The short answer

Quick Answer

Daffodils and Narcissi thrives in full sun or full shade on chalky soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 20 to 45cm tall depending on variety. plant 10 to 15cm apart. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -20°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Wait at least 6 weeks after flowering before removing leaves

How: Deadhead spent flowers so energy goes into the bulb. Let leaves yellow and die down naturally, then clear away. Never tie leaves in knots

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Europe, North Africa and Asia. Wild daffodil native to the UK

Native or exotic: Wild daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus is native to UK woodland and meadow. Garden cultivars are exotic

History: Daffodils have been grown in British gardens since at least the 1500s. The wild daffodil was once so common in the Chilterns that 'daffodil special' trains ran from London to pick them

Folklore: In Greek mythology, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection and was turned into a flower. The plant has been linked to vanity and the underworld

Fun fact: The name daffodil comes from 'asphodel', an unrelated flower. The Welsh wear a daffodil on St David's Day, 1 March

Historical medicinal uses: Galantamine extracted from daffodils is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. All parts are toxic if eaten

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Early bees visit the flowers. The trumpet provides pollen and nectar on warm days [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Early nectar for pollinators, but cultivars vary in nectar production[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowers February to April depending on variety. Miniature types flower first[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Plant with tulips, forget-me-nots and wallflowers for a long spring display

Pest control: Watch for narcissus bulb fly. Slugs can damage flowers in wet springs

Common diseases and issues: Narcissus bulb fly, basal rot, daffodil viruses. See RHS narcissus bulb fly advice

Invasive note: Not invasive. Some varieties naturalise freely in grass

CGM care note

We plant daffodil bulbs in late September to November at two to three times their own depth, so 10 to 15cm deep and 10cm apart. In grass we use a long-handled bulb planter and lift a divot, drop the bulb in and replace the turf. Leave the grass uncut for at least 6 weeks after flowering.

  • Tulips (Tulipa species and hybrids)
  • Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis and Galanthus species)
  • Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis)
  • Lilies (Lilium species and hybrids)

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Daffodils and Narcissi

How Daffodils and Narcissi fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Tulips, spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges
  • Alliums (Ornamental Onions), spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges
  • Crocus, spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges
  • Snowdrops, spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges
  • Hyacinths, spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges
  • Grape Hyacinth, spring flowering bulbs, plant among perennials for early season colour before foliage emerges

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Daffodils and Narcissi.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Daffodils and Narcissi are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Daffodils and Narcissi (Narcissus species and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Daffodils and Narcissi. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Narcissus species and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Amaryllidaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Meerow AW, Snijman DA (2006). The never-ending story of Amaryllidaceae taxonomy. Aliso, 22, 559-568.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Amaryllidaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, seasonal_highlight, soil_type.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Daffodils and Narcissi. The pollinator description above ("Early bees visit the flowers. The trumpet provides pollen and nectar on warm days") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Early nectar for pollinators, but cultivars vary in nectar production") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Flowers February to April depending on variety. Miniature types flower first".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Early bees visit the flowers. The trumpet provides pollen and nectar on warm days"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Daffodils and Narcissi's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Early nectar for pollinators, but cultivars vary in nectar production") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Daffodils and Narcissi. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Daffodils and Narcissi's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Amaryllidaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Daffodils and Narcissi. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Daffodils and Narcissi. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Daffodils and Narcissi. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Daffodils and Narcissi. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Daffodils and Narcissi. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Daffodils and Narcissi. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Daffodils and Narcissi. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Daffodils and Narcissi performs well locally

Towns where Daffodils and Narcissi is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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