Embracing Daffodils: A Fresh Perspective & Floral Design Challenge
Among the many flowers that can be used in spring arrangements, the daffodil is a perennial favorite of mine. Though gardeners have long cherished daffodils for their early spring vibrant hues, in my opinion they are underutilized in floral design.
In this post, I hope to change your perspective on the common daffodil. I’ll highlight some “fancy” varieties, and you’ll see how several designers answered the challenge to incorporate them into floral designs in innovative ways.
First, a Glimpse into the History
The daffodil, or Narcissus, holds a storied past dating back to ancient civilizations. Originating in the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia, the daffodil has been celebrated in art, literature, and folklore for millennia. In Greek mythology, the flower is associated with the tale of Narcissus, a youth who fell in love with his own reflection, eventually transforming into the flower that bears his name.
Throughout history, daffodils have symbolized various sentiments, from rebirth and renewal to prosperity and good fortune. In Victorian England, they represented chivalry and respect, making them a popular choice in bouquets and posies exchanged as tokens of affection.
New Varieties, Endless Possibilities
While traditional daffodils exhibit classic yellow hues and trumpet-shaped blooms, modern breeders have introduced an array of varieties that push the boundaries of color, form, and size. From delicate pastel shades to vibrant oranges and pinks. These new cultivars offer designers a broader palette to work with and to branch out with color combinations and textures, adding depth and interest to their creations.
Some notable fancy varieties include:
‘Obdam’, known for its creamy white double petals
Narcissus ‘Obdam’
‘Ice King’ with its frilly central petals that start off lemon yellow and age to a creamy white
Narcissus ‘Ice King’
‘Mary Gay Lirette” with it’s ruffled inner petals that start off yellow and age to a soft apricot. It has a subtle fragrance that’s no too overwhelming.
Narcissus ‘Mary Gay Lirette’
‘Replete’ has ruffled double petals in creamy white, salmon and apricot
Narcissus ‘Replete’
‘British Gamble’ has large flowers with coral-pink trumpets that age to a soft blush
Narcissus ‘British Gamble’
Innovative Designs
While daffodils have long been valued for their traditional use in bouquets, vase arrangements, and seasonal celebrations, I wanted to see them used in a more contemporary way, so I reached out to a few of my Floral Designer friends and asked them to partake in a challenge, pushing the boundaries, and exploring fresh ways to showcase these beloved blooms.
Each of the designers were given several bunches of their choice of daffodils from my flower farm, Sublime Gardens, with no other instructions other than to let their imagination guide them. To say I was pleased with the results is an understatement!
Daffodil, hellebore, and tulip bouquet by Befleura
Daffodil mixed urn arrangement by Verbena Floral
Daffodil bud vase arrangements by Verbena Floral
Daffodil with roses compote arrangement by Specialty Floral
Daffodil and hellebore vase arrangement by Specialty Floral
Daffodil flower crown by Ivy and Birch Design
Daffodil bridal bouquet by Ivy & Birch Design
Daffodil minimalist arrangement by Floris Noctern
Daffodil contemporary arrangement by Floris Noctern
Daffodil tropical-inspired arrangement by Farmhouse Box & Bloom
daffodil box arrangement by Farmhouse Box & Bloom
Daffodil compote arrangement by Farmhouse Box & Bloom
Cut Flower Versatility and a Garden Favorite
As cut flowers, daffodils offer versatility and longevity. Their sturdy stems and long vase life make them suitable for a wide range of arrangements, from elegant bouquets to whimsical centerpieces. As you can see, when combined with complementary foliage and accent flowers, daffodils add an unmatched touch of springtime freshness to any floral composition.
Beyond their appeal in floral design, daffodils are cherished for their resilience and low maintenance, making them ideal garden plants. They thrive in a variety of climates and soil conditions, often naturalizing and multiplying over time. Their early bloom time brings much-needed color to gardens after the dreary winter months, and their cheerful presence attracts pollinators, contributing to the ecosystem’s health.
Daffodils represent not only a timeless symbol of beauty and renewal but also a versatile ingredient for innovative floral design. With their rich history, diverse varieties, and garden-friendly nature, daffodils continue to captivate designers and enthusiasts alike, inspiring fresh interpretations and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression in the world of floristry. So, the next time you seek inspiration for your floral creations, consider the humble daffodil and unleash your imagination to create something truly extraordinary!
I have never had much interest in daffodils, you have just changed my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and viewing the beautiful arrangements . So Heidi do you have some of these magnificent daffodil bulbs for sale?
Hi Zoe! That’s great to hear and yes, I will have bulbs for many of these fancy varieties for sale in the fall!
Heidi
Great write up! Love all the photos. I had over 40 daffodils come up but have no blooms this year! Any ideas?
Hi Kristen! A few things could cause this…did you happen to cut back the foliage last year? The bulb gets its nutrition for next year’s blooms from the current year’s foliage. So it’s important to let the foliage yellow and die off naturally on the plant rather than cut it back. I have also had a few daffodils not bloom if they were planted in not enough sun, or a poorly drained area. I hope that helps!
Heidi