Equal Time (More or Less) for Narcissi
In an earlier post I established that Tulips are better than Narcissus. However, as a socially responsible garden blog, I endeavor to present multiple points of view and also to comply with the Equal Time Rule (Communications Act of 1934, 47 USC Sec. 315). Although there are limits to everything, so please don’t ask me to write about Fritillaria.
Therefore, I present to you some of our later-season Daffodils. Judy has stated several times that this has been an exceptional year for Daffodils in our garden, and I wouldn’t disagree with her as far as that goes.
‘Mount Hood’ is a gleaming white Trumpet Daffodil.
I think this is ‘Flower Record’. I like the combination of the red edging with the white petals.
I think this is probably ‘Sentinel’, which is a Large Cupped variety. From the last three you can tell I am partial to white Narcissi.
And here’s a classic old Trumpet Daffodil, ‘King Alfred’.
Well, that’s enough Narcissi for now. More Tulips coming soon!
gardeninacity 
Great post! Glad you followed the Equal Time Rule…
I am firm but fair.
So your narcissus and tulips flower at the same time? Mine more or less do so here in Italy too, but in the UK they are two distinct seasons which made your first argument untrue for there. I like the white daffodils very much
They overlap, but partly because I grow some very early tulips.
Like you, I prefer the tulips. I have, however, made up a wish list of daffodils (from Wooden Shoe Tulips) that I hope to add to my garden for some early spring interest (and in hopes they will naturalize), most of which are white varieties. So MANY to choose from.
I have just a handful of tulips still blooming and they are all Elegant Lady, one that you said you weren’t thrilled with. I just wish they had bloomed at the same time as the deep magenta tulips I had in the same areas. Oh well, I guess I got two totally different looks!
Looking forward to seeing more of your tulips.
I find that the tulips in the garden frequently choose to ignore the bloom time indicated by the catalogs. By the way, I followed the link to your blog and found that no text appeared with the photos.
These are all lovely. Narcissi of the world appreciate your social responsibility.
They’d better.
It has been an exceptional year for daffodils/narcissi.
Not sure why – the cool weather? Lots of rain? Some mysterious combination of factors?
I would love to plant more daffodils for next year. I had no idea they could come in colors other than all yellow. Time to spice it up this fall!
Go for it, I say!
I would have to agree with your Judy that this has been an exceptional year not just for daffodils but for many flowers. Could it have something to do with the cold weather?
I was just wondering the same thing.
Just as there are Melville people and Hawthorne people, so are there tulip people and narcissi people. Tulips are lovely, but my vote goes with daffodils 😉
And you are certainly entitled to your incorrect opinion.
😉
I like tulips, but I love daffodils. Nothing is more delightful in late January in my zone 7 garden than the bright yellow “smile” of February Gold daffodils blooming their heads off while my tulips are still asleep waiting until March or April to say hello.
Laurie I really like how you put it. That is why I have plans to plant more daffodils for next spring. They come up early and put on a good show while we wait for the tulips.
My reaction is exactly the reverse: like daffs, love tulips.
Our weather is enough cold for many of flowers too Jason. Your daffodils are so pretty, love ones with orange center.
Thank you, Nadezda. The orange centers are very lovely, it is true.
We needn’t choose, as bloom time barely overlaps here. The Tete-a-Tete daffys are the first thing to bloom, so they get the kind of attention they never would if they were lost in the blowsy season. Almost seems as if Nature has a plan.
Nature is a garden designer! If we would only pay attention to her advice.
Sentinel and Mount Hood are exceptional. I’ve never seen either one.
They are really nice.
I have such a soft-spot for the white daffodils, and N flower record is a real beauty!
The white ones look especially elegant.
Well, I’m golly glad to hear that you are both firm and fair! How beautiful Mount Hood and Sentinel are, prize winners without a doubt!xxx
I agree – especially Mt. Hood.
Equal time hmmmm….well here we are all about daffs as they bloom and naturalize like crazy and the critters leave them alone…nuff said for me!
All true … I just love the colors of the tulips much better!