius major or Golden Spur, or vice versa,
would be a real achievement. Always work
for constitution, vigour of growth and sturdy
stems, as well as for size, form, substance and
freedom of bloom; and for rich and deep, or
else sharply contrasting colouring — no
washed-out blends are needed. The petals
are usually the weakest part of the flower and
can stand improving. In many flowers they
lack substance and breadth. In some varieties
I find they wither and curl back in a sunny ex-
posure, while the trumpet or crown is still
holding well.
208
RAISING FROM SEED 209
There are hundreds of desirable possibili-
ties to work for and hundreds of possible com-
binations to work with, this being one of the
phases of daffodil culture that makes it so
fascinating. The enthusiast's culmination of
delight is in watching the development of the
first flowers of his own seedlings, for he is
always sure that something will develop to
astonish the world — possibly a silver-winged
Weardale with scarlet trumpet or a golden-
winged Autocrat with snow-white crown.
In every fertile flower of Narcissus, the
long, slender style with its swollen stigma,
after the lobes develop, exudes a sticky sub-
stance which indicates that the stigma is in a
receptive condition. Pollen is the yellow,
dust-like grains adhering to the anthers which
dangle at the ends of the six stamens sur-
rounding the stigma. When ripe pollen
comes into contact with the stigma, pol-
lination results, which if effective, is called
fertilisation. When the pollen of a flower
falls upon its own stigma it is self pollination
or self fertilisation. If the pollen is that from
another flower of the same type on a differ-
ent plant, it is cross pollination. A true hy-
2 1 0 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
brid is the result of crossing quite different
flowers.
The flowers to be artificially pollenized
should have their anthers removed before
the pollen is ready to shed, to prevent self pol-
lination. Then tie a piece of netting over the
flower to prevent insects from carrying for-
eign pollen to the stigma. When the latter
is ripe for the operation, apply the pollen
from the chosen flower by means of a camePs
hair brush slightly moistened, or a bit of ivory
or bone. Re-cover the flower operated upon
with netting. It is advisable to repeat this
operation two or three times on successive
days to make sure that the purpose has been
accomplished. If fertilisation is successful,
the ovary will soon develop into a seed pod
and as it nears maturity, it should be carefully
watched and gathered before it bursts and
scatters its seeds.
When the intended parents flower at differ-
ent times, artificial crossing is accomplished
by retarding the early flowering sort and has-
tening the flowering of the late sort by forc-
ing under glass if necessary. But if, normally,
the difference in time is not over two weeks,
RAISING FROM SEED 211
this may be accomplished in outdoor cultiva-
tion by selecting an early site for the late-
flowering kind and a late site for the early
one, as discussed in Chapter II. By ad-
justing the regular forcing methods given in
Chapter III., types widely differing in time
of bloom may be brought to flower simulta-
neously. In this way, the poetaz race (the
result of crossing rfie late flowering N. poeti-
cus, var. ornatus with an early-flowering
Tazetta variety) was made possible. Also, in
the same way, the Sprengeri hybrids were pro-
duced by crossing a large yellow trumpet va-
riety with the Paper White. The Leedsii
varieties are crosses of the white trumpets
and poeticus.
But it is not alone the crossing of species
and widely differing forms that gives us the
most valuable results. Most of the best large
new daffodils of the present time have been
produced by crossing individuals of the same
group. King Alfred, the acknowledged peer
of the all-yellow trumpets — certificated in
1899 and stiH worth $15.00 per bulb — is a
cross between Maximus and Emperor, large
yellow trumpet daffodils. Other instances
2 1 2 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
could be cited to show that crossing in the
same group often produces progeny superior
to either parent.
SOWING DAFFODIL SEEDS AND RAISING
THE SEEDLINGS
The seeds of narcissus and daffodils should
be sown as soon as ripe, about August, in
wooden boxes with holes in the bottom, or
earthen pots or pans. Cover the holes with
broken pottery, then place over the hole a
layer of more finely broken pots or cinders
and another layer of cocoanut fibre refuse, or
old fibrous roots from sods to prevent the soil
from filling up the rubble and stopping the
drainage. Over this place a two or three-inch
layer of good loamy soil free from manure,
mixed with about ten per cent, of sand. On
this sow the seeds, scattering them thinly over
the surface, and cover with half an inch
of loamy soil mixed with one-half sand. The
object of so much sand is to prevent the soil
from caking and forming a surface which it
would be difficult for young growth to pene-
trate. The boxes, pots or pans containing
RAISING FROM SEED 213
the seeds should be placed in a cold-frame on
a layer of ashes two or three inches deep, to
keep worms out and to further facilitate
drainage.
The seedlings may appear in a month or
two — little narrow, rush-like leaves — but
they sometimes come up at intervals through-
out the winter and sometimes do not germin-
ate until spring. The seedlings are to remain
undisturbed in their boxes or pans in the
frame for about two years or until the little
bulbs have attained the size of large peas,
when they are to be transplanted to a cool,
semi-shaded situation in the garden in a raised
bed of finely prepared sandy loam. Here
they should remain until the flowering size is
reached.
The time required for flowering from the
seed differs with the sections. The miniature
daffodils, namely, Bulbocodium, triandrus,
cyclamineus, juncifolius, etc., will generally
flower the third year after sowing; but the
larger-growing kinds can hardly be expected
to flower under four or five years from the
seed and even then, they will continue to im-
prove for a year or two and give their first
2 1 4 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
characteristic flower in from seven to ten
years.
Crosses in which Tazetta varieties take
place are usually longer in producing their
first flowers than any other combinations.
APPENDIX
A KEY TO THE DAFFODILS
BY
WILHELM MILLER AND LEONARD BARRON
A Key to the Daffodils
INCLUDING ALL THE HYBRID GROUPS OR "SECTIONS" AND
IMPORTANT SPECIES.
THE following key is, we believe, the first
which clearly distinguishes all the important
sections and species of the daffodil or narcis-
sus. If the beginner will spend five minutes
upon it he will get a better grasp of the genus
Narcissus than he can get in any other way,
because the key shows in the briefest possible
form how each species and hybrid group sec-
tion differs from any other, and also what it
has in common with any other. Moreover,
it not only gives one a vivid mental picture of
the whole genus, but it also enables one to
determine with certainty, in the shortest pos-
sible time, to what section an unknown flower
belongs. Then by referring to the descrip-
tion list of varieties in the first part of the
book the exact name of the flower can be de-
termined.
In order to get a grasp of the genus Nar-
cissus, notice first the distinctness between A,
AA, and AAA. Here we have the daffodils
217
2 1 8 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
divided into the (A), large-- ; (AA), me-
dium- ; and (AAA), small-crowned groups,
which are better distinguished commonly as
trumpets, cups and saucers. Under A, notice
that we have B, BB, and BBB, which show
that the petals spread horizontally in the first
species * point backwards in species Nos. 5
and 6 and forward in No. 7.
In like manner, the most important dis-
tinctions among the medium-crowned daffo-
dils are indicated by B and BB under AA;
namely, that the leaves are broad and flat
in species 8 to 15 inclusive, while they are
narrow and rush-like in species 16 and 17.
Again, among the small-crowned daffodils,
the most important distinctions are shown
by B, BB, and BBB, which clearly indicate
the number of flowers on a stem possessed by
species Nos. 18 to 28.
Suppose now that we wish to place an un-
known flower in its proper section. We
choose first between A, A A, and AAA. If
our specimen has a large-crowned flower, it
* (NOTE: For the present purposes the typical hybrid
groups, or sections, are regarded as species, and the peri-
anth segments are referred to simply as "petals").
KEY TO THE DAFFODILS 219
clearly belongs under A, and we must next
choose between B, BB, and BBB. The petals
spread horizontally, which places it under B.
If our specimen has only one flower on a
stem, it belongs then under C, and we must
choose between D and DD. If it has a
spread trumpet, it belongs under D, and if
the trumpet is straight, and flared only at the
rim, it clearly belongs under species No. i,
namely Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus, which is
the most important group of all as it contains
most of the common trumpet daffodils.
The authorities disagree about N. Back-
housei. Even Peter Barr puts it in the large-
crowned section in his catalogue and in the
medium-crowned section in his book. All
agree that it is a hybrid between a large-
crowned and a medium - or small-crowned
type (some say incomparablis, some poeticus,
and some Tazetta), yet we have searched
the books in vain for any indication that the
flower of Backhousei has a crown appreciably
shorter in relation to the petals than the typi-
cal trumpet varieties. On the contrary, Peter
Barr distinctly states that the cup is nearly
as long as the petals. Hence, N. Backhousei
220 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
may be sought below in either the large - or
medium-crowned sections.
The new section, N. Englehearti, has not
yet been described with sufficient precision to
enable us to insert it in the key. It is closely
allied to N. Burbidgei, and indeed some of
the varieties of the new section were formerly
included in Burbidgei. The crown is short,
spreading and much fluted.
A. The large-crowned, or trumpet daffodils; crown almost
as long as the petals (here might be sought No. 9) or
longer; perianth tube much shorter than the crown and
wide.
B. Petals spreading horizontally.
C. Number of flowers on a stem only one.
D. Trumpet straight or flared only at the rim
i. N. Pseudo-Narcissus.
DD. Trumpet flaring widely like a hoop skirt
2. Ar. Bulbocodium.
CC. Number of flowers on a stem two or three
3. N. tridymus.
BB. Petals pointing backward
C. Flowers large: height twelve inches: hardy
4. N. Johnstoni.
CC. Flowers small: height six inches: for pot culture
of rockeries 5. N. cyclamineus.
BBB. Petals pointing forward 6. N. Humei.
AA. The medium-crowned, or cup daffodils: crown more
than one-third and up to three-fourths as long as the
petals: perianth tube about as long as the crown.
KEY TO THE DAFFODILS 221
B. Leaves broad and flat.
C. Flowers large: height a foot or more, hardy.
D. Blossoms not drooping.
E. Petals generally yellow, sometimes white.
F. Cup a third or more the length of the petals.
7. N. incomparabilis.
FF. Cup a fourth to a third of the length of the
petals ; 8. N. Barrii.
FFF. Cup nearly as long as the petals.
9. N. Backhousei.
EE. Petals always white.
F. Cup white 10. N. Leedsii.
FF. Cup orange-scarlet: crown half as long as
the petals u. N. Bernardl.
FFF. Cup yellow, sometimes tinged orange:
crown more than half as long as the petals,
12. N. Nelsoni.
DD. Blossoms drooping 13. N. montanus.
CC. Flowers small: height four to nine inches: for
pots or rockeries 14. N. Maclean.
BB. Leaves narrow, rush-like.
C. Petals reflexed 15. N. triandrus.
CC. Petals spreading horizontally.
D. Flowers large: height twelve to twenty-two
inches: petals not imbricated: hardy.
1 6. N. odorus.
DD. Flowers small: height three to four, inches:
petals imbricated: for pots or rockeries.
17. N. juncifolius.
AAA. The small-crowned or saucer daffodils: crown less
than one-third as long as the petals: perianth tube
much longer than the crown and narrow.
B. Number of flowers about a dozen: only for indoor
culture North.
C. For pot culture 18. N. Tazetta.
222 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
CC. For culture in pure water 19. N. Tazetta
var. orientalis.
BB. Number of flowers usually three to eight.
20. N. poetaz.
BBB. Number of flowers one (except "Twin-Flow-
ered," a variety of poeticus)
C. Leaves broad and flat.
D. Saucer nearly flat 21. N. poeticus.
DD. Saucer a trifle deeper 22. N. Burbidgei.
CC. Leaves narrow, rush-like.
D. Blooming in autumn.
E. Flowers all green , .23. N. viridiflorus.
EE. Flowers white with yellow crown.
F. Flowers before leaves 24. N. serotinus.
FF. Flowers with leaves 25. N. elegans.
DD. Blooming in May.
E. Yellow at first, becoming sulphur.
26. N. gracilis.
EE. Colour not changing.
F. Petals and cup yellow 27. N. Jonquilla.
FF. Petals pale yellow: cup yellow or orange..
28. N. intermedium.
INDEX TO SPECIES
TKe following index to the species or sec-
tions will enable anyone to locate its place in
the preceding Key. The numbers immedi-
ately following the names refer to the order in
which the names are given in the key; the
page references (in parenthesis) indicate
where the full descriptions of the varieties of
the section, and their appraisement as garden
KEY TO THE DAFFODILS
223
plants, by Mr. Kirby, will be found in the
preceding chapters.
Backhouse!, 9 (p. 142)
Barrii, 8 (p. 166)
Bernard!, n (p. 169)
biflorus, 21 (p. 173)
Bulbocodium, 2 (p. 143)
Burbidgei, 22 (p. 174)
cyclamineus, 5 (p. 145)
elegans, 25 (p. 207)
Engleheartii, . . .(p. 178)
gracilis, 26 (p. 182)
Huraei, 6 (p. 141)
incomparabilis, 7 (p. 148)
intermedius, 28 (p. 190)
Johnston!, 4 (p. 146)
Jonquilla, 27 (p. 180)
juncifolius, 17 (p. 181)
Leeds!!, 10 (p. 158)
Macleaii, 14 (p. 165)
montanus, 13 (p. 164)
Nelson!!, 12 (p. 156)
odorus, 16 (p. 181)
poetaz, 20 (p. 193)
poeticus, 21 (p. 170)
Pseudo-Narcissus, i (p. in)
serotinus, 24 (p. 206)
Tazetta, 18 (p. 185)
Tazetta, var. orientalis, 19
(P- 191)
tridymus, 3 (p. 194)
triandrus, 15 (p. 147)
viridiflorus, 23 (p. 207)
INDEX
Abscissus, 112.
Achilks, 112.
Ada Brooke, 133.
Admiral Makaroff, 112.
Togo, 112.
Adonia, 185.
Atalanta, 127.
Aurantius, 149, 157.
Plenus, 202.
Autocrat, 149.
Autumn flowering, 108, 206.
Avalanche, 127.
Advice to beginners, 10. Baby Jonquil, see junci-
After flowering, 56. folius.
Agnes Barr, 175. Backhousei, 101, 142, 143.
Harvey, 159. Barbara Holmes, see Lady
Ajax varieties, 100, in, Godiva.
198. Baroness Heath, 175.
Albatross, 167. Barrii, 104, 166.
Albicans, 126. Basal rot, 20, 94.
Alice Knights, 126. Bathurst, 185.
Alida, 112. Bazelman major, 186.
All white trumpets, 125, 201 Beacon, 175.
All yellow trumpets, in. Beatrice, 159.
Almira, 171. Haseltine, 175.
Beauty, 149.
Beginners, advice to, 10.
Bernardi, 104, 169.
Bernice, 175.
Bertie, 150.
Angel's tears, see Tri- Bianca, 159.
andrus. Bicolor, 133.
Angustifolius, 171. Ajax, 101.
of Haworth, 133.
Bicolour maximus, see
Grandee,
trumpets, 133.
Alsace, 193.
Alvarez, 112.
Amab' *s, 159.
Amazon, 159.
Amsterdam, 149.
Apricot, 126.
Phoenix, 202.
Apricot-crowned Leedsiis,
see Salmonetta and
Peach.
A. Rawson, 194.
Ard Righ, 112.
Argent, 202.
Ariadne, 159.
Artemis, 149.
Astradente, 178.
Biflorus, 105, 173, 174.
hybridus, 174.
Big Ben, 113.
Blackwell, 150.
Blast, cause of, 64.
Blindness, cause of, 73.
Blood Orange, 176.
225
226 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS
Breviflos, 134. Cecilia De Graaff, 127.
Bridal Veil, 159. Cecily Hill, 167.
Bridesmaid, 159. Cernuus, 127.
Bulb, diseased, 45. plenus, see Double White
growth of a, 17. Trumpet.
how to order, 49. pulcher, 127.
increase of, 30, 44. Cervantes, 113.
selection, 43. Charles Dickens, 185.
size of, 18, 24. Chaucer, 171.
what is good, 45. C. H. Curtis, 113.
citrinum or citrinus, 144. Cheesecloth protection, 39
Bulbocodlum Cherry Ripe, 176.
see p. 144, Chinese sacred, 65, 186, 204.
conspicuum or conspicua, Christmas, forcing for, 63,
144- 70.
miniature, 144. Circe, see Duchess of Bra-
monophyllum or mono- bant.
phylla, 144. C. J. Backhouse, 150.
praecox, 144. Classification, 98.
Bullfinch, 167. Cleopatra, 113.
Bunching flowers, 79. Close club, 10.
Burbidgei, 105, 174, 175. Cloth of Gold, 194.
Butter and Eggs, see Au- Club, 10.
rantius and Aurantius Clusii, see Bulbocodium
plenus. Monophyllum.
Buttercup, see Obvallaris Cocoanut fibre refuse 36,67
pallidus. Codlins and Cream, see
Cabeceiras, 134. Silver Phoenix.
Calpurnia, 134. Colleen Bawn, 127.
Cambricus, 113. Colonizing, 82.
Cameoens, 134. Colour, preserving, 38.
Campernelle group, 105, Commander, 150.
1 80, 204. Commercial cut flowers, 70.
Jonquil, 181. Concord, 179.
major, see odorus rugu- Conference, 9.
losus. Conspicuus, 167.
plenus, see Giant Double minor, see Orpnee.
Jonquil.' Constance Pierpont, 159.
Canary Queen, 150. Constantinople, 187, 204.
Capax plenus, see Queen Constellation, 150.
Anne's Double. Cora Plemp, 127.
Captain Nelson, 113. Coronatus, 114.
Cardinal, 150. Countess of Annesley, 114.
Cassandra, 171. Desmond, 114.
INDEX
227
Cresset, 179.
Crom-a-Boo, 114.
Crosses, 7.
Crown Frilled, see Crom-a-
Boo.
Prince, 167.
Princess, 176.
Cupid, 167.
Cutting, flowers for, 43, 70.
C. W. Cowan, 127.
Cyclamen-flowered group,
102, 145.
Cyclamineus, 102, 145.
van major, 146.
Cygnet, 134.
Cynosure, 150.
Daffodil conference, 9.
typical, 13.
Dainty Maid, 134.
Dandy Dick, 151.
Daniel Dewar, 114.
Dante, 171.
Dean Herbert, 134.
Defiance, 114.
Delos, 1 60.
Depths to plant, 24.
Diana, 160.
Disease, 93.
Distances apart, 24.
Dividing, 29, 31.
Doctor Gorman, 151.
Don Quixote, see Princeps
Maximus.
Dormant period, 18.
Dorothy E. Wemyss, 167.
Double Jonquil, 204.
Poet's Narcissus, 203.
Roman, see Constanti-
nople.
Scotch, 201.
Van Sion, 19, 198.
White Trumpet, 201.
Double-flowered group, 108,
196.
Dr. Fell, 167.
Hogg, 128.
Dubius, see Paper White.
Duchess of Brabant, 160.
Connaught, 127.
Normandy, 128.
Westminster, 160.
Duke of Bedford, 134.
Dutch minor, see Minor.
Moschatus, see Albicans.
nanus, see Lobularis.
Dwarf Double Sweet
Scented, 200.
Early Bird, 115.
flowering, 65.
Edmond's White, see Mag-
gie May.
Eggs and Bacon, see
Orange Phoenix.
Egret, 179.
Elaine, 160.
Eliza Turck, 115.
Ellen Barr, 176.
Elvira, 193.
Emperor, 115.
Empress, 134.
Englehearti, 105, 178.
English Lent Lily, see
Pseudo-Narcissus.
Enid, 1 60.
Eoster, 160.
Epic, 172.
E. T. Cook, 135.
Etoil d'or, see Intermedius
biflorons.
Excelsior, 115.
Exquisite, 128.
Eystettensis, see Queen
Anne's Double.
Fairy Queen, 160.
Falstaff, 176.
Farm, a flower, 77.
Fearless, 151.
Fertilizers, 24, 67, 73, 74-
228
DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
Field Culture, 76.
Figaro, 151.
Fire Glow, 169.
Firebrand, 176.
Flats, 70.
Flora Wilson, 168.
Forcing, 47, 55, 70.
for Christmas, 63, 70.
varieties for, 59, 60, 76.
Frailty, 176.
Frank Miles, 151.
Fred Moore, 115.
F. W. Burbidge, 128.
Gaiety, 151.
Ganymedes, see Triandrus.
Garden analysis, 99.
crosses, 7.
cultivation, 17.
Gardenia-flowered narcis-
sus, see Double Poet's
Narcissus.
Garland flower, see Pseudo-
Narcissus.
Gem, 161.
General Murray, 168.
George Nicholson, 151.
Philip Haydon, 116.
Gerard's Silver and Gold
Double, 200.
Giant Double Jonquil, 205.
jonquil, see odorus.
Princeps, see Princeps
Maximus.
trumpet group, 100, in,
198.
Gipsy Lad, 151.
Glitter, 168.
Gloria Mundi, 151.
Gloriosa superba, see Glo-
riosus.
Gloriosus, 187.
Glory, 172.
of Leiden, 116.
Gold Eye, 179.
Golden Bell, 116.
Eagle, 1 1 6.
Gem, 1 68.
Giant, see Monarch.
Mary, 168.
Phoenix, or Erini, 202.
see Aurantius.
Plover, 1 1 6.
Prince, 117.
Princeps, see Golden
Plover.
Rose, 202.
Spur, 117.
Goliath, 152.
Good luck flower, see
Chinese Sacred.
Grace Darling, 128.
Gracilis, 106, 182.
tenuior, 182.
Grand Duchess, 161.
Emperor of China, see
Chinese Sacred.
Monarque, 187.
Primo, 187.
Primo Citronierre, 185.
Soleil D'or, 185.
Grandee, 135.
Grandiflorus, 172.
Grandis, see Grandee.
Grandis-praecox, see Prae-
cox.
Groot Voorst, 187.
Grouping, 37, 84.
Gwendolen, 135.
Gwyther, 152.
Hamlet, 117.
Hardy cluster - flowered
group, 107, 192.
Harold Hodge, 176.
Hatfield Beauty, 128.
Haunts, 6.
H. E. Buxton, 169.
Helene, see N. gracilis.
Henri Vilmorin, 128.
INDEX
229
Henry Irving, 117.
Her Majesty, 117, 187.
Heroine, i6z.
Hogarth, 152.
Homer, 172.
Hon. Mrs. Barton, 161.
Mrs. Joscelyn, 118.
Hoop-petticoat group, 102,
143-
Horsefieldi, 135.
House culture, 63.
How to plant, 27.
Hulda, 135.
Humei, 101, 141.
albidus, 142.
concolor, 142.
monstrosus, 142.
Hume's Giant, see Humei
monstrosus.
Hyacinth, 176.
Hybridizers, early, 8.
Hybridising, 208.
Hybrids, 6.
Incomparabilis, 103, 148.
albus aurantius plenus,
see Orange Phoenix.
pallidus - plenus, see
Golden Phoenix or
Erini.
simplex, see Aurantius.
Incognito, 179.
Insect, 93.
Intermediate cluster-flow-
ered group, 189.
Intermedius, 107, 190.
biflorons, 190.
Major, 190.
minor, see Intermedius.
Sunset, 190.
lone, 135.
Irene, 193.
Irish King, see Ard Righ.
Isolde, 118, 136.
Ivanhoe, 118.
James Bateman, 152.
Janet Image, 161.
Jaune a Merveille, 193.
Supreme, 185.
J. B. M. Camm, 136.
Jenny Woodhouse, 128.
John Bain, 176.
Bright, 1 1 8.
Davidson, 136.
Nelson, 118.
Tradescant's Daffodil, see
Rose-flowered Double.
Johnstoni, 102, 146.
"Queen of Spain," 146.
Jonquil group, 105, 180, 204.
Jonquilla, 106, 180.
plenus, see Double Jon-
quil.
Jos flower, see Chinese
Sacred.
J. T. Bennett Poe, 147.
Juncifolius, 106, i8r.
Katherine Spurrell, i6z.
Key to the Daffodils, 217.
King Alfred, 118.
Edward VII., see Almira.
Humbert, 119.
of Daffodils, see Glory of
Leiden.
of the Netherlands, 152.
Umberto, see King Hum-
bert.
Klondyke, 193.
Lady Arnott, 152.
Audrey, 128.
Godiva, 168.
Gregory, 162.
Grosvenor, 129.
Helen Vincent, 119.
Isabel, 176.
Margaret Boscawen, 152.
McCalmont, z6z.
of the Snows, 128.
Somerset, 129.
230 DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
Lady Sybil, 129. Manure, danger of, 22".
Willes, 119. Many -flowered Camper-
Large White Spanish Daffo- nelle, see Odorus cala-
dil, see Albicans. t' ina.
Leedsii, 103, 158, 161. Marchioness of Lome, 129.
Lena, 136. Market flowers, 75.
Lesser trumpet group, 101, Mars, 153.
141. Marvel, 172.
Lifting, 29, 31. Mary Anderson, 153 .
L'Innocence, 129. M. De Graaff, see Mary
Little Dirk, 177. Magdaline De Graaf.
Dorritt, 177. Magdaline De Graaf,
Lismore, 129. 162.
Lobster, 152. Matson Vincent, 129.
Lobularis, 136. Maurice Vilmorin, 168.
Neerlandicus, see Nanus. Maw's bicolor, 136.
plenissimus, see Rose- Maximus, 120.
flowered Double. of the Pyrenees, see
Lord Canning, 185. Maximus superbus lon-
Palmerston, 162. givirens.
Roberts, 119. superbus longivirens, 120.
Lorifolius, 119. Mediterranean types, 4.
Emperor, see Emperor. Medium-crowned hybrid
Lorna Doone, 119. group, 103, 148, 201.
Louise, 152, 193. Mercedes, 177.
Loveliness, 129. Michael Foster, 137.
Lucia, 162, 194. Mikado, 121.
Ideal, 193. Miniature flowers, 62, 90.
Improved Campernelle, see Minimus, 121.
Odorus rugulosus. Minnie Hume, 162.
Lucifer, 152. Warren, see W. P.
Lul worth, 153. Milner.
Beauty, see Lulworth. Minor, 121.
Lusitanica, see Cameoens. Miriam Barton, 168.
Lydia, 153. Miss Weisse, 163.
Mable Cowan, 153. White, 195.
Macleaii, 104, 165. M. J. Berkeley, 121.
Madame De Graaff^ 129. Modern, 3.
Plemp, 136. Monarch, 122.
Madge Matthew, 162. Montanus, 104, 164.
Maestro, 187. Mont Cenis, 187.
Maggie May, 162. Morning Star, 122.
Magog, 153. Moschatus, 130.
Major, 119. of Haworth, 130.
Spurius, 120. Moss culture, 66.
INDEX
231
Mountain Maid, 163.
Mr. J. Bell Caram, see J. B.
M. Camm.
Mrs. Alfred Pearson, 195.
Bettridge, 130.
Buchanan, 137.
Burbidge, 130.
C. Bowley, 168.
C. J. Backhouse, 157.
C. W. Earle, 137.
Geo. H. Barr, 130.
H. J. Elwes, 122.
J. Bell Camm, 130.
Knights, 157.
Krelage, 177.
Langtry, 163.
Morland Crosfield, 137.
R. C. Notcutt, 1 68.
Thompson, 131.
Vincent, 131.
Walter T. Ware, 137.
Mulch for winter, 32.
Mulching materials, 34.
Muscaret orientalis, 191.
Muticus, see Abscissus.
Nanus, 122.
albus, see W. P. Mil-
tier.
Major, see Nanus.
minimus, see Minimus.
minor, see Minor.
Narcissus fly, 95.
typical, 13.
Native haunts, 6.
Natural hybrids, 6.
Naturalising, 7, 8x.
Nelsoni, 103, 156.
major, 157.
minor, 157.
Nelson's Orange, see Au-
rantius.
Newton, see Sir Isaac
Newton.
Niobe, 163.
Noblissimus Plenus, 204.
Nomenclature, 98.
North Star, see Early Bird.
Notch planting, 86.
Obvallaris, 122.
pallidus, 122.
Occident, 168.
Odorus, 106, 181.
calathina, 182.
heminalis, 181.
interjectus, 181.
minor plenus, see Queen
Anne's Double Jonquil.
rugulosus, 1 8 1.
rugulosus maximus, 182.
Offsets, 30.
Old plantings character-
istics, 85.
Old-Time and Modern, 3.
Oonah, 122.
Ophelia, 123.
Ophir, 123.
Orange Phoenix, 202.
Oriana, 138.
Oriental types, 4.
Orientalis, 107, 191.
of Haworth, see Orient-
alis.
Oriflamme, 177.
Ornatus, 172.
Orphee, 169.
Osiris, 138.
Othello 123.
Ovid, 177.
Pallidus praecox, 131.
Palmerston, see Lord Palm-
erston.
Pans, 53.
Paper White, 188.
Grandiflora, 189.
multiflora, see Paper
White Grandiflora.
Papyraceus, see Paper
White.
232
DAFFODILS NARCISSUS
Parkinson's Rose-flowered
Daffodil, see Rose-
flowered Double.
Peach, 163.
Perfectus, 153.
Peter Barr, 131.
Pharaoh, 138.
Pheasant's Eye narcissus,
see Recurvis.
Phil May, 123.
Phyllis, 163.
Planting, 22, 24.
depth, 24.
sites, 19, 83.
time for, 26.
Plenipo, 203.
Plunging, 53.
Poetarum, 172.
Poetaz, 107, 192.
Poeticus, 104, 170, 203.
albus-plenus odoratus, see
Double Poet's Narcissus.
Poet's narcissus group, 104,
170, 203.
Polestar, 179.
Polyanthus, 183, 203.
Portia, 138.
Pots, 51, 52.
Potting in August, 49.
soil, 48.
Praecox, 172.
grandiflorus, see Praecox.
P. R. Barr, 123.
Prices, high, 10.
Primrose Phoenix, 203.
Primulinus, see Dean Her-
bert.
Prince Colobri, 138.
George, 123.
Metternich, 188,
of Teck, 153.
Princeps, 138.
Maximus, 138.
Princess Ida, 132.
William Wilks, 143.
Mary, 154.
Mary of Cambridge, see
Princess Mary.
Maude, 163.
of Wales, 163.
Prinz von Metternich, see
Prince Metternich.
Profusion, 194.
Prometheus, 177.
Proserpine, 138.
Protection for winter, 32.
in summer, 39.
Pseudo lobularis pumilus
plenu, see Dwarf
Double Sweet Scented.
Pseudo-Narcissus, 138.
albus aureus plenus, see
Gerard's Silver and
Gold Double,
albus plenus sulnhurius,
see Silver or Sulphur
Phoenix.
Pseudo-rugilobus, see Rugi-
lobus.
Pseudo-Scoticus plenus, see
Double Scotch.
Pulchellus, 157.
Pyramus, 139.
Pyrenean poeticus, 172.
Queen Anne's Double, 200.
Double Jonquil, 205.
Bess, 154.
Catherina, 154.
Christiana, 139.
Isabella, 139.
of Holland, 123.
of Holland, see Minnie
Hume.
Queen of Spain, see John-
ston! Queen of Spain,
of the chalice cups, see
Conspicuus.
of the Netherlands, 188.
INDEX
233
Queen of Yellows, 186.
Sophia, 154.
Radiflorus, see Angusti-
folius.
Ranger Johnson, 123.
Ray Smith, 123.
Recurvis, 173.
Red Star, 154.
Regina Marguerita, 123.
Resolute, 157.
Rev. D. R. Williamson, 124.
Rhea, 139
Rip Van Winkle, 200.
Rock garden, varieties for,
91-
Rockeries, 4.
Rosalind, 177.
Rose-flowered Double, 200.
Rowena, 132.
Royal Star, 179.
Rugilobus, 124.
lorifolius, see Rugilobus.
Sabrina, 124.
S. A. De Graaff, 195.
Salmonetta, 164.
Salt hay, 36.
Sand cushions, 29.
Santa Maria, 124.
Scarlet Eye, 177.
Scarletta, 177.
Sceptre, 178.
Schizanthus Orientalis, sec
Orientalis.
Scilly White, 189.
Scotch garland flower, see
Scoticus.
Scoticus, 139.
Sea Gull, 169.
Secret of succsss, 20.
Seed, sowing, 212.
raising from, 212.
Seedlings, raising, 208.
Selecting, 43.
Semi-partitus, 154.
plenus, 203.
Sensation, 169.
Sentinel, 139.
Sequin, 179.
Serotinus, 206.
var. elegans, 207.
Shade, value of, 38.
Shakespeare, 124.
Shipping flowers, 79.
Shirley Hibberd, 124.
Siddington, 169.
Signs, explanation of, 109,
Silver jonquil, see gracilis
var. tenuior.
Phoenix, 203.
Spur, 139.
Trumpet, see Albicans.
White Swan's Neck daffo-
dil, see Cernuus pulcher.
no.
Single Jonquil, see Jon-
quilla.
Van Sion of the Dutch, see
Spurius.
Sir Isaac Newton, 186.
Stafford Northcote* 132.
Watkin, 154.
Sites for planting, 19, 83.
Snowflake, 132.
see Paper White Grandi-
flora.
Soil, 5, 18, 19, 21, 48, 77,
83, 84.
Spread Eagle, 124.
Sprightly, 124.
Spurius, 124.
Excelsior, see Excelsior.
Golden Spur, see Golden
Spur.
Henry Irving, see Henry
Irving.
Starlight, 155.
Staten Generaal, see States
General.
States General, 188.
Steadfast, 155.
234 DAFFODILS - NARCISSUS
Stella, 155. Tottenham Yellow, 125.
superba, 155, Totus albus, see Paper-
St. John's Beauty, 178. white.
St. Patrick, 195. Tradescanthus, see Rose-
Strong Bow, 157. flowered Double.
Structure, 14. Tradescant's Centifolius, see
Success, 20. Rose-flowered Double.
Sulphur hoop petticoat, see Trewianus Major, see
Bulbocodium Citrinum. Bazelman major.
King, 132. Triandrus, 103, 147.
Phoenix, 203. albus, 147.
Trumpet, see Albicans. calathinus, 147.
Sunset, 194. concolor, 147.
Superbus, 164. pulchellus, 147.
Swan's Neck Daffodil, see Tridymus, 107, 194.
Tortuosus and William Triumph, 156, 194.
Goldring. True Jonquil, see Jonquilla.
Sweetheart, 155. Trumpet Maximus, 120.
Sylvia, 164. Minor, see Minor.
Tazetta, 106, 183. Turf, planting in, 28, 86.
Telamonius, see Spurius. Tuscan Bi-colour, 140.
plenus, see Double Van Bonnet, 125.
Sion. Twin Flower, 173.
Temperature for potted Two coiored trumpets, 133-
bulbs, 48, 57, 64, 72. Una l64>
Tenby Daffodil, see Jenny Underdrainage, 23.
Woodhouse and Ob- Undine> l64.
vallans. Vanessa, 178.
Tender cluster - flowered Van §ion> ^ r^
group, 106, 183, 203. Van Waveren>8 Giant, 125.
Tenuifolius minor, see In- Varieties for cut flowers, 80.
59> °> 7'
Leek 142 naturalising, 84, 87.
Pet 178 Verbanensis, I73-
Rtv'al 155. Vesuvius, 156.
Sisterhood, 164. l^Ta' **°'
Twins, 195. Viridiflorus, 207.
Thisbe, 179. Vlvld> X78-
Thomas Moore, 125. Water c"lture' 63;
Three months of bloom, 40. Weardale Perfection, 140.
Time to plant, 26. Welsh Lent lily, see Cam-
Titian, 156. bricus.
Torch, 156. Wet feet, 20.
Tortuosus, 132. Where to grow, 4.
INDEX
235
White Ajax, tor.
hoop petticoat, see Bulbo-
codium monophyllum.
Lady, 164.
obvallaris, see Jenny
Woodhouse.
Orientalis, see Muscaret
orientalis.
Pearl, 189.
Perfection, 189.
Queen,i 64.
Wings, 156.
Wild, 6.
Will Scarlett, 156.
William Backhouse, 158.
Goldring, 133.
Princess Louise, 177.
Willie Barr, 125.
Wilmer's Double Golden
Daffodil, see Double
Van Sion.
Winter flowering, 47.
varieties for, 58.
Wolley Dod, 143.
W. P. Milner, 133.
Yellow Ajax, 101.
Hoop Petticoat, see Bulbo-
codium conspicuum.
King, see Ard Righ.
Orientalis, see Orientalis.
poeticus, see Vanessa.
Primo, see Grand Prirao
Citroniere.
A
48608
./