What are Daffodils? | Everything You Need to Know About Daffodils

Daffodils are the first sign of spring. With their vibrant yellow petals and trumpet-shaped silhouettes, daffodils are one of the UK's most popular flowers. Not only are we the largest grower of the flower, but we've claimed it as our own. Known as 'narcissus', daffodils bloom every spring as a no-fuss flower that you'll find everywhere from your neighbourhood park to your kitchen table.

Although yellow is the most common daffodil colour, they also bloom in orange, white, and occasionally pink. Usually blooming for 4 to 6 weeks in early spring, daffodils can come in a variety of shapes, including split-cups, doubles, and trumpets.

We're sharing everything you need to know about daffodils to help you find the perfect hand-tied bouquet for spring.

What Does 'Daffodil' Mean?

Although we know them as a daffodil, the botanical name for the flower is 'narcissus', which is taken from Greek mythology and the story of a beautiful man who was tricked into falling in love with his own reflection.

The story claims to link the drooping shape of daffodils to the man looking over the water at his reception. The name also comes from the word 'narco', reflecting how daffodils are toxic and not suitable to eat.

The History of Daffodils

Daffodils are a flower that feel like they've always been there. Most of us associate the sight of daffodils with nostalgia, the first sign that spring has bloomed. However, daffodils have a longer history than most people realise. We can trace the humble daffodil back to 300BC and Theophrastus, a Greek botanist and philosopher.

Although originally from mainland Europe, the flower was widely spread and brought to England by the Romans, who believed the honeydew could be used for healing purposes. Although the sap of the flower actually irritated skin instead of healing it, daffodils continued to spread throughout Europe. Over time, they were also used to memorialise fallen soldiers and lost loved ones.

Outside of the UK, you'll find the largest variety of daffodil species in Spain and Portugal. By the 17th century, the UK had well and truly begun our love affair with daffodils, with the flower being documented as one of Shakespeare's favourite flowers.

It wasn't until the 19th century that daffodil farming. Back then, it took around five years for a daffodil to bloom from a seed with most being wild or natural hybrids. The National Trust now estimates that there are over 30 species and 27,000 cultivated varieties of daffodils, thanks to the plant cultivators from generations gone by.

What Do Daffodils Symbolise?

Daffodils symbolise the beginning of spring, new hope, and rebirth. They begin to appear in the wild – and in luxury bouquets – in the first days of spring. The flower is also considered a symbol of resilience as it survives the harshness of winter to bloom again every spring as the days begin to become longer and brighter.

Although commonly used in the UK, daffodils are also a significant flower in China as they typically bloom around Chinese New Year. If the daffodils bloom by then, it's considered good luck for the year ahead. They're also used as a symbol of good fortune, luck, and prosperity.

What Different Daffodil Colours Represent

Although most of us associate daffodils with the colour yellow, they also bloom in other colours with white and pink being the most popular. Each daffodil colour has its own meaning, although they all represent new beginnings and rebirth due to their association with spring and Easter.

• Yellow Daffodils

  Yellow daffodils, the most popular variant, is a fuss-free flower that blooms every spring once the temperatures start to rise. The yellow colour of daffodils represents resilience, rebirth, and joy.

• Pink Daffodils

  It's easy to mistake pink daffodils for tulips. Pink daffodils have a soft peach tone and are one of the rarest types of daffodils. Although they've been around for over a century, this type of daffodil is still considered rare. Finding pink daffodils is a sign of good luck itself with the flower representing affection, pride, and uniqueness. They're a great spring option for an alternative romantic flower.

• White Daffodils

  The second most common type of daffodil, this white flower represents new beginnings, innocence, and purity. You'll often see them incorporated into wedding bouquets for early spring and Easter weddings.

When Should You Give Daffodils as a Gift?

Are you looking to send someone you love a hand-tied luxury bouquet? At Chelsea Florals, our luxury flower arrangements can be delivered across the UK with next-day delivery when ordered before 3pm. Daffodils are one of the most popular flowers for birthday bouquets and flower gifts in spring due to their vibrant colour.

If you're looking for Mother's Day flowers, daffodils are a great option as an alternative to roses. Daffodils are also the March birth flower, making them the perfect gift for new parents to welcome the birth of a baby born in March or for a March baby shower. They're the perfect choice for any celebrations in March, whether you're congratulating a friend on a new promotion or sending flowers as a gift to new homeowners.

Daffodils are also associated with 10th wedding anniversaries, signifying entering the second decade of marriage. They're also the National Flower of Wales, with the daffodil traditionally worn on St David's Day to celebrate the country's patron saint. The celebration aligns with when daffodils are often first in bloom with stores and florists becoming overflown with these instantly recognizable yellow flowers.

As a symbol of hope and resilience, the daffodil has been adopted as a symbol by many charities and organisations, including Marie Curie and the American Cancer Society. Although a humble flower, daffodils have a special place in our hearts, signifying the start of a new season.

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