15 Types of Daffodils: Varieties To Add Color to Your Garden – Plant America

Types of daffodils provide an abundance of color to brighten up any spring garden. If you want to fill your garden beds with these cheerful harbingers of spring, we’ll walk you through 15 of the best types of daffodils to grow.

We’ll cover single daffodils, doubles, miniatures, trumpets, and more. After reading this guide, you’ll learn how to grow and care for these bulbs so they reward you with the most vibrant display year after year!

Types of Daffodils to Swarm Your Garden With Golden Blooms

1. Trumpet Daffodils

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails, Bulb Mites

Trumpet daffodils thrive in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to maximize their spring bloom. They prefer free-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.

Keep the soil evenly moist while the daffodils are in bloom and allow it to dry between waterings. After flowering, leave the foliage intact to feed the bulbs for next year’s blossoms. In the fall, lift and divide the bulbs every three to four years to maintain vigor.

Plant trumpet daffodils en masse for gorgeous drifts of color. The large, bold blooms create a striking display that cannot be missed in spring gardens. Allow trumpet daffodils to naturalize in borders, meadows, or lawns. The showy flowers complement more delicate spring bulbs.

The vivid colors and trumpet shape of these daffodils contribute splendor, drama, and festivity to early spring gardens. Plant an assortment of colors to extend the bloom time and increase visual impact.

2. Double Daffodils

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Water regularly after blooming, Full Sun
Common pest: Aphids, Snails, Bulb Weevils

Double daffodils ‘double daffodils’ have blooms with crinkly, overlapping petals that give the flowers a fluffy, pom pom-like appearance. They require the same growing conditions as other daffodils: planting depth of two to three times the height of the bulb, full sun, and cold winter dormancy.

These perky flowers provide lots of cheer in early spring! Double daffodils thrive in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to maximize spring bloom. They prefer free-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Keep the soil evenly moist while the daffodils are in bloom and allow it to dry between waterings.

After flowering, leave the foliage intact to feed the bulbs for next year’s display. In the fall, lift and divide the bulbs every two to three years to maintain vigor.

3. Tazetta Daffodils

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

Tazetta daffodils thrive in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, enabling them to bloom abundantly during early spring. They prefer free-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Keep the soil evenly moist while the daffodils are in bloom and allow it to dry between waterings.

After flowering, leave the foliage intact to feed the bulbs for next year. In the fall, lift the bulbs and divide them every two to three years to maintain vigor. Plant tazetta daffodils en masse to create eye-catching drifts of color. The clusters of small yet abundant blooms make for a textured display that is a hallmark of these daffodils.

Allow tazetta daffodils to naturalize among rocks, between pavers, or in borders. Their petite blooms complement other spring bulbs that prefer similar well-drained soil conditions.

The profusion of colorful blooms on branched stems gives tazetta daffodils a full, exuberant appearance that contributes joy and cheeriness to the early spring garden. Plant an assortment of colors and cultivars to prolong their flowering time and extend their visual impact.

4. Cup Daffodils

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

Cupped daffodils thrive in areas with at least six hours of direct sun to maximize spring blossoming. They prefer free-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Keep the soil evenly moist while the daffodils are in bloom and allow it to dry out between waterings. After flowering, leave the foliage intact to feed the bulbs for next year’s display.

In the fall, lift and divide the bulbs every two to three years to maintain vigor. Plant cupped daffodils en masse for gorgeous drifts of color. The saucer-like blooms create a frilled, ruffled display that adds texture and visual interest.

Allow cupped daffodils to naturalize among rocks, in crevices, at the front of borders, or in lawns. The frilly blooms complement other spring bulbs that thrive in similar well-drained conditions like crocus, muscari, and anemone.

The cheerful appearance and soft beauty of cupped daffodils add an air of whimsical charm to enrich your early spring garden. Plant an assortment of colors to extend the bloom time and increase visual impact.

5. Poeticus Daffodils

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

Poeticus daffodils thrive in areas with at least six hours of direct sun to maximize early spring blossoming. They prefer slightly acidic, free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Keep the soil evenly moist while the daffodils are in bloom and allow it to dry out between waterings. After flowering, leave the foliage intact to feed the bulbs for next year’s display.

In the fall, lift and divide the bulbs every three to four years to maintain vigor. Plant poeticus daffodils en masse for gorgeous drifts of color. The pure white petals and distinctive red-rimmed cups create a showstopping early display. Allow poeticus daffodils to naturalize among rocks, at the front of borders, under trees, or even on lawns.

The pristine white and classic star-shaped blooms complement other spring bulbs that thrive in similar well-drained conditions like tulips, muscari, and anemones. The ethereal beauty and serene formality of poeticus daffodils add grace and elegance to enrich your early spring garden.

6. Jonquilla Daffodils

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

Jonquilla daffodils thrive in areas with full southern sun exposure where they can take advantage of early spring warmth. They prefer free-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Keep the soil slightly moist while the daffodils are in bloom but allow it to dry between waterings.

After flowering, leave the foliage intact to feed the bulbs for next year’s bloom. In the fall, lift the bulbs and divide them every two to three years to maintain vigor.

Plant jonquilla daffodils en masse for maximum impact. Their petite size, abundant blooms, and sweet fragrance make them excellent choices for naturalizing in rock gardens or under dwarf shrubs. Allow jonquilla daffodils to naturalize freely between pavers, at the front of borders, or in lawns. The small, fragrant blooms provide a cheerful welcome to spring.

Plant jonquilla daffodils together with other early spring bulbs that prefer free-draining soil like Scilla, Chionodoxa, and Muscari. The diminutive stature and sweet fragrance of jonquilla daffodils add delight and charm to early spring gardens. Their cheerful blossoms signal the end of winter dormancy and herald the rebirth of color and life in the garden.

7. ‘Dutch Master’

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

‘Dutch Master’ thrives in full southern sun exposure where it can take advantage of early spring warmth. It prefers free-draining, moisture-retentive soil that is rich in organic matter. Keep the soil slightly moist while the daffodils are in bloom but allow it to dry between waterings. After flowering, leave the foliage intact to help feed the bulbs.

In the fall, lift the bulbs and divide every three to four years to maintain vigor. Plant ‘Dutch Master’ en masse for maximum impact. The double blooms and cheerful yellow color create dazzling drifts of color when sprinkled across a lawn or meadow. Allow ‘Dutch Master’ to naturalize freely between paving stones, at the edge of a border, or around the base of trees.

The charming, rounded blooms of ‘Dutch Master’ complement both traditional and more obscure spring bulbs that prefer similar well-drained conditions. The crinkled, double petals give ‘Dutch Master’ a honeyed sweetness that brings a smile to the emerging spring garden.

8. Split Corona Daffodils

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

Split corona daffodils thrive in areas with full southern sun exposure where they can take advantage of the warming spring rays. These bulbs prefer moisture-retentive but well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Keep the soil slightly moist while the daffodils are in bloom and allow it to dry out between waterings.

After flowering, leave the foliage intact to replenish the bulbs’ energy reserves. In the fall, lift the bulbs and divide them every three to four years to maintain vigor. Plant split corona daffodils en masse to create dazzling drifts of color. Their unusual shape and color combinations make a dramatic display.

Allow split corona daffodils to naturalize freely between pavers, at the front of borders, or in a rock garden. The frilly, spilled corona adds visual interest that complements more traditional daffodil varieties.

The cheery color combination of yellow corona cups paired with white petals provides a happy reminder of spring’s imminent arrival. Plant split corona daffodils with bulbs that also prefer good drainage like crocus, anemone, and muscari for a stunning yet low-maintenance spring display.

9. Cyclamineus Daffodils

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

Cyclamineus daffodils thrive in areas with full southern exposure where they get direct sunlight for much of the day. They prefer free-draining, sandy soil that is amended with organic matter. While in bloom, keep the soil slightly moist but allow it to dry out between waterings. After flowering, leave the foliage intact to supply energy for next year’s blooms.

In the fall, lift the bulbs and divide every two to three years to maintain vigor. Plant cyclamineus daffodils en masse for maximum impact. Their upright stems and arching foliage create an organized yet graceful display. The later bloom time of cyclamineus daffodils complements other spring bulbs like narcissus, tulips, and hyacinths.

Plant cyclamineus daffodils at the front of borders for a neat, intentional display. Their upright habits make them ideal for cutting and displaying in vases. The single, straight flowers offer an elegant counterpoint to the curving lines of the willowy foliage. The formality of cyclamineus daffodils adds visual structure and balance to enhance the transition from minimalist winter gardens into lush springtime displays.

10. Triandrus Daffodils

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

Triandrus daffodils thrive in full sun where they can capture the energy of the emerging spring season. Provide free-draining soil amended with compost or organic matter. Keep the soil slightly moist during bloom but allow it to dry between waterings.

After bloom, leave the foliage intact to feed the bulbs for next year’s flowers. In the fall, lift the bulbs and divide every two to three years to maintain vigor. Plant triandrus daffodils in drifts or naturalize them across a broad area.

Their arching foliage and intricate flower clusters create an airy, ethereal display that does not overpower other spring bulbs. For maximum impact, partner triandrus daffodils with complementary spring bulbs like crocus, anemone, and muscari.

Their subtle, star-shaped blooms on branched stems make a great foil for larger, showier bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. The petite size, graceful form, and tranquil beauty of triandrus daffodils add simple elegance and delicate fragrance to enhance the early spring garden.

11. Bulbocodium Daffodils

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

Bulbocodium daffodils have narrow, upright leaves and tiny star-shaped yellow flowers that cluster together in drooping heads. The flowers resemble hooded lilies. Bulbocodium bloom very early and are often the first daffodils to flower. They grow well in full sun, preferring well-drained soil that does not retain excessive moisture.

Plant bulbocodium daffodils for an unusual, dwarf daffodil that naturalizes well in the garden. Bulbocodium daffodils thrive in full southern exposure where they can take advantage of the earliest spring warmth. Provide well-draining soil that is moderately rich in organic matter.

Keep the soil slightly moist during flowering but allow it to dry out between waterings. After blooming, allow the foliage to die back naturally. In the fall, lift and divide the bulbs every two to three years to maintain vigor.

12. ‘Barrett Browning’

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

‘Barrett Browning’ is a miniature cupped daffodil cultivar that grows to around six to eight inches tall. These petite flowers feature bright yellow corona surrounding snowy white petals. ‘Barrett Browning’ blooms very early in spring when other daffodils have yet to emerge.

It requires the same cultural conditions as other daffodils: full sun, well-draining soil, and cool winter temperatures for storage. Plant ‘Barrett Browning’ to provide an early pop of cheerful spring color in your garden.

13. ‘Jack Snipe’

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

‘Jack Snipe’ is a cyclamenous daffodil cultivar that features narrow, arching foliage and a single, upright white flower with a yellow corona. The small flower sits atop a long stem, creating an elegant appearance. ‘Jack Snipe’ requires full sun, well-draining soil, and cold winter temperatures to initiate flower bud growth.

Plant ‘Jack Snipe’ to provide an understated early spring bloom with a delicate, refined character. Its narrow, pointed foliage and long-stemmed white bloom with just a hint of yellow at its base give it a delicate and refined appearance.

Its petite size makes it a good choice for the front of flower beds or rock gardens where it will naturalize. These daffodils thrive in full sun where they can take advantage of the warmth of the emerging spring season. ‘Jack Snipe’ prefers loose, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. After bloom, allow the foliage to remain and die back naturally to feed the bulbs for next year’s flowers. In the fall, lift and divide the bulbs every three to four years to maintain vigor.

Plant ‘Jack Snipe’ in drifts for maximum impact. The slender stems and arching foliage provide an airy, graceful frame for the solitary white blooms.

14. ‘King Alfred’

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

‘King Alfred’ is a popular, classic yellow daffodil cultivar. The large, sturdy flowers measure around five to six inches wide and feature golden yellow petals surrounding a short trumpet cup in the center. ‘King Alfred’ blooms extremely early, often before the leaves emerge. This classic daffodil has been grown for over 100 years! It prefers full sun, moist but well-drained soil, and reliable cold winter temperatures.

Plant ‘King Alfred’ to add an explosion of brilliant yellow color to your garden in early spring. ‘King Alfred’ is valued for its reliable, early bloom time and luminous yellow color. The large flowers appear en masse, providing a cheerful display that announces the arrival of spring.

‘King Alfred’ thrives with at least six hours of direct sun where it can take advantage of early spring warmth. Provide slightly acidic, organic soil that is loose and well-drained. After bloom, allow the foliage to die back naturally for energy storage. Come fall, lift the bulbs and divide them every three to four years to maintain strong growth. Plant ‘King Alfred’ daffodils in clumps of 10 or more bulbs for maximum impact.

Scatter them throughout a sunny meadow, position them at the front of garden beds, or line a pathway with them. The large, robust flowers of ‘King Alfred’ make an eye-catching addition when paired with complementary spring bulbs like tulips, iris, and crocus.

The classic golden yellow color also pairs beautifully with late-emerging perennials in shades of purple, blue, and white. ‘King Alfred’ is a reliable mainstay for any sunny spring garden, providing early color and long-lasting natural grandeur.

15. ‘Mount Hood’

Growing season: Spring, March – April
Leaf shape: Linear, Grass-like
Specific needs: Full Sun, Well-draining soil
Common pest: Aphids, Snails

‘Mount Hood’ thrives with at least six hours of direct sun where it can maximize blossom production. Provide rich, organic soil that is slightly acidic and drains well. Apply a layer of organic mulch in the fall to protect the bulbs during winter. ‘Mount Hood’ responds well to division every three to four years to maintain vigor. Plant the cultivar in generous clumps or naturalize them across a broad area.

Position ‘Mount Hood’ daffodils where the dramatic white blooms can really stand out and make an impact, such as in groupings throughout a lawn, along walkways, or dotting among taller spring bulbs.

They also complement other late spring and summer perennials that appreciate full sun. The generous size, pristine coloring, and late spring bloom time of ‘Mount Hood’s’ flowers make it a favorite daffodil variety for many gardeners.

Conclusion

Daffodils are one of the greatest harbingers of spring, brightening gardens with their cheerful yellow and white blooms:

Barrett Browning is a miniature cupped daffodil cultivar that grows to around six to eight inches tall.

Trumpet daffodils thrive in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to maximize their spring bloom.

Jonquilla daffodils thrive in areas with full southern sun exposure where they can take advantage of the early spring warmth.

No matter which types of daffodils you bring into your garden, you’ll be rewarded with a bounty of natural beauty, health benefits, and ecological support. Each daffodil represents a source of joy and wonder — a reminder to embrace the changing seasons with openness and delight.