Daffodils belong to the genus Narcissus, a perennial bulb celebrated globally for its spring bloom. The sheer diversity in shape, size, and color has led to the common question of how many varieties exist. Answering this question is complex because “variety” can refer to a wild type plant or a human-created cultivated form. To manage this vast array, the horticultural world relies on a precise, internationally recognized classification system that allows growers, breeders, and enthusiasts to categorize the thousands of known forms.
The International Classification System
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) maintains the official classification structure as the International Cultivar Registration Authority for Narcissus. This system groups all daffodils into 13 distinct divisions based primarily on flower form and genetic background. Cultivated hybrids are sorted into Divisions 1 through 12; Division 13 is reserved exclusively for species and wild forms identified only by their botanical name.
The first three divisions are defined by the size of the central cup (corona) relative to the outer petal segments (perianth). Division 1 (Trumpet Daffodils) features a corona equal to or longer than the perianth. Division 2 (Large-Cupped) has a corona more than one-third the length of the perianth, while Division 3 (Small-Cupped) possesses a cup not more than one-third the length of the perianth segments.
Other divisions are determined by unique characteristics or ancestry. Division 4 contains Double Daffodils, featuring extra petal segments instead of a distinct cup. Divisions 5 through 8 group flowers based on descent from specific wild species, showing traits like multiple flowers per stem or reflexed perianth segments. Division 9 (Poeticus) is identifiable by its pure white perianth and small, flat cup, and Division 11 covers Split-Corona types where the cup is deeply divided.
Essential Characteristics for Identification
Identification relies on two main flower parts: the perianth (outer segments) and the corona (central cup, trumpet, or crown). The perianth is the outer layer, usually consisting of six segments. The key measurement for Divisions 1, 2, and 3 is the ratio between the length of the corona and the length of the perianth segments.
To measure the perianth, one segment is flattened out, and the length is taken from its tip to the base of the corona. The corona length is measured from its base at the perianth junction to its furthest margin. This precise measurement system determines the fundamental identity of the flower shape, such as qualifying a flower as a Trumpet (Division 1) if the corona is the same length or longer than the perianth segments.
Beyond shape, the classification system includes a precise color coding system that uses a shorthand notation. This code follows the Division number, the color of the perianth, a hyphen, and then the color of the corona. For instance, a designation like “1 W-Y” indicates a Division 1 Trumpet daffodil with a White perianth and a Yellow corona. The color codes use single letters like W for white, Y for yellow, O for orange, P for pink, R for red, and G for green.
If the perianth or corona has multiple color zones, up to three letters describe the variation. Perianth colors are described from the outer edge inward to the base, while corona colors are coded from the base of the cup outward to the rim. This allows for a detailed, standardized description of complex color patterns.
The Difference Between Species and Cultivars
The vast number implied by the question is largely due to the distinction between naturally occurring species and human-created cultivars. A species, classified in Division 13, represents a wild daffodil identified solely by its botanical name, such as Narcissus pseudonarcissus. There are approximately 76 accepted wild species of Narcissus.
The overwhelming majority of “varieties” are cultivars, which are registered, named hybrids developed through selective breeding. The Royal Horticultural Society maintains the International Daffodil Register, containing over 32,000 registered cultivars worldwide, explaining the massive numerical scope of daffodil diversity.