Daffodils, belonging to the genus Narcissus, are perennial plants in the Amaryllidaceae family. Their iconic flower structure is botanically complex, consisting of a central corona (trumpet or cup) surrounded by a perianth (the outer petals). The incredible diversity in color and form seen in cultivars popular in the US arises from selective breeding that manipulates the pigments within these structures. The primary pigments are carotenoids, which produce yellows, oranges, and reds, and anthocyanins, which contribute pink tones. The specific combination, concentration, and distribution of these pigments in the corona versus the perianth create the vast array of color patterns.
Horticulturists classify the thousands of daffodil cultivars into 13 divisions based primarily on their botanical form. The most popular types in American gardens include Division 1 (Trumpet Daffodils), where the corona is as long as or longer than the perianth segments. Division 2 (Large-Cupped Daffodils) feature a corona more than one-third but less than equal to the length of the perianth segments. Division 3 (Small-Cupped Daffodils) have a corona not more than one-third the length of the perianth segments. Double Daffodils (Division 4) have a clustered cup and petal structure with doubled stamens, and Triandrus Daffodils (Division 5) are characterized by multiple, pendent flowers per stem with swept-back perianths.
Yellow Daffodils (e.g., 'Dutch Master', 'Carlton'): The classic yellow daffodil, often from Division 1 or 2, is the most recognized. Botanically, their uniform yellow hue is due to a high concentration of carotenoid pigments throughout both the perianth and corona. This vibrant color is universally associated with joy, renewal, and friendship, making it a quintessential symbol of spring.
Bicolor Daffodils (e.g., 'Ice Follies', 'Pink Charm'): These cultivars exhibit a clear contrast between the perianth and corona. A popular example is a white perianth with a yellow, orange, or pink cup. This color separation is a result of differential pigment gene expression; the perianth tissues may lack carotenoids (resulting in white) while the corona produces them abundantly. The meaning often combines the purity of white with the energy of the cup's color, symbolizing rejuvenation and inner happiness.
White Daffodils (e.g., 'Thalia', 'Mount Hood'): White daffodils, common in Division 3, 5, and 8 (Tazetta), possess perianths and coronas that lack or have very subdued carotenoid pigments. The white color is caused by light reflecting off intercellular air spaces in the petals. They are revered for their elegant, delicate appearance and symbolize purity, innocence, and new beginnings.
Pink-Cupped Daffodils (e.g., 'Replete', 'Pink Pride'): The pink hue in the corona is a feat of breeding that introduces anthocyanin pigments into the typically carotenoid-dominated corona. This blush of color is often unstable and can vary in intensity based on sunlight and temperature. These varieties carry a meaning of gentleness, love, and uniqueness.
Double Daffodils (e.g., 'Tahiti', 'Flower Drift'): Division 4 daffodils have mutations where stamens are transformed into additional petaloid structures. This creates a flower with no single trumpet but a mass of clustered tepals. Their lush, peony-like appearance symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and desire.
