- Daffodils were first used in gardens around 300 BC. The Greek botanist and philosopher Theophrastus listed and described Narcissus in his book ‘Enquiry Into Plants’. Romans also treasured the flower. The flower then faded for centuries until it re-emerged during the 1600s when the English gave them a place in the garden. It is thought when settlers came to America from Great Britain, they brought Daffodils as a reminder of their past lives to the New World. The bulbs were hardy and easy to transport during their ocean voyage, so a huge percentage of them survived and were planted across the eastern seaboard and Appalachia.
- Daffodils symbolize rebirth, new beginnings, hope, joy, and good luck. Much of this symbolism arises from the fact that daffodils emerge each spring to light up barren landscapes with their cheerful yellow, orange, and white flowers.
- They are meaningful across the world-In China, the daffodil symbolizes good fortune and they are the official Chinese New Year symbol. In Japan, the daffodil means joy and in France they are a sign of hope.
- They are many different types of daffodils- This topic is regularly debated; however it is said there could be as many as 200 different species of daffodil.
- Don’t mix them with other flowers in a vase ,Daffodils release latex from their stems once they are cut which can shorten the life of other flowers. Although its best to keep them separate, if you use special bulb food or soak the daffodils alone for 12 hours before, they can be used alongside other flowers.
- Daffodils contain a chemical called ‘Lycorine’, this chemical is in the whole part of the plant but is particularly strong in the bulb part, so although they are used as medicine, if daffodils are consumed it is not life-threatening but it can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
- There is an American Daffodil Society that was formed in 1954 to promote interest in daffodils and encourage research and education.
- Daffodils are the flower which symbolizes a 10th wedding anniversary, so if you or someone you know is soon to be celebrating their ‘tin’ or 10th wedding anniversary this spring be sure to gift them a bunch of daffodils.
Also read about: Floriography the language of flowers
So if you’re looking for a cheerful and easy-to-grow flower that symbolizes hope and new beginnings, daffodils are the way to go.
Please follow and like us:
