The Daffodil: Discover the Remarkable Story of the World's Most Popular Spring Flower

There is no harbinger of spring like a field or garden filled with bright yellow daffodils. But the world of the daffodil is much more than just its place in the march of the seasons. It’s a plant whose history starts with the tombs of the Pharaohs and leads to the current explosion of varieties from plant breeders seeking new colors, fragrances, and forms. Daffodil reveals a global plant infatuation that has led to more than 25,000 cultivars available in nearly every shade of yellow (and now pink, orange, and white). Noel Kingsbury tells the tale through an engaging narrative history and plant portraits that highlight more than 200 varieties. Jo Whitworth's revealing photography shows a side of the daffodil rarely seen. Plant lovers will relish the stories and gardeners will cherish the cultivation notes, plant descriptions, and recommendations. This book charts the remarkable story of the daffodil from the tombs of the Pharaohs, through pre-Darwin evolutionary theory, to Cornwall's burgeoning bulb business and diversification efforts by breeders seeking the definitive bloom. Today's gardener's have a rich palette including the pink-cupped Backhouse hybrids, the star-like 'Firebrand' bred by Engleheart, and P.D. Williams's 'Killigrew', described as "perfect in form, balance, and quality." Garden cultivation notes, description, and recommendations introduce the delights of the less well-known daffodils such as the fragrant Jonquils and windswept Narcissus cyclamineus without neglecting the classics such as bold, butter yellow 'King Alfred'. Exquisite plant portraits combine with an engaging narrative to capture the spirit of these delightful spring flowers that immortalize the work of early plant breeders, offer a tempting array of plant options to gardeners, and bring continuing pleasure to all.--INSIDE FLAP. There is no harbinger of spring like a field or garden filled with bright yellow daffodils. But the world of the daffodil is much more than just its place in the march of the seasons. It’s a plant whose history starts with the tombs of the Pharaohs, through pre-Darwin evolutionary theory and Cornwall’s burgeoning bulb business, and leads to the current explosion of varieties from plant breeders seeking new colors, fragrances, and forms. Daffodil reveals a global plant infatuation that has led to more than 25,000 cultivars available in nearly every shade of yellow (and now pink, orange, and white). Noel Kingsbury tells the tale through an engaging narrative history and plant portraits that highlight more than 200 varieties. Jo Whitworth's revealing photography shows a side of the daffodil rarely seen. Plant lovers will relish the stories and gardeners will cherish the cultivation notes, plant descriptions, and recommendations. Daffodil reveals a global plant infatuation that has led to more than 25,000 cultivars available in nearly every shade of yellow (and now pink, orange, and white). Noel Kingsbury tells the tale through engaging narrative history and plant portraits that highlight more than 200 varieties. Jo Whitworth's revealing photography reveals a side of the daffodil rarely seen. Plant lovers will relish the stories and gardeners will cherish the cultivation notes, plant descriptions, and recommendations. Daffodil offers a year-round opportunity to enjoy the beauty of a spring garden and is a must-have gift book for gardeners. Daffodil definitions From the tombs of the pharaohs: early daffodil history Travelling, changing, and multiplying: the nineteenth century Cornwall: centre of the daffodil universe Breeders and conservers: daffodil people Gone native: daffodil colonies and hotspots Daffodils in the garden. Noel Kingsbury puts our brightest spring flower under the spotlight...