Is there a difference between "heirloom" and "historic"? Very little, I suppose, although to me an "heirloom" plant would be one of a certain age or older, while a "historic" plant could be one which figured prominently in some way as a milestone in the genus. For instance, 'Falaise' is a rather nondescript double daffodil, and yet it is historic because it was one of the first double daffodils that was found to be fertile. Its progeny live on in ever more beautiful double daffodils. 'Quick Step' is a white and pink jonquil hybrid which is historic, as it is one of the first jonquil hybrids which sets seed readily. This allows breeders to produce second and third generation hybrids which they had been unable to do previously. Neither of these plants fit the definition of "historic" as defined by the American Daffodil Society.
The American Daffodil Society recently approved the addition of an award to the best historic daffodil in the historic classes. "Historic" in this situation is defined as having been registered in 1940 or earlier. Species are not allowed. Personally, I think they should be older. But there are some lovely daffodils to be found in the historic section.
'Sweetness,' which was registered in 1939, is a yellow jonquil hybrid which usually comes with one bloom per stem. The bloom is about two inches in diameter and has a lovely jonquil fragrance. It's a wonderful garden flower, and is an American Daffodil Society Wister Award winner. The Wister Award is for a flower of exceptional garden merit. 'Sweetness' frequently wins the Historic Ribbon, but it is equally at home in regular show classes.
Another frequent winner of the Historic Ribbon is 'Beryl,' a cyclamineus hybrid which opens with yellow petals and an orange cup. The petals soon fade to white, while the cup fades to yellow with an orange rim. 'Beryl' dates from 1907, and still finds a place in the gardens of daffodil enthusiasts.
Of course the most venerable name in all daffodildom, 'King Alfred,' certainly fits this category. 'King Alfred' was registered in 1899. It is not a particularly good grower, and it is seldom listed in catalogues. Statistics from Holland for 1996-97 indicate that only .26 hectares of 'King Alfred' were being grown commercially. Many sources list King Alfred-type daffodils, but if you want the real thing, you'll probably have to search for firms which specialize in heirloom plants.
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