Clean white, many shapes
White daffodils are all cultivated forms, because the wild trumpet daffodil is yellow. Well-known white varieties include 'Mount Hood', 'Thalia' and the fragrant poet's narcissus, which has white petals and a small cup edged in red. Some open creamy and brighten as they age.
For pots and window boxes, choose compact varieties that do not flop. Plant the bulbs close together in autumn, with a little grit in the compost for drainage. White flowers show up best against a dark background such as a yew or box hedge.
Keeping the colour
Partial shade protects white petals from bleaching and weather marks. In Ireland, spring rain and wind can bruise them, so tuck pots into a sheltered corner. Combine them with snowdrops, grape hyacinths and white tulips for a pale spring bunch.
Growing and cutting
- Plant bulbs three times their height deep in September or October.
- Let the leaves die back naturally after flowering.
- Cut daffodils when the buds are still closed, and stand them alone in water for some hours.
- Do not re-cut stems afterwards if you add them to mixed flowers.
- Cut stems last about 5 to 7 days.
Toxic
All parts of the plant contain lycorine and other alkaloids, strongest in the bulb. The ASPCA lists daffodils as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. If a person has eaten any part and feels unwell, contact the National Poisons Information Centre; if a pet has, call your vet.
