Their common name is Daffodil and their Latin, botanical name Narcissus. They are a bulb that is part of the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae.
Planted between September and October the previous year, the bulb develops roots before the beautiful yellow and white flowers burst out the following spring from February to early May. They can be found in borders, containers but also parks and by the roadside.
Their typical height and spread are 5cm (2in) to 50cm (20in). They prefer sun or light shade and are an easy to grow bulb. The plant is very resistant and most sorts survive cold winters to flower for many years.
The flowers are either yellow or white, trumpet or star-shaped and grow on a long stalk with green leaves. In all, there are about 26 wild varieties but many hundreds of cultivated versions.
Mainly based on their flower form, Daffodils are categorised into 13 groups, mainly based on the form of their flower:
Daffodils originate from Southern Europe and North Africa, but some varieties can be found in Asia and China. Some claim that narcissus originated from Persia and was brought to China in the 8th century by travelling traders along the Silk Route.
The flower is linked to the Greek myth of Narcissus, who became so obsessed with his own reflection, that he knelt down to gaze into a pool of water. Sadly, he toppled into the water and drowned. The Narcissus plant sprang from where he died.
The name probably has its origin in the Greek word of ‘narke’, which became ‘narce’ under the Romans, meaning ‘numb’ and is a reference to its narcotic effect.
For more than a thousand years, Narcissus oil has been used for many different purposes, in both ancient Rome and the middle East:
The oil was historically extracted through a technique called ‘enfleurage’, whereby the individual petals are placed on plate of lard. The fat draws the oil from the petal and after a few days the petals are replaced by fresh ones. This is repeated until the lard is saturated with oil. At this stage it is called the ‘pomade’. The pomade is then filtered and distilled to produce the oil.
Nowadays, the oil is typically extracted using volatile solvents. About 500 kg of flowers are required to produce 1 kilogram of concrete or 300 g of absolute. ‘Concrete’ and ‘Absolute’ refer to different stages of refinement of the natural extract. It explains, however, why natural narcissus oil is so precious and expensive.
Today, the major quantities of natural narcissus essential oil are produced in the Netherlands and in France.
Have you tried smelling a Daffodil or wondered what this wonderful member of the Narcissus family smells like?
Most hybrid and over-bred bulbs you find in some Garden Centres today (and there are several hundred cultivated varieties) will not produce a fragrance and yet there are many wild daffodil varieties (around 26) that are marvelously fragrant. This means in turn there are many different scents and yet the typical olfactive profile associated with Narcissus reads as follows:
The scent of narcissus oil is strong and rich. It reminiscent of dark green leaves with traces of hyacinth and jasmine.
We have also been able to smell some varieties that were ‘spicy’ and others with ‘musky’ or ‘vanillic’ tonalities.
Narcissus would generally be classified as a ‘green-floral’, together with hyacinth and lily of the valley.
Do Daffodils Have a Scent? Unlocking the Sweet Aroma of These Iconic Spring Blooms
Daffodils burst onto the spring scene with their bright yellow and white blooms, signaling the change of seasons. Their cheery faces lift our spirits after a long winter. But did you know that daffodils aren’t just a feast for the eyes? Many varieties also offer a sweet fragrance that makes us think of warmer days ahead. So do daffodils have a scent? Let’s explore the nuanced aromas of these iconic spring flowers.
What Does a Daffodil Smell Like?
The short answer is yes, daffodils are fragrant But it’s a bit more complex than that. There are over 25 wild daffodil species and thousands of cultivated varieties Not all of them are scented. The ones that are range from faintly floral to intoxicatingly sweet.
Daffodils belong to the Amaryllidaceae plant family known for its aromatic compounds. These chemical components give daffodils their signature scent. It’s often described as fresh, sweet, and slightly spicy. You might detect notes of citrus, honey, grass, or vanilla.
The fragrance is usually subdued, but some varieties have an incredibly intense perfume. Bring daffodils indoors or plant clusters in your garden to fully experience their aroma. The scent is strongest on warm, sunny days.
Factors That Influence Daffodil Fragrance
Several elements determine how robust the fragrance will be:
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Variety – Some daffodils are bred for looks rather than scent. Fragrant types include doubles, poets, jonquils, and tazettas.
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Weather – Warm temperatures enable daffodils to release their oils and perfume the air. Cool weather makes the scent harder to detect.
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Time of Day – Scent production peaks in the afternoon when temperatures are highest. Mornings and evenings have less fragrance.
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Bloom Stage – Flowers smell strongest when they first open. The scent fades as blooms age.
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Growing Conditions – Healthy, vigorous bulbs grown in optimal conditions will be the most aromatic.
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Your Sense of Smell – People naturally differ in their olfactory abilities. Not everyone will perceive the subtle scent.
Top Fragrant Daffodil Varieties
If you’re looking for daffodils with exceptional fragrance, consider these popular options:
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‘Falconet’ – This poeticus daffodil has yellow cups rimmed in red and smells like lemon blossoms.
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‘Geranium’ – One of the most powerfully scented, this petite daffodil has a spicy, rosy fragrance.
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‘Ice Follies’ – A classic with lemon-scented, white and yellow double blooms.
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‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’ – Very early blooming with a sweet, honeysuckle-like scent.
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‘Thalia’ – The nodding white blooms of this daffodil have a strong, honey-vanilla perfume.
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‘Trevithian’ – A jonquil daffodil prized for its prolific golden flowers and intoxicating lemon scent.
Enjoying Daffodil Fragrances at Home
You don’t have to wait for spring to indulge in daffodil scents:
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Force bulbs indoors for an early burst of color and perfume.
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Bring cut daffodils inside and display in vases around your home.
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Plant bulbs in containers on your patio or balcony so you can savor the aroma up close.
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Look for soaps, candles, or other products that use daffodil fragrance oils.
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Dab on daffodil-infused perfumes and body lotions for a light floral scent.
The Science Behind the Scent
The compounds responsible for daffodil’s aroma are called terpenes, a type of volatile oil. Some of the main terpenes found in daffodils include:
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Linalool – Provides a pleasant floral scent. Also found in lavender and bergamot.
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Phenylacetaldehyde – Offers a honey-like fragrance. Present in hyacinths and lilacs.
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1,8-Cineole – Imparts a cool, minty aroma. Gives eucalyptus its signature scent.
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Benzyl acetate – Contributes a sweet, fruity odor. Used in synthetic cherry and peach scents.
These terpenes exist in different concentrations in each daffodil variety, resulting in unique fragrance profiles. Hybridizers selectively breed daffodils to enhance or diminish certain aromas.
Fun Fact: Daffodil fragrance was once used medicinally. In ancient times, the bulbs were reputed to have healing powers and were eaten to induce vomiting.
The Verdict: Daffodils Can Have an Exquisite Aroma
Not all daffodils are scented, but many possess a lovely, delicate perfume. You’ll find intoxicating aromas among poets, doubles, jonquils, and tazettas. Scent levels peak when flowers first open. For best results, plant fragrant bulbs in clusters and situate them near walkways or entryways where their aroma can be enjoyed. With thousands of varieties, there’s a daffodil scent for everyone!
Daffodils in Home Fragrance
Here at PAIRFUM we don’t have a true Daffodil fragrance but our ‘Trail of White Petals’ contains Daffodil oil and this floral perfume has the sweet and green nuances typically associated with Narcissus. Trail of White Petals is available in perfumed candles, natural reed diffusers, perfume room sprays and many other products.
Bring the scent of spring into your home with Daffodils !
There is nothing more enjoyable than a PAIRFUM Flowerwax Candle or Reed Diffuser in ‘Trail of White Petals’, spreading the scent of spring in your home. Pairfum Natural Wax Candle Signature Trail Of White PetalsPairfum Natural Wax Candle Signature Trail Of White Petals Pairfum Flacon Perfume Room Spray Signature Trail White PetalsPairfum Flacon Perfume Room Spray Signature Trail White Petals Pairfum Large Reed Diffuser Bell Signature Trail Of White PetalsPairfum Large Reed Diffuser Bell Signature Trail Of White Petals Pairfum Large Snow Crystal Candle Signature Trail Of White PetalsPairfum Large Snow Crystal Candle Signature Trail Of White Petals Fragrance Description Trail White Petals Jasmine Tuberose YlangFragrance Description Trail White Petals Jasmine Tuberose Ylang Pairfum Reed Diffuser Tower Petite Signature Trail Of White PetalsPairfum Reed Diffuser Tower Petite Signature Trail Of White Petals
Daddodil Fields in Great Windsor Park
If you would like to experience the joys of spring, feast your eyes on an acres of daffodils in the wind and actually smell some beautiful daffodils, then head over to ‘Great Windsor Park’ (near Windsor).
The fields of yellow you will enjoy, perfectly illustrate this poem by William Wordsworth:
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Care of Daffodils and Narcissi in the Garden | What To Do With Your Daffodils After Flowering
FAQ
What does daffodil smell like?
It reminiscent of dark green leaves with traces of hyacinth and jasmine. We have also been able to smell some varieties that were ‘spicy’ and others with ‘musky’ or ‘vanillic’ tonalities. Narcissus would generally be classified as a ‘green-floral’, together with hyacinth and lily of the valley.
Are all daffodils fragrant?
While many daffodil bulbs are fragrant, most do not have a perfume powerful enough to enjoy unless you stick your nose directly into the bulb.
Do Narcissus have a fragrance?
Most daffodils have a fragrance, some will miss it completely, and others will delight in its light, cool, spring-like notes. However there are some narcissi that are deliciously fragrant, a scent that is sweet, captivating and unique.
What are the disadvantages of daffodils?
All parts of the daffodil contain a toxic chemical, lycorine. The part of the plant that contains the highest concentration of lycorine is the bulb.
What do daffodils smell like?
Daffodils have a sweet, light, and pleasant fragrance that is reminiscent of springtime. Daffodils, with their vibrant yellow hue and delicate petals, have long been cherished as a symbol of spring and renewal. These charming flowers not only bring a burst of color to gardens and landscapes but also fill the air with a delightful scent.
Are daffodils fragrant?
In many cultures, daffodils are associated with rebirth and new beginnings, as they often bloom in the spring, signaling the end of winter. Daffodils are also the birth flower for the month of March, further adding to their significance. In conclusion, not all daffodils are fragrant, but many varieties do possess a pleasant scent.
Which Daffodil has the best scent?
Daffodil varieties with the best scent include ‘Cheerfulness’, ‘Geranium’, and ‘Yellow Cheerfulness’. The daffodil is a beautiful and vibrant flower that not only enchants our eyes but also captivates our sense of smell. Its unique fragrance is described as delicate, sweet, and slightly spicy, reminiscent of a mix between honey and narcissus.
When do daffodils smell better?
In most cases, the scent of daffodils is more intense during the morning and early afternoon, when the flowers are fully opened and pollinators are actively visiting them. As the day progresses, the fragrance may become less potent. Plant fragrant daffodils in groups or clusters to create a stronger scent impact.
Why do daffodils smell like linalool?
The fragrance of daffodils is a result of various key compounds present in their petals. One such compound is called linalool, known for its floral and citrusy scent. It is responsible for the sweet and fresh notes in daffodil scent. Another compound, called benzyl alcohol, adds a touch of sweetness to the overall fragrance.
Which daffodils are most aromatic?
Trumpet double and poeticus daffodils tend to be the most aromatic. Weather – Warm, sunny days enable the flowers to release their scent most generously. Cool or rainy weather causes the fragrance to be subtler. Time of Day – Scent production peaks during the warmest part of the afternoon. Early morning or nighttime hours bring less fragrance.