A flower that makes it impossible not to smile

“Who could be angry at a daffodil?”

The question, posed recently by one of the hosts of the “The Garden Mixer” podcast, referred to an article in which the author was infuriated when he spotted a clump of daffodils growing amongst wildflowers on a roadside. The author, Mark Avery, said he considered them “planted intruders into the ‘natural’ countryside.”

Imagine being so cynical as to be offended by daffodils (Narcissus) planted certainly by a well-meaning flower lover, likely for the sole purpose of putting a smile on someone’s face, something they do better than most flowers.

And fortunately, they can put a smile on faces for a long time, as the more than 32,000 named cultivars of daffodils bloom over a period of about three months. They also vary in color, form and size, meaning that you could have a fabulous spring bulb show with daffodils alone.

The most famous daffodil, by looks if not name, is probably ‘Dutch Master,’ a large mid-spring blooming yellow variety with a large trumpet that was introduced in 1938. It is the daffodil that you picture in your head when someone mentions daffodils.

But if the classic form is a bit too “common” for you, there’s no shortage of interesting daffodils to try, although it’s worth noting that not all are hardy in our mostly zone 5 gardens, so it’s good to check before you order them.

The miniature varieties might lack the showiness of large, spot-them-from-down-the-block types, but they make up for it with charm. ‘Minnow’ produces multiple white and butter yellow flowers on each stem. The species Narcissus bulbicodium, also known as petticoat daffodil, is only about 6 inches tall with a large, simple cup and small, pointy petals.

One of my small favorites is ‘Jetfire,’ an early spring bloomer that sports an orange trumpet and reflexed yellow petals befitting its name.

Although nearly as common as ‘Dutch Master,’ the white and light yellow ‘Ice Follies’ will always be a favorite, as a patch of them planted more than two decades ago is always the first to bloom in a cozy, protected spot in my garden.

The all-white ‘Thalia’ is beloved by many gardeners for its graceful, nodding form that is reminiscent of an orchid.

Double varieties tend to bloom late but often offer a sweet fragrance and blooms so frilly you might wonder if you’re looking at a rose rather than a daffodil. Some favorites are ‘Tahiti,’ ‘White Lion’ and ‘Rose of May’.

Whatever variety you grow, it must be planted in fall for the spring blooms we’re about to enjoy. And the time to reserve some of the more exotic varieties at specialist bulb sellers is actually early summer, right when you’re not thinking about them.

Or you could plan on picking up some classic favorites from local garden centers at fall planting time.

Regardless of what varieties you grow, you’ll be able to test the smile theory very soon in our area as the first daffodils come into bloom. Because I dare you to look at a daffodil and be angry. Regardless of what one writer thinks, I’d argue it’s just not possible.