daffodils

Tulips are considered the stars of spring bulbs, but daffodils are highly underrated.  

In my experience, daffodils bloom earlier and for a longer period of time than tulips.  

They seem to last for many more years, with the clumps getting bigger, and the flowers more numerous.  And they come in an array of shapes and sizes, in shades of orange, yellow, and white. 

The traditional yellow daff, called Dutch Master

My favourite daffodil is Thalia, a short variety (30 cm) with multiple pure white flowrers on each stalk.  These were planted about 10 years ago and still come back beautifully every year.

This is Poet's daffodil.  Very fragrant, and blooms quite late - here in late May.

A few growing tips: 

• they like full sun, but will happily bloom a bit later in half shade.
• The bulbs are quite big, so dig a deep hole (3 x the height of the bulb)
• plant in groups of at least 3, not in lines like soldiers
• choose a dry spot with no standing water - daffs hate wet feet
• after blooming, cut off the stalk to prevent seeds from forming, but the leaves must stay until they turn brown.  On PEI, that is usually August.  Through photosynthesis, the leaves make food to feed the bulb so it can bloom next year.