10 Types Of Yellow Daffodils

Written by Jennifer Haase
Updated: June 7, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement



The sight of yellow daffodils blooming across the landscape is an iconic image of spring. Though some daffodil varieties bloom in other seasons, spring is when the majority of daffodils are at their peak. And because there are many types of yellow daffodils to choose from, we’ve compiled a handy list of 10 beautiful varieties for home gardens.

If you’ve never grown daffodils before, look at our quick guide to daffodil types below. But first, check out some basic details about daffodils that every gardener should know.

'Marzenbecher' Daffodils

All daffodils are members of the genus called

Narcissus.

©Spitzi-Foto/Shutterstock.com

Daffodil Basics

Are you new to growing daffodils? Here are some essential details to know before you get started.

  • All daffodils are members of the genus called Narcissus.
  • Daffodil is a common name for Narcissus plants.
  • A daffodil’s petals are called perianth segments. Its middle cup is called a corona. The cup or corona is sometimes also referred to as the trumpet. However, this article mainly refers to petals as petals and cups as cups.
  • Most daffodils bloom in the spring, but some cultivars bloom in other seasons.
  • The majority of daffodils are perennials that grow back every year.
  • Daffodils grow best in full to partial sun and well-draining soil.
  • Many home gardeners plant daffodils from bulbs in fall or early winter to enjoy their blooms the following spring. However, planting daffodils from seed could mean waiting 5-6 years for the plants to bloom.
  • Daffodils contain a toxic chemical called lycorine that could cause severe digestive symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping) if eaten by humans or animals. However, their toxicity also means daffodils are deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Most daffodils are easy to naturalize. A naturalized plant is one that thrives in non-native areas. For example, if their basic needs are met, most daffodils will grow just as well unattended in a field as in your garden.

There are 13 divisions used to categorize all types of daffodils. Keep reading below to learn about those divisions and the characteristics of each one!

Jonquilla Daffodil

Jonquilla daffodils belong in Divison #7 of the 13 divisions used to classify daffodils.

©Przemyslaw Reinfus/Shutterstock.com

Daffodil Types: A Quick Reference Guide

Here’s a quick reference guide for the 13 daffodil divisions from the Royal Horticultural Society’s classification system. The American Daffodil Society also uses this plant identification system.

Trumpet Daffodils (Division #1)

  • Number of Blooms – One per stem
  • Corona/Cup – Trumpet-shaped and either as long as or longer than the petals

Large-Cupped Daffodils (Division #2)

  • Number of Blooms – One per stem
  • Corona/Cup – More than one-third but less than equal to the length of the petals

Small-Cupped Daffodils (Division #3)

  • Number of Blooms – One per stem
  • Corona/Cup – One-third or less the length of the petals

Double Daffodils (Division #4)

  • Number of Blooms – One or more per stem
  • Number of Cups and Petals – Doubling of the of petals or doubling of the cups or both

Triandrus Daffodils (Division #5)

  • Number of Blooms – Two or more pendant (tipped downward) blooms per stem
  • Perianth Segments/Petals – Reflexed (inverted) petals

Cyclamineus Daffodils (Division #6)

  • Number of Blooms – One per stem
  • Perianth Segments/Petals – Significantly reflexed petals
  • Flower Angle – Flowers tipped at an acute angle to the stem, with a short neck (pedicel)

Jonquilla Daffodils (Division #7)

  • Number of Blooms – Usually 1-5 (but up to eight) per stem
  • Corona/Cup – Either flared, cup-shaped, or funnel-shaped
  • Perianth Segments/Petals – Spreading or reflexed petals
  • Flower Shape – Wider than they are long
  • Scent – Usually very fragrant

Tazetta Daffodils (Division #8)

  • Number of Blooms – 3-10 per stout stem
  • Perianth Segments/Petals – Spreading non-reflexed petals
  • Scent – Usually very fragrant

Poeticus Daffodils (Division #9)

  • Corona/Cup – Very short or shaped like a disc, has two distinct lengths of anthers (male organs that produce pollen), has a yellow or green center and a red rim (though might include additional colors), and grows one-fifth or less the length of the petals
  • Perianth Segments/Petals – Pure white
  • Scent – Usually very fragrant

Bulbocodium Hybrids (Division #10)

  • Number of Blooms – Usually one per stem
  • Corona/Cup – Dominant to (larger than) the less significant petals
  • Anthers and Filament – Dorsifixed anthers (attached relatively central to the filament) and a curved filament

Split-Cupped Collar Daffodils (Division #11)

Corona/Cup – Split into segments placed opposite to the petal placement and typically placed in two whorls out of three

Split-Cupped Papillion Daffodils (Division #11b)

Corona/Cup – Split with alternating segments to the petal placement and typically placed in one whorl out of six

Other Daffodil Cultivars (Division #12)

This category includes daffodils that don’t fit in the previous divisions. Many of these daffodils are inter-division hybrid plants.

Daffodils distinguished only by Botanical Name (Division #13)

This category includes the wild hybrids, wild variants, and species found in natural daffodils.

Now let’s look at some beautiful types of yellow daffodils that include cultivars from many of these divisions.

'Dutch Master' Daffodil

‘Dutch Master’ is a popular yellow daffodil that blooms in mid-spring.

©Dajbog Nicoleta/Shutterstock.com

1. ‘Dutch Master’ Daffodil

Botanical Name: Narcissus ‘Dutch Master’

Common Names: ‘Dutch Master’ Daffodil, Trumpet Daffodil ‘Dutch Master’

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Blooms Seasons: Mid-Spring

Type of Daffodil: Trumpet (Division #1)

Fragrance: Lightly scented

The ‘Dutch Master’ is a classic yellow daffodil with large, showy blooms that grow up to 4 inches across. The plant grows an average of 18 inches tall and, as a trumpet daffodil, produces one flower per stem. ‘Dutch Master’ is also known for being a vigorous plant that naturalizes easily.

In addition, this yellow daffodil is a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit from the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society and a very popular flower among daffodil enthusiasts.

'King Alfred' Daffodil

The ‘King Alfred’ is a classic yellow trumpet daffodil with 4-5 inch blooms.

©Tracy Burroughs Brown/Shutterstock.com

2. ‘King Alfred’ Daffodil

Botanical Name: Narcissus ‘King Alfred’

Common Names: ‘King Alfred’ Daffodil, Lent Lily

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Bloom Seasons: Early to Mid-Spring

Type of Daffodil: Trumpet (Division #1)

Fragrance: Lightly scented

The ‘King Alfred’ is one of the most recognizable daffodil varieties. It was also one of the top choices by gardeners for many years as a standout yellow trumpet daffodil.

‘King Alfred’ daffodils were first introduced in England in the late 1800s and started being replaced by similar cultivars (like ‘Dutch Master’ mentioned above) in the 1950s. Fortunately, many specialty flower suppliers still offer ‘King Alfred’ bulbs for home gardeners.

‘King Alfred’ grows up to 2 feet tall with large, showy yellow 4-5 inch blooms. The cup of this beloved daffodil is longer than the petals and has a curvy, ruffled edge. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, ‘King Afred’ daffodils are sometimes fragrant and bloom between March and April.

'Baby Boomer' Daffodil

‘Baby Boomer’ daffodils are miniature plants with multiple flowers per stem.

©Peter Turner Photography/Shutterstock.com

3. ‘Baby Boomer’ Daffodil

Botanical Name: Narcissus ‘Baby Boomer’

Common Names: ‘Baby Boomer’ Daffodil, Jonquil Daffodil, Miniature Daffodil ‘Baby Boomer’

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Bloom Seasons: Mid-Spring

Type of Daffodil: Jonquilla (Division #7)

Fragrance: Sweet and strongly scented

The ‘Baby Boomer’ daffodil is a miniature variety with small flowers that grow 1-2 inches wide. This type of daffodil has lemon-yellow petals with a golden-yellow cup. The ‘Baby Boomer’ daffodil – a jonquilla variety – can produce up to 6-8 blooms on each stem. However, the average number of flowers is typically 1-5 per stem.

Due to its smaller size, this daffodil is a popular choice for rock gardens or as a bright filler for flower beds. It has a compact growing habit and only reaches 8-12 inches tall.

'Carlton' Daffodil

The ‘Carlton’ cultivar is a type of yellow daffodil with a large cup and vanilla scent.

©PQK/Shutterstock.com

4. ‘Carlton’ Daffodil

Botanical Name: Narcissus ‘Carlton’

Common Names: ‘Carlton Daffodil,’ Large-Cupped ‘Carlton’ Daffodil

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Bloom Seasons: Mid-Spring

Type of Daffodil: Large-Cupped (Division #2)

Fragrance: Strong scent of vanilla

The ‘Carlton’ daffodil is a vanilla-scented yellow daffodil with large and prominent center cups. Therefore, this type of daffodil is part of the large-cupped division that grows one flower per stem. But its yellow flowers are huge (up to 5 inches across) and showy! In addition to its large blooms, the ‘Carlton’ daffodil plant grows up to 2 feet tall.

Like the ‘Dutch Master’ daffodil, the ‘Carlton’ also received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

'February Gold' Daffodils

‘February Gold’ is a miniature cyclamineus daffodil that produces slightly angled yellow flowers.

©Peter Etchells/Shutterstock.com

5. ‘February Gold’ Daffodil

Botanical Name: Narcissus ‘February Gold’

Common Names: ‘February Gold’ Daffodil, Early Daffodil, Miniature Daffodil ‘February Gold’

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Bloom Seasons: Early Spring

Type of Daffodil: Cyclamineus (Division #6)

Fragrance: None

The ‘February Gold’ daffodil is an early bloomer in the spring, hence its name. It’s also a miniature cyclamineus daffodil that produces slightly angled yellow flowers with significantly reflexed petals. This daffodil’s blooms are up to 3 inches wide on a plant that grows 8-12 inches tall.

Unfortunately, ‘February Gold’ isn’t one of the many daffodils with a noticeable scent. But it’s a tough and reliable plant that can survive in the colder weather of late winter. However, winter mulching is recommended to protect these small bulbs from extreme weather conditions and temperature changes.

What’s more, ‘February Gold’ is another award-winning yellow daffodil on our list. Also, it received the coveted Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

'Golden Ducat' Daffodil

Double daffodils like the ‘Golden Ducat’ have multiple layers of petals and multiple blooms per stem.

©Simon Groewe/Shutterstock.com

6. ‘Golden Ducat’ Daffodil

Botanical Name: Narcissus ‘Golden Ducat’

Common Names: ‘Golden Ducat’ Daffodil, Double Daffodil ‘Golden Ducat’

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Bloom Seasons: Mid-Spring

Type of Daffodil: Double (Division #4)

Fragrance: Sweet citrus scent

The ‘Golden Ducat’ daffodil is a mid-size plant with fluffy all-yellow blooms. These spring flowers grow up to 4 inches across, and the plants grow 8-12 inches tall. This type of yellow daffodil is part of the double division, which means it has multiple layers of petals, and each stem can produce multiple blooms. Also, the ‘Golden Ducat’ has a more pointed set of petals than non-double varieties.

This eye-catching yellow daffodil is also very fragrant. And it produces a sweet citrus scent that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

'Hawera' Daffodils

‘Hawera’ daffodils have slightly reflexed petals on tipped flowers and a fruity scent.

©Sergey V Kalyakin/Shutterstock.com

7. ‘Hawera’ Daffodil

Botanical Name: Narcissus ‘Hawera’

Common Names: ‘Hawera’ Daffodil, Angel’s Tears, Triandrus Daffodil ‘Hawera’

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Bloom Seasons: Mid to Late Spring

Type of Daffodil: Triandrus (Division #5)

Fragrance: Mild and fruity scent

The ‘Hawera’ is a yellow dwarf daffodil that loves acidic soil and grows beautifully in containers. As a triandrus daffodil, its petals are slightly reflexed (inverted). Additionally, the flower heads tip toward the ground like sleepy children. But these bright yellow ‘Hawara’ blooms are a vibrant sight to see scattered across the landscape, especially when planted in groups.

‘Hawera’ daffodils grow up to 9 stems per plant and produce a whopping 6-8 blooms per stem. However, these dwarf daffodils grow only 6-8 inches tall, making a bigger impact when clustered together.

Also called Angel’s Tears, ‘Hawera’ daffodils earned The John and Gertrude Wister Award from the American Daffodil Society and the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

'Jetfire' Daffodils

‘Jetfire’ daffodils have canary-yellow petals and an orange cup.

©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com

8. ‘Jetfire’ Daffodil

Botanical Name: Narcissus ‘Jetfire’

Common Names: ‘Jetfire’ Daffodil, ‘Jet Fire’ Daffodil, Cyclamineus ‘Jetfire’ Daffodil

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Bloom Seasons: Early to Mid-Spring

Type of Daffodil: Cyclamineus (Division #6)

Fragrance: Lightly scented

The ‘Jetfire’ is a lovely two-tone yellow daffodil with canary-yellow petals surrounding a striking orange cup. This type of daffodil belongs to the cyclamineus division, which means it has reflexed petals and downward-facing blooms. Additionally, cyclamineus daffodils are usually miniature plants, and the ‘Jetfire’ is no exception. This small plant with big blooms grows 8-10 inches tall and produces flowers up to 3 inches across.

This plant is another award-winning type of yellow daffodil, having received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

'Yellow Cheerfulness' Daffodils

‘Yellow Cheerfulness’ double daffodils produce 3-6 blooms per stem.

©Kovalyk Artur/Shutterstock.com

9. ‘Yellow Cheerfulness’ Daffodil

Botanical Name: Narcissus ‘Yellow Cheerfulness’

Common Names: ‘Yellow Cheerfulness’ Daffodil, Double Daffodil ‘Yellow Cheerfulness’

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Bloom Seasons: Mid to Late Spring

Type of Daffodil: Double (Division #4)

Fragrance: Strong honey-like scent

The ‘Yellow Cheerfulness’ daffodil is an elegant flower with a round layer of flat petals behind a cluster of half-closed petals at the flower’s center. This daffodil’s unique blooms make ‘Yellow Cheerfulness’ flowers stand out from other double daffodil varieties. In addition, this type of yellow daffodil produces 3-6 blooms per stem on plants that grow 1-2 feet tall.

Strongly-scented like honey, ‘Yellow Cheerfulness’ daffodils are winners of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Yellow Trumpet Daffodil

Trumpet daffodils like “Unsurpassable” are medium-sized plants with large blooms.

©monikozi/Shutterstock.com

10. ‘Unsurpassable’ Daffodil

Botanical Name: Narcissus ‘Unsurpassable’

Common Names: ‘Unsurpassable’ Daffodil, Trumpet Daffodil ‘Unsurpassable’

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Bloom Seasons: Early Spring

Type of Daffodil: Trumpet (Division #1)

Fragrance: Lightly scented

Like ‘February Gold,’ the ‘Unsurpassable’ daffodil is an early-spring bloomer. This stunning yellow trumpet daffodil has a medium-sized plant (1-2 feet tall) with large blooms (up to 4 feet across). Its deep trumpet cups are ruffled around the flared edge, giving this plant an air of extra showiness in the garden. And, as with all trumpet division daffodils, ‘Unsurpassable’ produces one flower per stem.

‘Unsurpassable’ daffodils are vigorous growers. And they are easy to naturalize and make excellent cut flowers.

There Are Many More Types of Yellow Daffodils for Home Gardens!

In addition to our list above, there are seemingly countless types of yellow daffodils for home gardens. Check online catalogs and local gardening supply stores for more. Daffodil bulbs are usually available by late spring for fall planting, making it easy to plan your daffodil beds far in advance. And learning the types of daffodils, based on their division, will help you understand what size and flower shapes to expect from your plants.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © MVolodymyr/Shutterstock.com


Share on:
About the Author

Jennifer Haase is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on plants, pets, and places of interest. Jennifer has been writing professionally about plants and animals for over 14 years. A resident of Nebraska, Jennifer enjoys gardening, floral design, nutrition studies, and being a cat mama.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.