Daffodils are one of the earliest and most uplifting signs of spring. Their bright yellows, creamy whites and soft orange blooms signal the end of winter and the beginning of longer, lighter days. Whether planted in borders, naturalised in lawns or displayed in containers, daffodils are reliable, low-maintenance bulbs that return year after year.
This daffodil information sheet highlights a carefully selected range of varieties, including their flowering periods, fragrance profiles and distinguishing characteristics. Use this guide to plan a continuous display from October through to April, choose scented varieties, or select standout blooms for cutting gardens and patio pots.
If you would prefer a printable version, you can download the PDF at the end of this post.
Early Flowering Daffodils (October–January)
Early-season daffodils bring colour when much of the garden is still dormant. These varieties are particularly well suited to milder areas or sheltered positions.
Paper Whites (Oct–Feb)
Paper Whites are loved for their strong fragrance and elegant white petals. They feature a warm balsamic vanilla base with a soft jasmine glow, making them ideal for indoor forcing during winter.
Innsidgen (Oct–Nov)
This variety offers a beautiful fragrance blend of lily of the valley and magnolia with a bright mandarin zest. It’s a refined choice for gardeners who appreciate scented blooms.
Island Pride (Nov–Jan)
Island Pride has creamy white petals paired with a pale yellow cup. Its soft colouring makes it a versatile addition to both contemporary and cottage-style gardens.
Soleil D’Or (Nov–Feb)
A highly fragrant heirloom variety, Soleil D’Or combines notes of grapefruit and vanilla with a woody balsamic base. Its clusters of blooms create an eye-catching display.
Mid-Season Daffodils (November–March)
Mid-season varieties form the heart of the daffodil display, offering bold colours and varied forms.
Hugh Town (Nov–Feb)
Known for vivid colouring and large florets, Hugh Town brings strong visual impact to borders and beds.
Grand Primo (Dec–Feb)
With creamy vanilla custard tones and a fresh lemon zest fragrance, Grand Primo is appealing both visually and aromatically.
Avalanche (Dec–March)
Avalanche produces pointed petals in a pale cream shade with a stronger yellow cup. It is a classic multi-flowering type that creates a full, abundant look.
Erlicheer (Dec–Early April)
This variety is prized for its subtle sweet vanilla custard scent. With layered petals, it adds elegance and texture to spring planting schemes.
Late Winter to Early Spring Daffodils (February–April)
As the season progresses, these varieties extend the show and ensure continued colour in the garden.
Scilly Valentine (February)
With fragrance notes of jasmine, gardenia and frangipani, Scilly Valentine offers both beauty and scent in late winter.
Daymark (Feb–March)
Daymark features large creamy petals contrasted by bold orange-red cups. Its dramatic colour combination makes it a standout in mixed borders.
Royal Connection (Feb–March)
Large bright yellow flowers with vivid orange cups define this cheerful and striking variety.
Geranium (March)
Geranium produces clusters of small creamy white petals with orange cups, making it excellent for naturalising and for cut flower arrangements.
Spring Flowering Daffodils (March–Early April)
These later varieties provide the final flourish of the daffodil season.
Yellow Cheer (March)
A pale yellow, double-headed variety with a gentle presence that works beautifully in softer planting schemes.
Silver Chimes (March–Early April)
Silver Chimes features white petals and large pale yellow bell-shaped cups, bringing graceful movement to beds and containers.
Golden Dawn (March–Early April)
One of the latest flowering varieties, Golden Dawn ensures your display continues well into early spring.
Winston Churchill (March–Early April)
A creamy double-headed flower with a strong fragrance, Winston Churchill is a classic choice for both garden planting and floral arrangements.
Planning a Continuous Daffodil Display
To enjoy flowers for as long as possible, plant a mixture of:
-
Early flowering varieties (October–January)
-
Mid-season varieties (December–March)
-
Late varieties (March–April)
By layering flowering periods, you can extend your daffodil season for several months, even in cooler parts of the UK.
How to Plant Daffodil Bulbs
For best results:
-
Plant bulbs in autumn before the first hard frost.
-
Choose a sunny or partially shaded position.
-
Plant bulbs at a depth approximately two to three times their height.
-
Space bulbs around 10–15 cm apart.
-
Water well after planting.
Daffodils prefer free-draining soil and will naturalise over time, multiplying and forming larger clumps each year with very little maintenance.
Do Daffodils Return Each Year?
Yes. Daffodils are hardy perennial bulbs. After flowering:
-
Allow the foliage to die back naturally.
-
Avoid cutting leaves until they have turned yellow.
-
This allows the bulb to store energy for the following year’s display.
With proper care, daffodils can thrive for decades.
Fragrant Varieties to Consider
If scent is important to you, consider:
-
Paper Whites
-
Soleil D’Or
-
Erlicheer
-
Scilly Valentine
-
Winston Churchill
These selections add both fragrance and visual interest to your garden.
Best Daffodils for Containers
Compact or multi-flowering varieties such as:
-
Paper Whites
-
Avalanche
-
Geranium
perform particularly well in pots, patio containers and window boxes.