Jonquils and daffodils are two of the most popular spring-blooming bulbs, brightening gardens with their cheerful yellow blooms. But are these two sunny flowers actually the same plant?
The short answer is no – jonquils and daffodils are closely related, but they are different flower varieties However, the distinction between the two can be confusing. Let’s clear things up!
A Look at the Narcissus Genus
Both jonquils and daffodils belong to the plant genus Narcissus This genus includes over 50 flower species, including paperwhites and poet’s narcissus
So while jonquils and daffodils are not the same, they are both types of narcissus flowers. That’s why you’ll sometimes hear people use the terms interchangeably.
But getting more specific, “daffodil” is the common name used for many Narcissus species and hybrids, while “jonquil” refers to a particular Narcissus species – Narcissus jonquilla.
Key Differences Between Daffodils and Jonquils
Though they look alike at first glance, daffodils and jonquils have some subtle but distinguishing features:
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Scent – Jonquils have a stronger, richer fragrance than daffodils.
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Blooms per stem – Jonquils often have 2-5 flowers per stem, while daffodils typically have just 1 bloom per stem.
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Flower shape – Daffodils have a trumpet-like cup in the center, while jonquils have smaller, flatter cups.
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Colors – Daffodils come in many colors like white, peach, pink, and bi-color, but jonquils are always yellow.
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Leaves – Daffodils have wide, flat leaves that look sword-shaped. Jonquils have slender, dark green leaves with a rounded tip.
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Hardiness – Daffodils are cold-hardy, growing in zones 3-8, while jonquils only thrive in warmer zones 8 and up.
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All jonquils are daffodils, but not all daffodils are jonquils
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Jonquils are a specific division of the daffodil family
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Jonquils are smaller, more fragrant, and less cold-hardy than daffodils
Common Varieties
There are thousands of daffodil and jonquil varieties bred by horticulturists over the years. But some popular types you’re likely to encounter include:
Daffodils
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King Alfred – Bright yellow, very popular
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Ice Follies – White petals, yellow trumpet
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February Gold – Early bloomer, yellow
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Pink Charm – White petals, pink cup
Jonquils
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Sweetness – Fragrant, bold yellow
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Pipit – Yellow petals, white cup
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Trevithian – Light yellow, very fragrant
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Bell Song – Tiny blooms, ivory and pale yellow
Which is Better for Your Garden?
Daffodils are an excellent choice for naturalizing, meaning planting bulbs informally over a large area. They spread readily and come back year after year with little care. Go for daffodils if you live in zones 3-8.
Jonquils work best in zones 8 and warmer. Their petite size makes them ideal for containers and garden beds. Plant jonquils where you can appreciate their intoxicating fragrance up close.
So in choosing between daffodils vs. jonquils, consider your climate and how you want to showcase these bulbs. Both make cheerful additions to the spring landscape.
Other Yellow Flower Confusion
Jonquils and daffodils are sometimes confused with buttercups, another yellow flower that blooms in spring. But buttercups are not related – they belong to the genus Ranunculus.
Daffodils and jonquils are also occasionally misnamed as “jonquils” in some southern regions where this term is used colloquially for all yellow daffodils.
So remember, jonquils and daffodils are close cousins but separate flower species. Knowing a few key differences helps correctly identify these spring bulbs, no matter what local nicknames they go by!
Narcissus Covers Thousands of Hybrids of Both Daffodils and Jonquils
Often used interchangeably, daffodils and jonquils do have unique characteristics. All daffodils fall under the botanical name Narcissus, but a jonquil indicates just one type of Narcissus, Narcissus jonquilla and its hybrids. Daffodils and jonquils are spring blooming perennial bulbs best planted in fall as soil begins to cool.
Narcissus covers thousands of hybrids of both daffodils and jonquils. While regionally jonquils may be called daffodils, this is botanically inaccurate.
Here are a few differences between daffodils and jonquils:
- Daffodil flowers are typically lightly scented while jonquils are highly perfumed.
- Jonquils are predominant and hardier in warmer southern regions, USDA Zones 8 and higher.
- Daffodils prefer the colder winter temperatures in Zones 3 to 8 before blooming in spring.
- A jonquil will feature 1-5 golden yellow, fragrant flowers per stem. Each flower’s petals are spread around a small center cup.
- Daffodils, usually with one flower per stem, have distinct trumpets surrounded by six petals with slim-tipped, sword-like foliage. Colors range from bicolored to white, pink, yellow, and orange.
- Golden yellow jonquils display slender leaves that are dark green with rounded tips.
No matter how you refer to them or which variety you grow and enjoy, spring flowers and bulbs are a welcome indication of spring’s arrival and even more stunning when planted in mass groupings. Plus, bulbs are so easy to plant we like to call them nature’s easiest plants.
How to Identify Jonquils and Daffodils
FAQ
What is the difference between jonquils and daffodils?
Daffodil flowers are typically lightly scented while jonquils are highly perfumed. Jonquils are predominant and hardier in warmer southern regions, USDA Zones 8 and higher. Daffodils prefer the colder winter temperatures in Zones 3 to 8 before blooming in spring.
Do daffodils turn into jonquils?
No, daffodils will not turn into jonquils.
What is the difference between a jonquil and a daffodil and a buttercup?
Therefore, all Jonquils and Paperwhites are Daffodils (or from the “Daffodil”/Narcissus genus), but not all “Daffodil” flowers (specifically) are Jonquils or Paperwhites. Buttercups are in an entirely different genus altogether, so it gets very confusing when Buttercups are used to reference Daffodils for some.
What does the jonquil flower look like?
Narcissus jonquilla, also known as the jonquil or rush daffodil is a beautiful species native to the Iberian Peninsula, though is now naturalised outside this range. It has bright yellow petals that surround a small, flattened cup in the centre of each strongly fragrant flower and slender, deep-green leaves.
Are daffodils and jonquils the same?
Daffodils and jonquils look alike, but they’re different plants The terms “jonquil” and “daffodil” are often used interchangeably to refer to popular, spring-blooming bulbs with distinct yellow flowers. While daffodils and jonquils both belong to the Narcissus genus, they’re different plants with different care requirements.
Are yellow daffodils jonquils?
Some people refer to yellow daffodils as jonquils, but this isn’t always correct. Jonquils are typically characterized by a robust, perfumey smell, multiple flowers, and rush-like leaves. In fact, jonquils get their name from the genus Juncaceae, which includes plants called rushes that have grass-like leaf blades.
Do daffodils & jonquils grow from bulbs?
Both daffodils and jonquils grow from bulbs and make beautiful additions to flower beds. The greens of these blooms are among the first to emerge from the ground, along with tulips and hyacinths, offering a reminder of warmer days ahead.
What plants complement daffodils and jonquils?
Companion plants for daffodils and jonquils include tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, and grape hyacinths. These flowers complement each other in color, height, and blooming time. 9. How do you prevent daffodil and jonquil bulbs from rotting?
Do daffodils & jonquils need a lot of water?
Daffodils and jonquils are relatively low-maintenance flowers that require well-drained soil, plenty of sunlight, and regular watering. It’s important to avoid overwatering and provide adequate airflow to prevent fungal diseases.
How do you choose daffodils & jonquils?
A horticulturist adds, “When selecting daffodils and jonquils for your garden, consider factors such as bloom time, height, and soil conditions. Daffodils typically bloom in early to mid-spring and come in a variety of sizes and colors, while jonquils tend to bloom later and have a more compact growth habit.