We now know the flowering plant that signals spring is here

DAFFODILS have and continue to be a source of inspiration for so many. One such person was the well-known English poet William Wordsworth in his iconic poem, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud: “When all at once I saw a crowd, a host of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”

Daffodils signal that winter is coming to an end and spring is on its way. They are bulbous perennials with flowers appearing from February to early May. Bulbs are planted out in autumn and prefer a sunny or partially shady spot; many varieties are ideal for naturalising in grass. They can be grouped into 13 distinctive divisions, separated by flower shape, fragrance and planting suitability.

While in college I remember one of my lecturers telling a story about the Latin name for daffodils, Narcissus, due to their similarity to the character Narcissus from Greek mythology. He was a young hunter, known for his good looks, who refused to fall in love and was therefore punished by Nemesis, the goddess of divine retribution and revenge, to fall in love with his own reflection in a mountain pool. It’s a nice idea and the imaginary has stuck with me: flowering on a single stem, mimicking the figure of narcissus looking at his reflection in the pool of water; this is especially true when they are planted next to a pond or lake.

Recommended varieties

Some recommended varieties include Narcissus Tete-a-Tete, a dependable miniature variety reaching 20-30cm tall which flowers mid-March to early April. With trumpet-shaped flower which are long lasting, it is ideal for naturalising in grass or growing in containers.

With its creamy white petals and yellow trumpet flower, N.loularis is the native British wild daffodil. It is also suitable for naturalising in grass and can be seen planted in drifts throughout the glade at RHS Harlow Carr.

If you’re looking for a daffodil with a "wow factor", N.Cyclamineus is a good choice; with its bright yellow pendent-shaped flowers and narrow leaves, it can’t help but standout.

How to grow Daffodils

Daffodils can be grown from seed but are more commonly grown by planting blubs in the autumn. They should be planted at one and a half or two times their depth and prefer well-drained soil that is moderately fertile. They can be propagated by division once they died back. All-in-all, daffodils are a great choice for spring colour and are sure to raise a smile, even on the dullest of days.

Jobs to do this week

Prepare beds for seed sowing.

Chit potatoes to help them establish during the planting out stage. Store seed potatoes in a dry dark place to aid the chitting process. Old egg cartons are ideal for keeping the potatoes in an upright position.

Lift and divide herbaceous perennials to maintain healthy plants and increase your plant stock.

For more information on things to do in the garden this month visit rhs.org.uk

DIARY DATES

March 25 to April 10: Garden Detectives hunt for the Lindt Gold Bunny

Become a Garden Detective at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate this Easter. Put your detective skills to the test on a daily garden hunt for the Lindt Gold Bunny – you may be rewarded with a chocolate treat! From Good Friday to Easter Monday, visitors can meet real fluffy bunnies and the Easter Bunny himself will be hoping round the garden from 11am – 2pm. Other activities vary daily and include: a bird of prey display & flying show, storytelling and craft workshops. Visit rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr/whatson for full details. Normal garden admission applies.