Daffodils (Narcissus) are the foundation of the spring-bulb garden. What’s the difference between daffodils and narcissus? None. Narcissus is simply the botanical name for daffodil. There are at least 25 species, all with different characteristics, from an array of flower colors and shapes to varying sizes and blooming cycles. And even though it may seem like an overwhelming selection to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong with any daffodil. Why? Not only do daffodils thrive nearly anywhere, in nearly any garden and any soil type, but they are also disease free and pest resistant. In fact, common bulb pests, like deer and rodents, will not even touch them as daffodil bulbs are considered poisonous and leave a nasty taste in their mouths. These bulbs also naturalize well, living for years with little maintenance and multiplying each year.

Large-Cup Daffodils—these daffodils have large cups, more than a third of the length of its petals. They also include one flower per stem, blooming in mid-spring. Large-Cup daffodils are valued for their versatility, especially in extreme weather conditions, and for their variety, from shades of white, yellow, and orange to pink and red. Choose these for bedding, cutting, forcing, and naturalizing.

Small-Cup Daffodils—these daffodils have small, shallow cups, equal to or less than a third of the length of its petals. Like large-cup varieties, these also produce only one flower per stem, blooming in early spring. Small-cup daffodils are well known for their long-lasting, brilliant colors, especially in the spring border.

Split-Cup Daffodils—these daffodils have various color combinations and are unusually shaped with frilled cups. Choose these striking blooms for borders, cutting, and containers.

Double Daffodils—these interesting daffodils occasionally exhibit an extra trumpet or extra petals and an extra trumpet. They produce many flowers per stem, blooming around mid-spring. Double daffodils are treasured not only for their beauty but for their amazing fragrance as well, making exceptional cut flowers.

Tazetta Daffodils—this group produces several blooms per stem in mid-spring and include the ever-popular Paperwhites, which are the easiest bulbs to force indoors. Winter protection is necessary in cooler zones. These daffodils are also great for cutting and front borders, where their sweet, musky fragrance can be appreciated.

Jonquilla Daffodils—considered to be the most fragrant of all daffodils, these hardy daffodils bloom in late spring, producing numerous blossoms per stem and grass-like foliage. These daffodils are great for regions with extreme heat, as they love basking in the sun’s hot rays.

Cyclamineus Daffodils—within this group, you’ll find straight, slender trumpets and flared-back petals, giving them a windswept appearance. These daffodils are among the first daffodils to bloom in early spring and are excellent for naturalizing, rock gardens, beds, borders, containers and forcing indoors.

Trumpet Daffodils—these are the classic daffodils, and are ideal for beds and borders. They produce one big, bold flower per stem and gray-green foliage.

Poeticus Daffodils—these daffodils have large, white petals with small, red-rimmed cups. They are among the last of the daffodils to bloom and have a spicy fragrance, making them ideal for cutting.

Species Narcissus (Daffodil)—these wild forms are good for informal gardens and naturalizing. They self-seed readily and are a must have for natural woodland or meadow garden styles.

Miniature Daffodils—Miniature narcissus includes all of the forms listed above, but in much smaller versions. The height is six inches or shorter, making them prime candidates for rock gardens, containers, and forcing.