DAFFODIL CLASSIFICATIONS

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31006, 11 March 1966, Page 8

DAFFODIL CLASSIFICATIONS

The daffodil is extensive in range and variability of form and has been officially classified into horticultural groups. This classification is , primarily based on the structure and colour of the flower and it is presented as a guide for use when buying bulbs or perhaps to provide additional interest when visiting shows or displays. It includes all the species and the hybrids that have been raised from them. Reference is made to two botanical terms almost throughout. perianth and corona. Their definitions are explained and illustrated to make the list easier to follow. (1) Corona refers to the central tube or appendage coming between the petals and stamens of the flower. (2) Perianth is a collective term and refers to the petals and sepals of the flower. The length of a perianth is the extreme length measured on the inside from its junction with the corona along the midrib to the extreme top. The length of the corona is the extreme length measured “Coloured” means yellow or some colour other than white whilst white implies white or whitish. DIVISION I Trumpet Narcissi of Garden Origin One flower to a stem. Trumpet or corona as long as or longer than the perianth segments. (a) Perianth coloured, corona coloured not paler than the perianth, e.g. Golden Harvest, Dawson City, Emperor, Golden Spur, King Alfred, Principal. (b) Perianth white, corona coloured, e.g. Spring Glory, Queen of Bicolours, Sincerity. (c) Perianth white, corona white not paler than the perianth, e.g. Beersheba, White Emperor, Scapa. (d) Any colour combination not falling into (a), (b) or (c). DIVISION II Large Cupped Narcissi of Garden Original (“Incomparabilis” in old classification)

One flower a stem. Cup or corona more than one third but less than equal to the length of the perianth segments. (a) Perianth coloured, corona coloured not paler than the perianth—Croesus, Fortune, Sir Watkin, Balmoral. (b) Perianth white, corona coloured Lucifer, John Evelyn. (c) Perianth white, corona white not paler than perianth —White Nile, Ludlow, Jean Anderson. (d) Any colour combination not falling into (a), (b) or (c). DIVISION 111 Small Cupped Narcissi of Garden Origin (“Barrii” in old classification. One flower a stem. Cup or corona not more than onethird the length of the perianth segments. (a) Perianth coloured, corona coloured not paler than perianth—Bath’s Flame, Barrii Conspicuous, Market Merry.

(b) Perianth white, corona coloured Firetail, Lady Moore, Red Beacon. from its junction with the perianth to the end of its farthest extension when the cage is flattened out. (c) Perianth white, corona white not paler than perianth —Silver Salver. (d) Any colour combination not falling into (a), (b) or (c). DIVISION IV. Double Narcissi of Garden Origin Double flowers Daphne. Twink. DIVISION V. Triandrus Narcissi of Garden Origin Characteristics of Narcissus triandrus are clearly evident. Dwarf, slender foliage, corona usually less than half as long as perianth segments, the latter reflexed. One to many flowers a stem, drooping, usually white or pale coloured. (a) Cup or corona not less than two-thirds the length of

the perianth segments—Moon shine. (bi Cup or corona less than two-thirds the length of the perianth segments Silver Chimes. DIVISION VI. Cyclamineus Narcissi of Garden Origin Characteristics of Narcissus cyclaminens clearly evident Dwarf, reflexed perianth segments, one to many flowers a stem, usually yellow. (a) Cup or corona not less than two-thirds the length of the perianth segments—February Gold. (b) Cup or corona less than two-thirds the length of the perianth segments—Beryl. DIVISION VII Jonquilla Narcissi of Garden Origin Characteristics of any of the Narcissus jonquilla group clearly evident. Slender foliage, several flowers a stem, sweet scented. (a) Cup or corona-not less .than two-thirds of the length of the perianth segments— Golden Sceptre. handle and then knocking it on the bench top. (b) Cup or corona less than two-thirds the length df the perianth segments—Golden Perfection, Lanarth. DIVISION VIII Tazetta Narcissi of Garden Origin (Formerly most Poetax varieties) Characteristics of any of the Narcissus tazetta group clearly evident Several flowers per stem, small corona, fragrant, early—Soleil D’or, Geranium, Glorious, Early Perfection. DIVISION IX Poeticus Narcissi of Garden Origin Characteristics of the Narcissus poeticus group without admixture of any other. Snowy white perianth segments; small corona more or less stained with red, rarely more than one flower a stem —Horace, Homer Cantabile. DIVISION X Species of Wild Forms and Hybrids All species, and wild or reputedly wild forms and hybrids. Narcissus bulbocodium. DIVISION XI Miscellaneous Narcissi All which do not fall into foregoing divisions.