Daffodil divisions

Daffodils can be grouped by their overall form into 13 ‘divisions’, which can help in identifying and buying daffodils. Please note that miniature daffodils are divided in the same way as larger plants, ie by their form regardless of overall size.

Division 1 – Trumpet daffodils

The corona (the central, vase shaped petals) is as long as, or longer than, the surrounding, flat petals. When folded up within the flower bud the rim of the corona is often visible extending past the other petals. There is one bloom per stem.

Example shown: Narcissus ‘Spellbinder’

Division 2 – Large-cupped daffodils

The corona is shorter in length than the surrounding petals, but greater than 1/3 of their length.There is one bloom per stem.

Example shown: Narcissus ‘Amber Castle’

Division 3 – Small-cupped daffodils

The corona is less than 1/3 the length of the surrounding petals. There is one bloom per stem.

Example shown: Narcissus ‘Audubon’

Division 4 – Double daffodils

There is no distinct corona on these daffodils, instead they have clusters of small petals at their centre, giving them a ruffled appearance. There may be one or more than one bloom per stem.

Example shown: Narcissus ‘Kiwi Sunset’

Division 5 – Triandus daffodils

These usually have more than one flower per stem. The heads droop slightly and have petals reflexed (swept) away from the corona.

Division 6 – Cyclamineus daffodils

These usually have only one bloom per stem with petals reflexed (swept) away from the corona, which points downwards.

Example shown: Narcissus ‘Jetfire’

Division 7 – Jonquilla daffodils

Usually these have more than one bloom to a stem. The heads are held stiffly at a right angle and the surrounding petals are star-like in appearance. The flowers are fragrant. These are also known as Apodanthus daffodils.

Example shown: Narcissus ‘Sweetness’

Division 8 – Tazetta daffodils

These can have small or large flowers, with more than one bloom per stem (the small types may have up to 20 flowers on one stem). They are fragranced, have a short, bowl-shaped corona and rounded surrounding petals which are often crinkled and slightly twisted.

Example shown: Narcissus ‘Avalanche’

Division 9 – Poeticus daffodils

The corona is a flattened disc which is crisply rimmed with some red colouring in it. The surrounding petals are sparkling white with characteristic ‘pips’ visible at the tips, slightly reflexed (swept) away from the corona. They are fragranced and usually have just one bloom per stem.

Division 10 – Bulbocodium daffodils

The corona is much larger than the surrounding petals and is shaped like a ‘petticoat hoop’. They flower early and have short, delicate leaves.

Division 11 – Split-corona daffodils

These are also known as split-cupped daffodils. The corona is split to at least 1/3 of its length so it lies back against the surrounding petals. This division can be sub-divided into ‘collar’ (where the corona is split into very distinct segments) or ‘papillon’ (where the segments are less distinct giving a flatter appearance).

Example shown: Narcissus ‘Kingsize’

Division 12 – Miscellaneous daffodils

These are daffodils which do not fit into any of the previous 11 divisions, often because they are inter-division hybrids.

Example shown: Narcissus ‘Cornish Chuckles’.

Division 13 – Species and wild daffodils

These are wild, natural daffodils.