A Bloom for Every Mood - Daffodil Varieties in New Zealand

Ah, daffodils—the golden harbingers of spring. There’s a whole world of daffodil varieties beyond the classic yellow trumpet, so let’s dig into some of the most popular types you’ll find growing across Aotearoa.

1. Double Daffodils – The Drama Queens of the Garden

Double daffodils are like the divas of the daffodil world. Instead of the typical trumpet, these blooms boast layers upon layers of ruffled petals, giving them a full, almost rose-like appearance. Some doubles have frilly centres while others resemble peonies with their rounded, dense blooms. Colours range from classic yellow to white, cream, and even delicate pinks or apricots.

Why You’ll Love Them: Their lush, full appearance makes them perfect for adding a touch of drama to garden beds or for creating show-stopping bouquets. They also tend to have a subtle, sweet fragrance. These double-flowering hybrids are hardy, easy to grow, and particularly well-suited for cutting!

Where to Plant: They love a spot with full sun, partial shade, and well-drained soil—just like most of us on a good day. Plant them in groups for high impact, or mix them with simpler blooms for contrast.

2. Large Cupped Daffodils – The Classic with a Twist

Large cupped daffodils are your go-to if you’re after that classic daffodil look but want a little extra flair. These blooms feature a sizeable central cup contrasting beautifully with the outer petals. Unlike trumpet daffodils, the cup on these is shorter but wider, giving a balanced, bold look. They come in all sorts of colour combos, from bright yellows with fiery orange cups to creamy whites with pink or peach centres.

Why You’ll Love Them: They’re hardy, reliable, and look stunning planted en masse. Plus, they naturalise well, meaning they’ll pop back year after year with minimal fuss. Their sturdy stems also make them great for cut flower arrangements.

Ideal Use: These daffodils shine in borders, large garden beds, or even along driveways, where their bold colour combinations can really catch the eye!

3. Small Cupped Daffodils – Petite and Perfect

Small-cupped daffodils are like their large-cupped cousins but with a more understated charm. The cups are less than one-third the length of the petals, giving them a delicate, balanced look that feels both elegant and refined. Often, these blooms come in bi-colour combinations, like white petals with bright yellow or orange cups, creating a striking contrast without being too overpowering.

Why You’ll Love Them: Their smaller size makes them perfect for planting in tighter spaces or along pathways where their details can be appreciated up close. They’re also great for adding variety to a spring bouquet.

Best For: Border plantings, cottage gardens, or adding a subtle touch of elegance to mixed spring displays. Their compact size makes them ideal for smaller gardens or pots.

4. Split Corona Daffodils – The Showstoppers

Want to turn heads? Split corona daffodils are here to steal the spotlight. Instead of a solid, trumpet-like cup, the corona is split open into petal-like segments that often lie flat against the outer petals, creating a frilly, almost orchid-like appearance. They come in a range of colours, from soft pastels to vibrant yellows and oranges, and their unique shape makes them stand out from the crowd.

Why You’ll Love Them: Their unusual form adds a touch of the exotic to your garden. Despite their fancy appearance, they’re just as easy to grow as traditional daffodils.

Garden Tip: Plant them in a prominent spot where their unique shape won’t go unnoticed—in front of borders, in pots on patios, or right by the garden gate. They also make fantastic conversation starters when cut for indoor arrangements.

5. Tazetta Daffodils – Sweetly Scented Clusters

If fragrance is your thing, Tazetta daffodils will have you swooning. These daffodils are known for their clusters of small, star-shaped flowers and are as fragrant as they are beautiful. Tazettas usually have multiple blooms per stem, creating a lush, abundant look.

Why You’ll Love Them: Their sweet, almost citrusy fragrance will fill your garden or home with the smell of spring. Plus, they bloom early, giving you a head start on the season.

Fun Fact: Tazettas are more tolerant of warmer climates, making them perfect for northern gardens with milder winters. They’re also fantastic for forcing indoors, so you can enjoy their blooms even in the depths of winter.

6. Jonquilla Daffodils – The Sunshine Specialists

Jonquillas are the sun lovers of the daffodil family. With multiple small blooms per stem and a strong, sweet fragrance, they bring a wild, natural feel to any garden. Their narrow, reed-like leaves give them a more delicate appearance than other daffodils, and their bright yellow flowers glow in the sun.

Why You’ll Love Them: They’re perfect for naturalising in wildflower meadows or informal gardens. Plus, their fragrance is divine! Light, sweet, and perfect for cutting and bringing indoors.

Bonus: They’re fantastic for attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden. And if you’re after a daffodil that thrives in hotter, drier spots, Jonquillas are your best bet.

7. Trumpet Daffodils – The Timeless Favourite

When most people think of daffodils, they’re picturing the trumpet type. These are the traditional blooms with a large, prominent central trumpet that’s as bold as it is beautiful. The trumpet is as long (or longer) as the outer petals, giving them that iconic silhouette we all know and love. They come in a range of colours but are most commonly seen in that classic golden yellow.

Why They’re a Must-Have: Easy to grow, long-lasting, and perfect for naturalising in lawns, fields, or along driveways, their sturdy stems make them excellent for cutting, and they’re often the first daffodils to bloom in spring.

Planting Tip: For a natural look, scatter the bulbs randomly over your planting area and plant them where they land. They’ll look like they’ve always belonged there.

8. Bulbicodium Daffodils – A Whimsical Delight

Last but not least, the Bulbicodium daffodils, often called “hoop petticoat” daffodils, are tiny but mighty - aren't they just delightful?! Their distinctive funnel-shaped blooms flare like little skirts, giving them a whimsical, almost fairy-tale look. They’re much smaller than traditional daffodils but make up for their size with charm and resilience.

Why You’ll Love Them: Their petite size and quirky shape, coupled with their grassy foliage, make them perfect for rock gardens, pots, or tucking into the edges of pathways. They’re also great for alpine gardens and thrive in well-drained soil.

Ideal For: Gardeners with limited space or those who love quirky, unusual flowers. These are such a conversation starter. Despite their delicate appearance, they’re tough and will naturalise beautifully over time.

So, what are you waiting for? Pop some bulbs in the ground this season, and get ready for that happy dance come spring!