List of Narcissus horticultural divisions

Narcissus cultivars have a wide range of colours, sizes and proportions of corona to perianth
Range of Narcissus cultivars

The List of Narcissus horticultural divisions is a classification of the cultivated varieties of the genus Narcissus (/nɑːrˈsɪsəs/), which are predominantly spring perennial plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. Most species and cultivars are known by the common name daffodil, while a few are called jonquils.

The list of Narcissus horticultural divisions provided by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is the standard method used to classify and describe cultivated varieties (cultivars) of Narcissus. It is widely used since the RHS is the international authority for the registration of such cultivars.[1][2] For horticultural purposes, all Narcissus cultivars are split into 13 divisions, as described by Kington (1998),[3] for the RHS,[4] based partly upon flower form (shape and length of corona – the "trumpet" or "cup"), particularly the ratio of corona to length of perianth segments (tepals or "petals"), the number of flowers per stem, flowering period and partly upon the genetic background. Division 11 (Split-corona) with its two subdivisions was the most recent group to be described (1969).[5] Division 13, which includes all the wild rather than cultivated daffodils, is the exception to this scheme.[6] This classification is a useful tool for planning planting. Most commercially available narcissi come from Divisions 1 (Trumpet), 2 (Large-cupped) and 8 (Tazetta).[6]

Growers register new daffodil cultivars by name and colour with the RHS,[1] whose International Daffodil Register is regularly updated with supplements available online[1] and is searchable.[7][8] The most recent supplement (2014) is the sixth; the fifth was published in 2012.[9] More than 27,000 names were registered as of 2008,[9] and the number has continued to grow. However, because of synonymy, the actual number is probably closer to 18,000; only about 500 are in commercial production (470 in 2009–2010).[10]

Registered daffodils are given a division number and colour code[11] such as 5W-W ('Thalia').[12] In horticultural usage it is not uncommon to also find another unofficial division of 'Miniatures', which, although drawn from the other 13 divisions, have their miniature size in common.[2][13][14] These are sometimes referred to by nurseries as 'Division 14'. Over 140 narcissus cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

  1. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference RHSIRA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b ADS 2015, Daffodil Divisions & Cultivars .
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kington was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference RHSAZ was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Kamenetsky 2012, Narcissi p. 105.
  6. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference RHS was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference Mathew was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference RHSIRAS was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Kington2008 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Kamenetsky 2012, Narcissi p. 106.
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference IDRI was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference RHSIRASThalia was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ Cite error: The named reference PE was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference PBS was invoked but never defined (see the help page).