Daffodil – symbolism, varieties and care tips
Few flowers herald spring as clearly as the daffodil (Narcissus). With its characteristic yellow or white flowers and central corona, it breaks through the last cold and tells us that brighter times are ahead. The story behind this flower is as rich as its fragrance.
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Order flowers nowThe daffodil's history and name
The name comes from Narcissus in Greek mythology – the handsome youth who fell in love with his own reflection and was transformed into a flower. Hence the association with vanity and self-love. Today, the daffodil is most often used with positive connotations such as renewal and new beginnings. The daffodil is the national symbol of Wales and is traditionally worn on St David's Day on 1st March.
What does the daffodil symbolise?
- New beginnings and renewal – one of the very first spring flowers.
- Hope – the daffodil is a symbol of optimism in many cultures.
- Friendship – a bunch of daffodils is a warm and cheerful gift.
- Easter lily – a close relative (N. pseudonarcissus) is known in the UK as Easter lily and is associated with Easter and spring.
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See prices and selectionPopular daffodil varieties
- 'Tete-a-Tete': Small and compact with multiple yellow flowers per stem. A classic in baskets and pots.
- 'Carlton': Large, classic yellow daffodil with full cup. Very common as a cut flower.
- 'Ice Follies': White with pale yellow cup – large-flowered and elegant.
- 'Cheerfulness': Double-flowered with sweet fragrance – white with yellow centres.
- 'Jetfire': Reflexed flowers – petals curve backwards, yellow with orange cup.
Important: Daffodils and other flowers
When stems are cut, daffodils release a slimy substance (narcissin) which can block water uptake in other flowers in the same vase and cause them to wilt faster. There are two simple solutions:
- Conditioning: Let the daffodils stand in their own water for 12–24 hours, and change the water before mixing them with other flowers.
- Pure daffodil bouquet: A bouquet with only daffodils avoids the problem entirely.
You can easily order flowers with daffodils throughout the UK. Learn what different flowers mean in our guide to flower language.
Care tips for daffodils in a vase
- Cut the stems at an angle and let them stand in their own water for at least 12 hours.
- Change the water daily – daffodils make the water cloudy.
- Place the vase in a cool location and avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Remove wilted flowers to extend the life of the rest of the bouquet.
Quick facts – daffodil longevity
| Colour | Vase life |
|---|---|
| Classic yellow daffodil | 5–7 days |
| White daffodil | Up to 14 days |
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