Historical Valley Varieties 

Circa 1899 

Outstanding Large Yellow Trumpet bred right here in Devon over 120 years ago! Has to be the most famous yellow daffodil of all time. 

Circa 1921

The oldest of the pink daffodils, this one is a real English beauty. Named after one of the members of the famous Backhouse daffodil breeders dynasty. This one really is something quite special its ivory petal framing that delicate salmon pink trumpet makes it look almost etherial as it gently dances in its rows. This delicate beauty really is one to be cherished. 

Circa 1865

Utterly beautiful English bi-coloured trumpet daffodil which is imposing, yet subtle. This variety is historically part of the famous Backhouse Daffodil Breeding Dynasty. 

Circa 1921

One of the most beautiful pure white trumpets there is. Almost luminescent   it really is a perfect showstopper displayed in any vase. 

Circa 1865 

Bred by the famous Backhouse Daffodil Breeding Dynasty this (& it daffodil in arms 'Empress') were of the most popular daffodil in Victorian England. Sadly however it is nearly all but disappeared which is an utter travesty for such a pretty trumpet. 

Circa 1600's

Also know as the 'Poets Daffodil'. What has to be the most striking of all narcissi, the humble Pheasant Eye is still wowing us since the eminent Ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus mentioned them back in 350 BC! It has been grown commerically here however only since the 1700's. The fragrance is a heady mix of Jasmine & Hyacinth. 

Circa 1927 

A lovely old Cornish daffodil which has lasted through some of the toughest times. Its lovely, cheery yellow large cup paired with vibrant primrose petals & a heady scent of vanilla - what's not to love?   

Circa 1917 

This English daffodil made quite the scene when first released over 100 years ago as the very 1st batch of bulbs sold for £50 each! Its beautiful proportioned yellow petals & frilly orange cup making this one hard to full out of favour. 

Circa 1936

A stunning ivory & primrose narcissi with ruffles in abundance! She may look delicate but this is one extremely hardy girl! Usually can be seen freely popping during the Jan-Feb when we have some of the very worst winter Atlantic Storms. 

Circa 1979 

Beautifully Scented ~  This daffodil was also raised the other hillshide from here by the famous Du Plessis brothers. It is named after the busy quayside village of Bere Ferrers located just where the River Tavy meets the Tamar. Also has a wonderful fragrance. 

Circa 1869 

The Godfather of the English daffodil industry.  Another superb Backhouse creation gives us a flower that freely dances in the wind but never seems bothered by it. Not a 'showy' as the more modern varieties but still well worthy of a place in the vase. 

Circa 1894

Named for the Roman poet 'Horace', this variety was for decades the standard of excellence that all other poet's narcissus were judged against. Like with is sister 'Ornatus',  'Horace' suffered greatly over the years especially during the serious nematode infestation of the 1940's-1960's where it was all but wiped out from the valley. The dawn of Hot water treatment for bulbs however has meant now we can grow little Horace in great numbers once more as It also takes one of the greatest accolades as being declared one of Rev. Engleheart's "greatest triumphs."

Circa 1943 

Another Beautiful Devonshire Daffodil bred just the other side of the valley from here at Buckland Monachorum, this showstopper was named after our famous Red Cattle. 

Circa 1906 

A old Somerset variety, beautifully lightly scented, which is one of, if not the best variety from the famous daffodil breeder the Reverend G.H. Engleheart who famously spent more time with his daffodils than his Parishioners, so much so it wasn't uncommon to see a sign on the church stating 'No service today, working with daffodils.' With this beauty to look at you can see why. 

Circa 1597 

Delicately fragranced, this surely this is one of the most prettiest daffodils out there? Its extra charm come in the form of it tendency never to flower along & thus usually blooms with 2 heads giving rise to many of its colloquial names such as 'Twin Sister' or 'Loving Couples'. 

Circa 1777

One of the oldest daffodils still in mainstream cultivation. Be it 'Butter & Eggs', "Golden Rose', 'Orange Phoenix' or the snappy 'N. incomparabilis  Auirantus Plenus' this daffodil is still in the hearts of many with is canary yellow powderpuff head to its delicate refined fragrance - a real beauty. 

Circa 1780 

EXTREMELY FRAGRANT. This narcissi was famously so fragrant children were usually told to leave the packing sheds as the sweet odour would send them to sleep. 

Circa 1897 

Don't let 1st impressions fool you, this is one tough lady. Its snow white petals & deep egg yolk cup make this variety one of the most striking but is a refined. delicate sort of way. It is also a subtle, delicate floral fragrance. 

Circa 1942 

With its Ivory petals & hot orange cup you know went this is in flower. If you look closer you can see a golden halo which draws the eye ever deeper. It really is a rather lovely flower. 

Circa 1953

A positive chameleon of the daffodil world. It starts life with a rich, deeply ruffled,  sunshine yellow cup maturing to the palest primrose & thus adding constant interest to any vase - This one will keep you on your toes as the colour changes daily!

Circa 1914 

An English daffodil which truly lives up to its name. The daffodil mad Revered Engleheart who famously spent more time with his daffodil collection than his parishioners.  Its vibrant golden trumpets create a true showstopper into any room starting from January &  is one of the valleys earliest flowering trumpets. 

Circa 1909

A rather curiously named Poet' variety bred by the famous daffodil breeder Champernowne  just over on the neighbouring hillside at Buckland Monachorum. He is also the chap who gave us 'Red Devon', both rather splendid varieties we think. 

Circa 1978

A truly lovely double from Worcestershire, with is ruffles of Ivory & pale pink make this late narcissi a favourite with the wedding scene. It is rather late to the party but boy it is worth the wait. 

Circa pre1770 

One of the most famous Tazetta Narcissi it was thought of been of Dutch origin. incredibly popular in the Isle of Scilly & a true stalwart of their industry. It was common for Cornish Tamar Valley market gardens to grow this variety but lacked popularity on the Devonshire side as it needs extremely sandy soil to thrive. Not to be deterred as this narcissus produces vivid spires of highly scented 10-20 miniature flowers per stem. Outstanding. 

Circa 1880

The FAMOUS Double white! At one time so many of these truly divine flowers were sent from here, the hillsides looked as if they where clothed with heavenly clouds. Smells VERY strongly of Jasmine. 

Circa 1919

Very highly scented paired with a certain grace which is how people describe 'Actaea'. One of the Poet daffodils, once grew along side it's siblings 'Ornatus' & 'Horace' but this soon became a firm favourite. 

Circa 1928 

A stunning (& highly fragrant) variety hailing from Cornwall. It has inherited some of the very best qualities of its parent (the Pre-1850 'Gloriosus' ) while keeping pace with our rugged Atlantic climate. A real beauty. 

Circa 1923 

If any daffodil truly lived up to their name it would be the Cheerfulness. beautiful double buttons line each stalk perfectly releasing a heady fragrance into the room bring joy where ever it is placed. Its Cousin the Yellow Cheerfulness can also have the same effect. 

Circa 1885 

This bold, egg yolk yellow trumpet daffodil used to found up & down the valley but now it is resigned to just a few places. 

Circa 1966 

One of are more younger, more modern varieties grown here (its only 56years old) but certainly a firm favourite. Its multi-floral stem producing an abundance of the prettiest ivory & orange surely would be enough but it also has the most exquisite perfume. Definitely a keeper. 

Circa 1937 

If any daffodil truly lived up to their name it would be the Cheerfulness. beautiful double buttons line each stalk perfectly releasing a heady fragrance into the room bring joy where ever it is placed. Its Cousin the Cheerfulness can also have the same effect. 

Circa 1976 

One of the most vibrant yellow/reds on the market this variety was bred by the Du Plessis brothers who live just the other hillside from here. Excellent in illuminating dark corners in the room as it almost glows in the shadows. 

Circa 1949

A truly spectacular double of lemon & cream frills has to be one of the favourites for any vase. Just like its Mother 'Mary Copland' this lion also has the sweetest of perfumes as well. 

Circa 1920

We have the illustrious Mrs. Backhouse to thank for this one. Insulinde (named apparently after the popular Victorian novel set in Indonesia) this one really is a curious mixture of exuberance &  dainty grace all in one. The flowers also slightly vary making every one unique. A real curio.  

Circa 550 BC

One of the most popular Narcissi of all time & still held in high regard. Thought to of originated in the Mediterranean it is well documented that it was the Arab traders who introduced this superb specimen around the known world, we know it even managed to get to China where during the Song dynasty (960–1279) they renamed it the Chinese Sacred Lily. 

Circa 1830

Became very popular during the Victorian period & nearly all the valleys had a clump of these natural beauties in their Market Gardens. It is thought that ‘Princeps’ is a variant of a Dutch wild narcissus which would make sense as even though the bulbs are relatively tiny (compared to modern bulbs) boy don't they know how to multiply. There are tales of acres of Princeps being ploughed up as they had taken over large swathes of valuable growing space. We love them for their timeless classic beauty & faint scent of lemon with vanilla.