Narcissus, and more specifically daffodils, are second only to tulips in the number of bulbs grown in home landscapes. The genus name, Narcissus, includes several different types of bulb plants. Technically, what we call daffodils are only the ones with trumpet like flowers. Jonquils are those in Division 7 below and are from a small number of species including N. jonquillia and N. juncifolius. A handful of other species in the genus are just called narcissus.

Traditionally, there has been a lot of confusion about the different types of plants included in the genus, Narcissus. The Royal Horticultural Society in England decided to develop a classification system to clear up the mess. In 1949, they issued their system which divides all the members of the genus into 11 Divisions.

Divisions 1 to 9 are all plants of garden origin. That means that it does not include actual species but plants developed from these species. Some of the Divisions are based on color patterns of the perianth and corona while others include size and shape criteria.

BTW - In Latin, the plural of narcissus would be narcissi. However, the American Daffodil Society has decided that its members may use the word, narcissus for both the singular and plural.

Narcissus and Daffodil Varieties - This popular plant has lead to the development of thousands of cultivated varieties i.e. cultivars. Each years many more named cultivars appear on the market and it would take a real devotee to keep track, let alone grow, all of them.

Included in the Division sections below are examples of several cultivars which fit the definition of that grouping. Of course, there are probably hundreds more that could be divided into each category...if only we had the time to compile the list.

BTW - There is also a classification system for daffodils only.

One flower to a stem with the trumpet or corona as long or longer than the perianth segments (petals surrounding the corona).

Perianth is colored yellow and corona also colored yellow but is NOT a paler shade than the perianth.

• 'Bastion'
• 'Cromarty'
• 'Dutch Master'
• 'Explorer'
• 'Golden Harvest'
• 'King Alfred'
• 'Kingscourt'

• 'Magnificence'
• 'Rembrandt'
• 'Standard Value'
• 'Unsurpassable'
• 'Yellow Triumphator'
• 'William the Silent'

Perianth is white and the corona another color.

• 'Foresight'
• 'Magnet'
• 'Trousseau'
• 'World's Favorite'

• 'Preamble'
• 'Bambi'
• 'Music Hall'
• 'Queen of the Bicolors'

Perianth is white and the corona is white but NOT paler white than the perianth.

• 'Beersheba'
• 'Broughshane'
• 'Cantatrice'
• 'Matterhorn'

• 'Mount Hood'
• 'WP Milner'
• 'Roxane'

Distinguishing Characteristics: One flower to a stem with the corona being more than one-third, but not equal to, the length of the perianth segments.

Distinguishing Characteristics: One flower to a stem with the cup or corona not more than one-third the length of the perianth segments. These may be called small-cupped narcissus. Approximate time of bloom: late season.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Flowers are double. Approximate time of bloom: mid-season.

• 'Cheerfulness' (white)
• 'Cheerfiuiness Primrose' (primrose-yellow)
• 'Golden Ducat' (yellow)
• 'Mary Copeland' (white with orange-red cup)
• 'Tahiti' (yellow interspersed with segments of saturn-red)
• 'Texas' (yellow interspersed with yellow and red)
• 'White Lion' (white with straw yellow segments)
• 'White Marvel' (white)

Distinguishing Characteristics: The species, Narcissus triandus, is the primary parent plant used in the development of cultivars included in this Division.  They are usually white or yellow and have more than one flower on a 9 to 12 inch tall stem. The number of flowers will range from one to six per stem. Leaves are narrow, rush-like and round. Most of the cultivars have short, cup-like flowers that are slightly nodding. Approximate bloom time is mid-season.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Characteristics are similar to the species, Narcissus cyclamineus, which is the dominant parent used in developing cultivars for this Division. The perianth segments bend backwards and the corona is long, cylindrical and serrated at the edge. Stems grow to about 6-10 inches tall and usually bear one flower each. Approximate time of bloom: early season.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Have characteristics similar to the species, Narcissus jonquilia, which is a key parent to the cultivars in this Division. They have rush-like leaves that are channeled. The fragrant, golden yellow flowers have a cup shaped corona and are borne in clusters of 3 to 6 atop 6-12 inch tall stems. Approximate time of bloom: late season.

• 'Baby Moon'
• 'Golden Goblet'
• 'Golden Sceptre'
• 'Trevithian'

Distinguishing Characteristics: Have characteristics similar to the species, Narcissus tazetta, which is a key parent to the cultivars in this Division. The plants have 4 to 6 narrow leaves and are 4 to 8 inches tall. Their flowers are almost flat and have a very shallow corona and several are borne on each stem.

These bulbs are commonly used for forcing in the greenhouse and are often called paperwhites, Soleil d'or narcissus or bunch flowering narcissus.

• 'Poeticus'
• 'Tazetta'
• 'Early Perfection'
• 'Geranium'
• 'Laurens Koster'

• 'Silver Chimes'
• 'Cheerfulness'
• 'Orange Wonder'
• 'Laurens Koster'

White perianth with very flat, short, lemon-colored cups, rimmed orange or scarlet.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Have characteristics similar to the species, Narcissus poeticus, which is a key parent to the cultivars in this Division. The solitary, fragrant flowers are borne atop narrow, blue green foliage. Flowers have a white perianth and a small saucer shaped corona that is pale yellow, edged in red and are called Pheasant's Eyes. Approximate time of bloom: late season.

• 'Actaea'
• 'Cantabile'

• 'Red Rim'
• 'Smyma'

Distinguishing Characteristics: This group includes Narcissus species, their wild forms and their cultivars that are not of garden origin. These are types only found in nature and have not been hybridized by humans.

Narcissus bulbocodium - Hoop Petticoat Daffodil - The plants 3 or 4 rush-like leaves with are 8 inch stems. They have bright yellow flowers with a perianth that consists of narrow segments and a cup that is widely expanded which resembles a petticoat. They are native to Southern Europe to Morocco. Zones 6-9

• Narcissus canalieulatus - Chinese Lily Narcissus - They are 6-9 inches tall bearing four to six flowers per stem that each have a white perianth and a yellow cup . They are native to Southern France. Zones 6-9
  
  Related species:

• N. nanus - These are dwarf daffodils that only grow to 6- 8 inches with small, white, fragrant flowers that have yellow cups. They are sometimes sold as N. lobularis.
  
• N. obvallaris - Tenby Daffodil - They have 12 inch long stems that are topped with golden yellow flowers with a long yellow, green-tinged cup.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Daffodils which do not fit in any of the above Divisions.

• Companions to Hostas
• Daffodil Divisions
• Daffodil Flower Parts
• Dahlia Types

• Hardy Bulbs
• Lilium Types
• Tender Bulbs
• Tulips - Types