
Daffodils are one of the first signs of spring, heralding the arrival of warmer weather with their cheerful and vibrant blooms. These iconic flowers come in a stunning variety of forms, sizes, and colours, making them a favourite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts.
Whether you’re planning to plant daffodils in your garden or simply want to learn more about the different types, this guide will provide you with a detailed overview of the 20 main types of daffodils, highlighting their key characteristics and popular varieties.
1. Trumpet Daffodils
The quintessential daffodil, trumpet daffodils are instantly recognisable by their long, trumpet-shaped central cup (corona) surrounded by six petals. These daffodils often feature a single large bloom per stem and come in shades of yellow, orange, and white.
Popular Varieties:
-
King Alfred:
Known for its large, bright yellow flowers.
-
Dutch Master:
A bold yellow variety that’s perfect for naturalising.
2. Large-Cupped Daffodils
Large-cupped daffodils have a prominent cup that is larger than the petals but still shorter than the trumpet daffodils. These flowers tend to have a symmetrical arrangement of petals and a prominent, eye-catching centre.
Popular Varieties:
-
February Gold:
A small, yellow daffodil with an orange centre.
-
Barrett Browning: White petals with a soft yellow cup.
3. Double Daffodils

As the name suggests, double daffodils have multiple layers of petals, giving them a fuller, ruffled look. These varieties often resemble a bouquet of flowers, making them ideal for both garden displays and floral arrangements.
Popular Varieties:
-
Ice Follies: Soft yellow and white blooms that appear early in the spring.
-
Tahiti: Golden-yellow petals with a vibrant orange centre.
4. Triandrus Daffodils
Triandrus daffodils are known for having multiple blooms per stem. These flowers tend to have a nodding or pendulous form and are often smaller and more delicate in appearance than other types.
Popular Varieties:
-
Thalia: Elegant white flowers with a mild fragrance.
-
Petite Star:
Small, white flowers with a pale yellow centre.
5. Cyclamineus Daffodils
Cyclamineus daffodils are distinguished by their slender, reflexed petals that curve backward, giving the flower a delicate, graceful appearance. These daffodils tend to be smaller, making them perfect for containers and smaller gardens.
Popular Varieties:
-
Jenny: Bright yellow petals that curve back gracefully.
-
Jetfire:
A striking combination of orange and yellow with reflexed petals.
6. Jonquilla Daffodils
Jonquilla daffodils feature multi-flowered stems and a compact form. They are often highly fragrant, making them a popular choice for fragrant gardens. These daffodils are typically smaller in size, perfect for rock gardens or smaller spaces.
Popular Varieties:
-
Sweetness:
A fragrant variety with pale yellow flowers.
-
Quail:
A small, fragrant variety with yellow petals and a darker centre.
7. Tazetta Daffodils
Tazetta daffodils are known for their multiple flowers per stem, creating a dense, full appearance. These daffodils are highly fragrant and often come in clusters of white or yellow flowers. They thrive in warmer climates and can tolerate partial shade.
Popular Varieties:
-
Paperwhite: A popular indoor variety with fragrant, white blooms.
-
Geranium:
White petals with an orange centre, offering a bold contrast.
8. Poet’s Daffodils

Poet’s daffodils are known for their delicate and romantic blooms. These flowers tend to have white petals with a small, often yellow or orange cup, and they are highly fragrant.
Popular Varieties:
-
Actaea:
White petals with a creamy yellow cup, known for its fragrance.
-
Pheasant’s Eye:
White petals with a small, red-rimmed cup.
9. Miniature Daffodils
Miniature daffodils are smaller versions of the traditional daffodils, perfect for containers, rock gardens, or smaller garden spaces. Despite their size, they still produce the same stunning blooms as their larger relatives.
Popular Varieties:
-
Tête-à-Tête:
A small variety with yellow flowers, ideal for pots or borders.
-
N. nanus:
A tiny daffodil with yellow petals and a small central cup.
10. Split-Cupped Daffodils
Split-cupped daffodils are unique due to their cup, which is split into segments, giving the flower a star-like shape. These daffodils are often multi-coloured, creating a striking and distinctive appearance in gardens.
Popular Varieties:
-
Rainbow:
A multicoloured daffodil with a split cup, creating a vibrant display.
-
Twinkling Star: Featuring a split cup with contrasting yellow and orange hues.
11. Barbatus Daffodils
Barbatus daffodils are often distinguished by their multiple flowers per stem and their robust growth. These daffodils are commonly fragrant and come in shades of yellow, white, and orange.
Popular Varieties:
-
Golden Dawn:
A fragrant, multi-flowered daffodil with golden-yellow blooms.
-
N. poeticus:
A classic white and yellow daffodil with a strong fragrance.
12. Elwesii Daffodils
Elwesii daffodils are early-blooming varieties that produce pure white flowers with a small, yellow centre. These daffodils are typically shorter and smaller, making them ideal for planting in woodland gardens or along shaded borders.
Popular Varieties:
-
Obvallaris:
Features white petals and a yellow centre.
-
Elwesii: A very early bloomer with delicate white flowers.
13. Bulbocodium Daffodils

Bulbocodium daffodils, also known as "hoop petticoat" daffodils, have a unique shape, with narrow, trumpet-like petals and a distinct, wide, and flat cup. These varieties tend to be smaller and more compact in size.
Popular Varieties:
-
N. bulbocodium:
Known for its narrow, trumpet-shaped flowers.
-
Little Star:
A smaller version of the classic bulbocodium daffodil.
14. Mountain Daffodils
Mountain daffodils are typically found in alpine environments and are characterised by their ability to thrive in cooler climates. They tend to be more resistant to harsh weather and often have smaller, delicate blooms.
Popular Varieties:
-
N. rupicola:
A variety native to the mountains, with small, yellow flowers.
-
Cernuus:
A more compact variety with clusters of small blooms.
15. Grand Primo Daffodils
Grand Primo daffodils are large-flowered varieties with broad petals and a striking central cup. These daffodils are perfect for adding a bold statement to any garden with their eye-catching blooms.
Popular Varieties:
-
Grand Primo:
Large flowers with vibrant yellow petals and a deep orange centre.
-
Emperor: A grand variety with a striking contrast between yellow petals and an orange cup.
16. Early Blooming Daffodils
These daffodils bloom earlier than most other varieties, often as early as late winter or early spring. Their early flowering makes them ideal for bringing colour to the garden when other plants are still dormant.
Popular Varieties:
-
February Gold:
A small variety that blooms early, producing golden-yellow flowers.
-
N. jonquilla: A fragrant, early bloomer with yellow petals.
17. Late Blooming Daffodils
Late-blooming daffodils provide colour when other daffodils have already finished flowering. These varieties tend to bloom later in spring, extending the daffodil season.
Popular Varieties:
-
Delnashaugh:
A late-blooming variety with large, creamy flowers.
-
Pink Charm: A late-blooming variety with pale pink and yellow blooms.
18. Fragrant Daffodils
Certain types of daffodils are particularly known for their fragrance. These varieties offer both visual appeal and a delightful scent, making them perfect for fragrant gardens or for cutting and bringing indoors.
Popular Varieties:
-
Sweetness:
A fragrant variety with pale yellow petals and a yellow centre.
-
Geranium: A white daffodil with an aromatic fragrance.
19. Show Daffodils
Show daffodils are bred specifically for competitions and floral displays. They are characterised by their perfect symmetry, large blooms, and ideal form, making them stand out in any garden setting.
Popular Varieties:
-
Golden Harvest:
A large, bold yellow variety that is often used in competitions.
-
Wildflower:
Known for its ideal flower shape and size.
20. Narcissus Assoanus (Spanish Daffodils)

Native to Spain, these daffodils are known for their small, fragrant flowers that feature a white or cream colour with a yellow or orange centre. They are ideal for growing in mild climates and are often used for naturalising.
Popular Varieties:
-
Assoanus: A variety with cream petals and a yellow centre.
-
N. miniatus: A smaller variety with orange-centred blooms.
Conclusion On The Different Types Of Daffodils
With so many types of daffodils to choose from, there’s a variety for every garden and every gardener's taste.
Whether you prefer the classic trumpet shape, the elegance of the poet’s daffodil, or the unique appearance of split-cupped varieties, daffodils are sure to add a stunning and cheerful display to your garden each spring.
Select the right types based on your garden’s needs, climate, and aesthetic preferences, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful daffodil season for years to come.
Ready to bring the beauty of daffodils to your garden?
Windflower Florist offers a wide selection of high-quality daffodil bulbs and expert advice on the best varieties for your space.
Shop with us today and let us help you create a garden that blossoms with beauty!
Frequently Asked Questions On The Different Types Of Daffodils
What Is the Best Time To Plant Daffodils?
Daffodils should be planted in the autumn, typically from September to November, before the first frost. This allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter and ensures a beautiful bloom in the spring.
How Do I Choose The Right Daffodil Variety For My Garden?
When selecting daffodils, consider the climate, garden size, and desired flower colour and shape. For smaller gardens, miniature daffodils or early-blooming varieties are ideal. Larger gardens or naturalised areas can benefit from the striking appearance of trumpet or large-cupped daffodils.
Can Daffodils Be Grown In Containers?
Yes, many daffodil varieties, especially miniature ones, grow well in containers. Ensure that the container has good drainage and place it in a spot where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
How Long Do Daffodils Bloom?
Daffodils typically bloom for 4-6 weeks in the spring, depending on the variety and weather conditions. Early bloomers like February Gold can start flowering in late winter, while later varieties such as Delnashaugh bloom later in the season.
Are There Any Daffodil Varieties That Are Resistant To Pests And Diseases?
Daffodils are relatively pest-resistant, but some varieties are known to be more robust. Varieties like King Alfred and Dutch Master are hardy and tend to be less prone to common problems like aphids or fungal diseases.