Daffodil Flowers

Daffodils (Narcissus) are iconic spring-flowering bulbs known for their trumpet-shaped blooms in sunny yellows, whites, and oranges. Easy to grow and naturalize, they herald the end of winter and are cherished across Europe, Asia, and North America for their uplifting color and dependable performance.

Occasions & recipients

Find flowers by occasion

Best occasions

  • Spring/Easter celebrations
  • Chinese New Year (Narcissus tazetta)
  • St. David’s Day (Wales)
  • Housewarming
  • Get well soon
  • 10th wedding anniversary

Suitable for

  • Friends
  • New romance / fresh starts
  • Colleagues and mentors
  • Neighbors / housewarming
  • Get-well sentiments
Color taboos
  • All-white arrangements may suggest mourning in some East Asian cultures
  • Sickly or dull yellow can imply envy/illness in Western contexts
  • Deep orange-red cups may feel too aggressive for sympathy bouquets
Card messages
  • Wishing you fresh beginnings and bright days ahead—like the first daffodils of spring.
  • Congratulations on your new chapter! May these daffodils bring hope and good fortune.
  • Sending sunshine and a speedy recovery—these daffodils are cheering for you.
  • Happy St. David’s Day! A bouquet of daffodils to celebrate.
  • Happy 10th anniversary—daffodils for joyful decades to come.

At a glance

Key details

Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.

Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.

Botanical info

Taxonomy
Kingdom: Plantae; Order: Asparagales; Family: Amaryllidaceae; Genus: Narcissus; Common name: Daffodil; Representative species: Narcissus pseudonarcissus.
Distribution
Native to the Mediterranean region (Iberian Peninsula, parts of North Africa and Western Europe). Widely naturalized across Europe and the British Isles; extensively cultivated in temperate regions of North America, Asia, and Oceania.
Conservation
Most garden daffodils (Narcissus hybrids) are not threatened and are widely cultivated. Some wild Narcissus species are locally protected; avoid digging or picking from the wild. Choose responsibly sourced bulbs and naturalize in pollinator-friendly gardens to support early-season insects.
Presentation etiquette
Gift daffodils as a cheerful bunch rather than a single stem (a single flower is considered bad luck in some traditions). Present in bud-to-opening stage for longer vase life, and include care notes: re-cut stems and keep them in their own water for 12–24 hours before mixing with other flowers because their sap can harm companions. Keep leaves above the water line, use a clean vase, and avoid extreme heat. Suitable for informal, springtime presentations and bright, uplifting arrangements.
Ideal delivery time
Early spring, delivered in the morning while buds are just opening; keep cool during transport. For mixed bouquets, pre-condition daffodils in separate water for 12–24 hours to reduce sap issues.
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested, especially bulbs. Contains alkaloids (e.g., lycorine) and calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in pets (cats/dogs) drooling, lethargy, cardiac issues in severe cases. Sap can cause contact dermatitis (“daffodil itch”). Keep away from children and pets; wear gloves when handling large quantities.
Allergenicity
Low airborne pollen allergenicity; moderate risk of contact dermatitis from sap (daffodil itch). Fragrance is usually mild but can bother sensitive individuals. Handle with gloves if skin is reactive.

Meaning & taboos

Symbolism & color
Universally associated with rebirth, renewal, and hope as one of the first flowers of spring. In Chinese culture (especially Narcissus tazetta), they symbolize good fortune and prosperity at Lunar New Year. In Wales, the daffodil is a national emblem and worn on St. David’s Day. Mythologically linked to Narcissus, adding a note of self-reflection or vanity. Traditional flower for the 10th wedding anniversary.

Growing & tools

Care & gear
Growing tips
Plant bulbs in fall, 6–8 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart, in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Hardy in USDA zones ~3–9; pre-chill bulbs in warm climates. Water after planting, then minimal watering. Allow foliage to die back naturally for 6 weeks post-bloom to feed next year’s flowers. Divide clumps every few years. Deer- and rodent-resistant; excellent naturalizers.
Recommended tools
  • Bulb planter
  • Hand trowel
  • Dibber
  • Bypass pruners/snips
  • Watering can
  • Garden gloves
Symbolizes
  • Rebirth
  • New beginnings
  • Hope
  • Good fortune
  • Respect