Where to Plant Daffodils

The biggest consideration, other than choosing the cultivors that one wants to have in the garden, is where the daffodils are to be planted. In the "where" category, three big factors must be considered; are the bulbs being planted in beds prepared for the home's landscaping, in the naturalized borders, or in specially prepared show beds.

Landscaping Beds

Landscapped flower beds designed to bring Spring cheerfulness and color to the home are good choices to plant daffodils, and are used by many to grow show quality flowers. Hopefully, these beds do not require extensive summer watering.

Landscapped daffodils should be planted in "clumps," both to keep from mixing the varieties, and for beautification. Clumps means to plant the bulbs of each variety together, and not mixing them with other daffodil bulbs. This way the daffodils will form small bouquets of flowers. This also keeps the problem of labeling to a minimum, as one labels the clump and not individual daffodils spread about the yard as single bulbs.

Consider the size and color of the daffodils before planting. Shorter divisions like 5, 6, and 8 daffodils should be up front so as not to be hidden behind taller foliage. Some division 7 daffodils are also short, but other varieties like Stratosphere and Susan Pearson are nearly 30 inches tall in my garden.

Consider colors for artistic appeal. Some like to see a "sea" of yellow, uniform looking flowers. I like to see a mixture of different colors, ranging from the shorter in front to the taller in back. However, this can get tricky when you plant early, mid and late season daffodils in the same bed, which is my preference, as I extend the blooming season as long as possible. The trick is to make sure that you don't block some short varieties that will be blooming later than the taller early ones.

Many a "best in show" came from flower beds that brighten up the yard and add beauty to the neighborhood.

Naturalizing Daffodils in Borders

Anything that applies to landscaping beds applies to daffodils planted in the borders, with a couple of extra considerations. Daffodils are excellent for naturalizing and compete well with smaller roots, grass, weeds and ground cover, and make excellent rock garden additions. If your area is such that lilies do not have to be watered in deep summer, daffodils and lilies complement each other and do well when planted together.

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