Landscape

Poets of Spring

Wether you are a landscape contractor, site manager for a large commercial property or a British poet, probably no other flower is more dependable and closely associated with spring than the daffodils. We are fortunate because caring for daffodils is an easy chore and there are many varieties to choose from. Next to withstanding harsh urban soils and some shades, they are not eaten by deer, voles, squirrels nor mice.

Daffodils are such a good backbone that many mass plantings and perennial borders have been developed around them. In new beds both bulbs and perennials can be planted in the fall. Daffodils are also easily added to established perennial borders.

Late fall is the time to dig around in a perennial border any how. Common perennials as Astilbe, Black-eyed Susan, Yarrow, Anemone, Aster, Heuchera, Loosestrife, Salvia and Veronica all have to be cut back. They also will benefit from being divided and re-spaced every 3-5 years. This is a great opportunity to plant flower bulbs among them as well.

Limiting the choice to white-flowering varieties will produce a kind of lacy effect above the freshly emerging perennial foliage. This effect can be extended from early March to the end of April by combining varieties with different bloom times. Plant daffodils in groups of 5-7 bulbs between or behind perennials; 10-15 bulbs per square yard for the large flowering types and 25-30 for the small types. As the perennials grow to maturity, they will conceal the withering daffodil foliage.

Here are some other exciting combinations with proven daffodils to look out for. Although the large flowered cultivars are the most popular, there are many more varieties that perennialize well. Some even fragrant; as brought together in our Sweet and Fruity Narcissus Blend. An investment in these harbingers of spring will bring rewards for years to come

“I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats in high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils”
William Wordsworth

Best Daffodil and Perennial Combinations