Double White 1601. Unknown. Rediscovered by Septimus Jackson, Clamoak, Bere Peninsular.
 
Known by numerous Synonyms including 'Albus Plenus Odoratus', 'Poeticus Plenus’ & the very long winded 'The Large Gardenia Flowered Double White Daffodil'
 
Mentioned by the Flemish Botanist Clusius in 1601 then rediscovered by Septimus Jackson in the 1880’s growing in a hedge at Clamoak on the Bere Peninsular. Once an extremely popular Tamar Valley cut flower, used to decorate local churches at Whitsun as it beautiful snow-white double flowers have the most amazing fragrance.
 
In Arthur M. Kirby's 1907 book 'Daffodils, Narcissus, and How to Grow Them as Hardy Plants and for Cut Flowers' it is registered as “Double Poeticus: it produces beautiful, large and fragrant double white flowers, which in purity, form and sweetness liken them to gardenias, for which reason it is often called the ‘Gardenia-flowered narcissus'."
 
But be warned. It is one of the World’s hardest daffodils to grow. Thrives best in moist, but free draining loamy soil, in dappled shade & will often failing to flower in dry / hot locations or rot if they become waterlogged in clay. It has never been a commercial success outside this Valley because it also resents pot culture and forcing. The ultimate Force of Nature in daffodil form - This narcissus cannot be bent to the will of man - but it’s the nearest thing to Heaven on Earth we have on this Planet as its sheer purity & grace looks it you drifting on heavenly clouds as you walk through a field of them. Utter perfection.