Do Daffodils Come in Different Colors? Exploring the Varied Hues of These Iconic Spring Bulbs

Daffodils are synonymous with spring. Their bright yellow blooms are a welcome sight after the gray days of winter. But did you know that not all daffodils are yellow? While golden yellow may be the most common daffodils actually come in a diverse range of colors. Keep reading to learn about the different hues these bulbs can produce.

A Brief History of Daffodil Cultivation

Daffodils belong to the genus Narcissus and are native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. They have been cultivated since ancient times, with the earliest records tracing back to Roman writings. Yellow daffodils were likely the first to be bred selectively for their ornamental value.

Hybridization efforts expanded the color range substantially starting in the 1600s. Growers began crossing yellow daffodils with white Narcissus varieties, developing new cultivars in shades of cream and pale yellow. Later work incorporated other species with orange, pink or red in their flowers. This opened the door to a full spectrum of daffodil colors.

Today, over 25,000 registered daffodil cultivars exist and new ones are introduced each year. The diversity of available blooms is astonishing.

Common Daffodil Colors and Combinations

While yellow remains the most prevalent, daffodils can display just about any color except true blue and black. Here are some of the most popular hues and color combinations:

• Pure white – Cultivars like ‘Arctic Queen’ and ‘Ice Wings’ have gleaming white petals and a lighter yellow or white cup.

• Cream – Subtly tinted with pale yellow, these softly hued varieties include ‘Carnmoon’ and ‘Moonshine’.

• Lemon or lime yellow – Vibrant light yellows seen in cultivars such as ‘Hillstar’ and ‘Limequilla’.

• Dark yellow – Deep golden blooms like those of ‘Golden Aura’ and ‘Unsurpassable’.

• Yellow and white – Bi-colors such as ‘Tahiti’ with its orange-yellow cup and creamy petals.

• Yellow and pink or peach – Blooms feature yellow petals and a pinkish cup, as seen in ‘Pink Charm’ and ‘Salmon Trout’.

• White and pink – All-pink blooms like ‘Passionale’ and bicolors including ‘Pink Silk’.

• Orange – Vivid orange cups contrast the yellow petals of daffodils like ‘Fireflame’ and ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’.

• Red – Deeper shades of pinkish orange present in cultivars such as ‘Crackington’ and ‘Red Devon’.

What Determines Daffodil Color?

Three key factors influence daffodil color:

• Pigments – The main pigments are carotenoids like lutein (yellow) and lycopene (red). Anthocyanins also contribute reds and purples.

• Genetics – Each daffodil species and cultivar has a specific genetic makeup that controls its color. Breeders combine genes to develop new hues.

• pH – The pH level of the cell sap where pigments are stored can modify their appearance. More acidic conditions yield redder blooms.

In addition to genetics, temperature and sunlight levels during growth impact final daffodil color. Cool weather tends to deepen colors while warm conditions cause lighter, more pastel blooms.

How to Select Diverse Daffodil Colors

Want to expand beyond basic yellow in your spring garden? Here are some tips for choosing an array of daffodil colors and varieties:

• Look for descriptive names like those above that indicate flower color.

• Search for terms like “pink cup,” “white petals,” or “bi-color” to find two-toned varieties.

• Consult online retailers and catalogs that group daffodils by color. This makes comparison shopping easy.

• Study photos of each cultivar closely to verify the actual bloom color. The descriptions can sometimes be misleading.

• Opt for mixes that contain yellow, white, orange and pink varieties blended together.

• Plant groupings of single colors for a bold monochromatic look. Or, combine several hues together for contrast.

• Don’t forget classic yellow! Mixing yellow with other shades creates a lively spring display.

• For maximum impact, palette the blooms with early bulbs like crocus and grape hyacinth that flower at the same time.

12 Stunning Multi-Colored Daffodil Varieties

Here is an overview of some top-rated cultivars representing the diversity of daffodil colors:

Whites

• ‘Arctic Queen’ – Elegant, snowy white with a light yellow cup that fades to creamy ivory. Very reliable.

• ‘Mount Hood’ – A popular heirloom with large, pristine white petals and a sunny yellow trumpet.

Yellow and White Bi-Colors

• ‘Cassata’ – Sulphur-yellow petals and a white cup that matures to yellow-orange. Prolific bloomer.

• ‘Chinita’ – Opens yellow and white then fades to all-white. Sweetly scented too.

Yellow and Pink/Peach Varieties

• ‘Pink Charm’ – Bright yellow petals and an apricot-pink cup that glows warm in sunlight.

• ‘Salmon Trout’ – Luminous lemon-yellow perianth and a beautiful salmon-orange cup.

White and Pink

• ‘Passionale’ – Elegant blooms with silky white petals and a rich magenta-pink cup.

• ‘Pink Silk’ – Ivory-white petals and a blush pink trumpet with a yellow mouth.

Orange Cup Varieties

• ‘Fireflame’ – Butter yellow petals and a fiery orange-red cup. Very striking color contrast.

• ‘Orange Wonder’ – Pale yellow perianth segments complement the trumpet’s orange tones.

Red Cup Cultivars

• ‘Crackington’ – Creamy white perianth with a cup of deep reddish orange.

• ‘Red Devon’ – Brilliant golden yellow petals with a rich red trumpet. An eye catcher.

Enjoy a Spectrum of Daffodil Colors in Your Garden

No longer limited to yellow alone, modern daffodil hybrids display an incredible range of colors. From pristine whites to peachy pinks to fiery reds, you can paint your spring garden with a palette of these bulbs. A mix of colors creates lovely landscape contrast. Or, mass together one intense shade for high-impact drama.

Whichever hues you choose, daffodils are sure to brighten up the end of winter with their joyful blooms. The flowers make cheerful cut arrangements too. Just be sure to snip the stems before the blooms fully open to maximize vase life. Each spring, daffodils are a breath of fresh color after the gray winter months.