THE FLOWER FOR MARCH: NARCISSUS
Sometimes, even before the snow has melted, you might spy a jolt of yellow in the distance, popping up just before spring. These late winter, first spring bloomers are some of the most hopeful flowers because they remind us of new beginnings and rebirth. Daffodils and jonquils—from the genus Narcissus—are the official posies for March. Since the spring equinox falls on March 20th this year, it’s a whole month before Easter (which isn’t until April 20) and that means we’ll have some proper time to enjoy the Easter flowers before the holiday even arrives. There’s nothing better than a real spring (one that feels longer than a couple of weeks), and one of the true indicators of a successful springtime is the multitude of blooms. Since they are perennials, they do not need to be resowed each year; they simply come back on their own and spread effortlessly. The wild willy-nilly growing habits of the daffodil make it a favourite because it always puts on a prominent display of lushness. The best time to sow bulbs is in the fall before the first frost.
The Romantics & Greeks
It was believed by the ancient Greeks that daffodils were named after Narcissus, the son of Cephissus, the river god. According to legend, Narcissus was so consumed with his own image that he fell into a pool of water and drowned upon admiring his reflection. Supposedly, daffodils then sprung up in that very spot.
Also known as the “yellow maiden” or “Lent lily,” daffodils have been synonymous with England since the Romantic poet William Wordsworth wrote of them growing in abundance near the shore of Ullswater in Cumbria. His “jocund company” that he witnessed as they fluttered, danced, and tossed their heads gaily in the breeze filled his heart with pleasure. What could be more poetic than a host of golden daffodils?
So, what’s the difference between daffodils and jonquils anyway? Daffodils are best known for a single bloom on each stem, while the jonquil produces multiple blooms per stem. Both possess flowers with six petals surrounding a trumpet in the center. Since the word “daffodil” doesn’t actually refer to any one species (there are over 27,000), all jonquils are considered daffodils but not all daffodils are jonquils! Jonquils are also typically more fragrant than daffodils and come in a variety of hues—ranging from pristine white to sherbet orange—while daffodils are always the same shade of cadmium yellow.
“In Wales, legend says that those who see the first daffodil of the season will be blessed with wealth in the coming year. Daffodils are also a traditional symbol of Wales and are often worn with the leek, especially on St. David’s Day (March 1).” Nothing wakes one from a long winter slumber quite like the sight of sunshine yellow.
Why are daffodils so commonly bunched together on their own in a bouquet? Other than the fact that they’re beautiful and bright enough to be showstoppers, they actually release latex into the water which can shorten the time span of other flowers. Nothing really pairs quite as well with daffodils or jonquils like other daffodils; since there are thousands of cultivars, one can mix and match white with deep orange, egg yolk yellow, pale canary hues, clustered varieties, and solid white blossoms to create the perfect springtime arrangement.
For other springtime blossoms (especially for Easter), visit Chelsea Flowers for their unique take on arrangements and bouquets (and don’t forget to shower your March-born friends and family with daffodils). Daffodils are also a traditional flower to gift for a tenth wedding anniversary. For more on information cited in this blog, follow the links below:
https://www.almanac.com/content/march-birth-flower
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/gardens-landscapes/history-of-daffodils
https://www.thespruce.com/jonquil-vs-daffodil-8629754
https://www.poetry.com/poem/42226/i-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud