Narcissus

Our native daffodil, N. pseudonarcissus, is the classic colour, yellow and shape, with a long, trumpet-like corona. In contrast to that is the pheasant's eye, N. poeticus, which is white, with a very short, almost flat corona, of yellow to orange. Much breeding and hybridising has taken place over the last 200 years, with an incredible 25000  cultivated forms registered. Most of these are not available to buy, but there is still plenty to choose from, with a range of sizes, shapes, colour shades of white though to yellow, with peach, pink and oranges in addition. Most of the larger species and hybrids, along with some of the smaller wild ones,  appreciate a good moist soil, in sun or dappled shade. For an early traditional daffodil, try N. 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation'. Subtlety of colour N. 'Jenny'. Diminutive in stature, N. 'Gipsy Queen', 'Snow Baby', N. minor, N. cyclamineus, (used in breeding to reflex the petals backwards, as though they are caught in the wind). For long flowering period and scent, try N. 'Hawera’.