Daffodils’ extensive range, variability

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32541, 26 February 1971, Page 11

Daffodils’ extensive range, variability

The daffodil is extensive In range and variability of form and it has been officially classified into horticultural groups. This classification is primarily based on the structure and colour of the flower and is worth referring to as a guide not only to aid in recognition but also when deciding on what to plant. All species are in-

cluded as . are the hybrids which have been raised from them. Reference is made throughout to the “perianth” and the “corona,” two botanical terms referring to floral parts. Their definitions are explained and illustrated to make the listings easier to follow and understand. CORONA (marked by the numeral “1” in the picture) refers to the central tube or appendage coming between the petals and stamens of the flower. PERIANTH (“2”) is a collective term and refers to the petals and sepals of the flower, particularly those where there is no marked distinction between them as occurs in the daffodil, and in the waratahs, as another prime example. The length of a perianth is the extreme length measured on the inside from its junction with the corona along the mid rib to the extreme top. “COLOURED” means yellow or some colour otter than white. Narcissi (Classification of) DIVISION 1: Trumpet narcissi of garden origin. One flower to a stem. Trumpet or corona as long or longer than the perianth. Segments: (a) Perianth coloured, corona coloured, not paler than perianth. Examples, Golden Harvest, Emperor, Dawson City, Golden Spur, King Alfred, Principal. (b) Perianth white, corona coloured: Spring glory, Queen of Bicolours, Sincerity. (c) Perianth white, corona

not paler than perianth e.g. Beersheba, Scapa White. Emperor (B) Any colour combination not falling into (a), (b), or (c).

DIVISION 2: Large cupped narcissi of garden origin. (“Incomparabilis” in the old classification). One flower per 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 e.g. Croesus, Balmoral, Fortune, Sir Watkin.

(b) ■Perianth white, corona coloured—Lucifer, John Evelyn. (c) Perianth white, corona white not paler than perianth e.g. Jean Anderson, white nile, Ludlow. (d) Any colour combination not falling into (a), (b), or (c).

DIVISION 3: Smail cupped narcissi of garden origin (“Barrii” under the old classification).

One flower per stem. Cup or corona not more than one third the length of the perianth segments. (a) Perianth coloured, corona coloured not paler than perianth e.g. Batts Flame, Barrii, Conspicuous, Market Merry. (b) Perianth white, corona coloured from its junction with the perianth to the end of its farthest extension when the cage is flattened out e.g. Fire tail, Red Beacon, Lady Moore. (c) Perianth white, corona white not paler than perianth such as silver salver.

DIVISION 4: Double narcissi of garden origin. Double flowers such as Daphne and Twink. DIVISION 5: Triandrus narcissi of garden origin. Characteristics are clearly evident. Dwarf, slender foliage, corona usually less than half as long as the perianth segments, the latter reflexed. One too many flowers per stem, drooping usually white or pale coloured. (a) Cup or corona not less than two thirds the length of the perianth segment e.g. Moon shine. (b) Cup or corona less than two thirds of the length of the perianth segment e.g. Silver Chime. DIVISION 6: Cyclamineus narcissi of garden origin. Characteristics of Narcissus cyclamineus clearly evident. Dwarf, reflexed perianth segment, one too many flowers per stem, usually yellow. (a) Cup or corona not less than two thirds of the length of the perianth segments e.g. February Gold. (b) Cup or corona less than two thirds of the length of the perianth segments e.g. Beryl.

DIVISION 7: Jonquilla narcissi of garden origin. Characteristics of any of

the narcissus jonquilla group clearly evident. Slender foliage, several flowers per stem and sweet scented.

(a) Cup or corona not less than two thirds of the length of the perianth segments e.g. Golden Sceptre. (b) Cup or corona less than two thirds of the length of the perianth segment e.g. Golden Perfection, Lanarth.

DIVISION 8: Tazetta narcissi of garden origin (formerly most Poetax varieties). Characteristics of any of this groups clearly evidentseveral flowers per stem, small corona, fragrant, early. Examples include geranium, glorious, Early Perfection, Soleie d’or.

DIVISION 9: Poeticus narcissi of garden origin. Characteristics of the Narcissi poeticus group without admixture of! any other. Snowy white perianth segments; small corona more or less stained with red; rarely more than one flower to a stem e.g. Horace, Homer Cantabile.

DIVISION 10: Species of wild forms and hybrids. All species and wild or reputedly wild forms and hybrids e.g. Narcissus bulbocoduim.

DIVISION' 11: Miscellaneous narcissi. All which do not fall into the previous divisions.