Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! Ever wondered if daffodils come in colors other than that classic sunny yellow? Well, you’re in for a treat! I’ve been growing these beauties for years, and let me tell you – daffodils are way more colorful than most people think Let’s dive into the fascinating world of daffodil colors!
Quick Answer
Daffodils bloom in various colors including
- Yellow (most common)
- White
- Cream
- Orange
- Salmon
- Pink
- Combinations of these colors
The Color Spectrum of Daffodils
Traditional Yellow Varieties
Yellow daffodils are the ones we all know and love. Popular varieties include:
- Dutch Master
- Yellow River
- Unsurpassable
- Fortissimo
These golden beauties are usually the most vigorous growers and naturalize easily in gardens.
Pure White Varieties
White daffodils bring an elegant touch to any garden. Some standout varieties:
- Ice Wings (produces multiple small flowers per stem)
- Mount Hood (starts pale yellow, fades to white)
- Thalia (2-3 flowers per stem)
- Arctic Queen
Bicolor Combinations
Here’s where things get interesting! Many daffodils show off two-tone combinations:
White Petals with Colored Cups
- Ice Follies (white with yellow cup)
- Pink Charm (white with coral-pink cup)
- Actea (white with yellow and red-edged cup)
Yellow Petals with Colored Cups:
- Berlin (yellow with orange-edged cup)
- Tahiti (yellow with orange segments)
- Sovereign (yellow with split orange corona)
The “Pink” Phenomenon
Okay, I gotta be honest here – when we say “pink” daffodils, we’re really talking more about peachy or salmon tones. Some notable varieties:
- Mrs. R.O. Backhouse (first “pink” cultivar from 1921!)
- Accent
- Bell Song
- Salomé
Pro Tip: Plant pink varieties in partial shade – they tend to fade quickly in full sun!
Colors That Don’t Exist
Just to clear up some common misconceptions, you won’t find:
- True blue daffodils
- Pure red daffodils
- Purple daffodils
How to Choose and Plant Different Colored Daffodils
Tips for Success
- Mix and match colors for impact
- Plant in groups of at least 5-7 bulbs
- Consider bloom times (early, mid, late spring)
- Check hardiness zones (most do well in zones 3-8)
Best Color Combinations
Try these winning combos:
- White + Yellow = Classic contrast
- White + Pink = Soft, romantic look
- Multiple yellows = Rich, layered effect
- Orange + Yellow = Vibrant spring display
Care Tips for Colorful Daffodils
To keep your colorful daffodils looking their best:
- Plant bulbs in fall
- Provide well-draining soil
- Feed with bulb fertilizer after blooming
- Let foliage die back naturally
- Divide clumps every 3-5 years
Common Questions About Daffodil Colors
Q: Will my daffodils change color?
A: Some varieties, especially reverse bicolors, may fade or change slightly as flowers mature.
Why didn’t my pink daffodils look pink? A: Pink daffodils often start out peachy or salmon colored, and strong sun can make them fade.
Q: Can I make my daffodils change color?
A: Nope! Color is genetically determined, though growing conditions can affect intensity.
Fun Fact!
Did ya know? The first white daffodils were developed in England way back in the 1600s! Talk about some serious flower history!
Don’t forget that a few different colored daffodils can live in any garden. They’re like having a paintbrush in your backyard!
Cutting Daffodils For Arrangements
Try to cut daffodils before they’ve fully opened, for the longest shelf life (about 1 week ~ according to Erin of “Floret”, previously mentioned). Also, daffodils when cut leave a sap that is poisonous to other plants in the arrangement and will shorten the life of the arrangement. Either make an arrangement with just daffodils, or get the daffodils ready by leaving them in a vase of water by themselves for two to three hours. The cut will start to heal and will no longer ooze sap. They can then be planted with other flowers (just don’t cut them again when moved to another vase).
I love Brent and Becky’s Bulbs. I’ve ordered from them and was happy with the delivery and plants.
Other sites to consider are: Dutch Grown and Dutch Bulbs.
There are so many colors to choose from. Here is a small little gallery to reflect on.
White with orange center
Yellow with orange center
White with pale yellow center
All yellow
Double bloom salmon pink
White with pale orange center
Cream colored
Red ring in center
White with orange center
White with salmon center
Multiple petal yellow with red accents
Multiple petal
What is your favorite daffodil variation? For me, it’s so hard to choose. Truth be told, they form the most amazing display when you include as many varieties as possible. I’ve also noticed that different varieties bloom at different rates (the very short jonquils ones bloom first, then the taller daffodils). With that in mind, it’s lovely to have a cascading effect of blooms in the spring so we can enjoy them week after week.
The Gift of Daffodils
Last year, a friend that lived down the street sold her house. For years, I was envious of her front yard, as it bloomed with an overabundance of daffodils, peonies, roses, hyacinths, butterfly weed, and more. When the new family moved in, they decided to put a lawn in place of the garden for their kids. Soon after, all of the bulbs were found on the curb. I got to work right away and asked if I could take the plants to a new place to live. They graciously accepted, and I brought back with me 4 boxes of various plants. I had no idea what color they were, clearly, and the next spring I received a wonderful surprise. Every color and height you could imagine were found in my garden. I took pictures to send to my friend to thank her for all the color that came out over the next few weeks. I felt lucky to be able to give them a good home and see them bloom in my garden. I appreciated all the work and love my friend put into these plants over the years.