Daffodil

Daffodils are the most iconic flower of spring in the UK. Their bright yellow trumpets and cheerful nodding heads are a symbol of renewal, hope, and the end of winter that resonates deeply across British culture. They are the national flower of Wales, the birth flower of March, and one of the most universally loved flowers in the country. When daffodils arrive, spring has genuinely begun.

What daffodils mean and when to gift them

Daffodils represent new beginnings, rebirth, and the triumph of hope over adversity. In the language of flowers, a single daffodil can mean misfortune, but a bunch of daffodils represents joy, good luck, and happiness. Always send them in a group rather than alone.

They are also strongly associated with resilience and the idea that beauty returns after difficulty. This makes them a particularly meaningful choice for get well soon flowers, for someone emerging from a hard period, or for any occasion where the message is: better days are coming.

Daffodils are the official flower of cancer charities including Cancer Research UK, where they represent hope and the courage to face illness. Sending daffodils to someone going through a health challenge carries a layer of meaning that few other flowers can match.

Yellow daffodils are the most widely recognised variety, but white daffodils, bi-colour varieties with orange trumpets, and miniature varieties are all available and add variety to spring arrangements.

How long do daffodils last

Daffodils typically last between five and ten days as cut flowers. They are not the longest-lasting stem, but during their short season they are among the most impactful. Daffodils that arrive in tight bud will open over one to two days, giving the arrangement a longer effective display.

One important thing to know: daffodils release a sap from their stems that is toxic to other flowers. If you are mixing daffodils with other stems, condition them separately in their own water for 24 hours before combining them with other flowers in a mixed arrangement.

How to care for them

Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle on arrival and place them in a clean vase with fresh, cool water. Do not mix freshly cut daffodils with other flowers for the first 24 hours. The sap they release can shorten the vase life of other stems. After 24 hours, re-trim the stems and they can be safely combined with other flowers.

Change the water every two days and re-trim the stems each time. Keep daffodils away from direct sunlight and heat. They prefer a cool environment, which is one of the reasons they thrive in the cool temperatures of early spring.

Are daffodils safe for cats and dogs

No. Daffodils are toxic to both cats and dogs. All parts of the plant are poisonous, with the bulb being the most toxic. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmia. The sap can also cause skin irritation in humans. Daffodils should be kept well out of reach of pets at all times.

If you are sending spring flowers to a household with pets, tulips are also toxic. Gerberas, snapdragons, and veronica are all pet-safe spring alternatives worth considering.

When to send daffodils

Daffodils are a seasonal flower with a relatively short window in the UK, typically available between February and April. They are at their most abundant and most affordable in March, making them a natural choice for Mother's Day, St David's Day on 1st March, and spring birthdays.

Send daffodils for March birthdays, where they are the birth flower. Send them for Mother's Day when you want something that feels genuinely seasonal. Send them as get well soon flowers when the message is hope and renewal. Send them for Easter when you want something that captures the spirit of the season perfectly.

Daffodils are the March birth flower and the national flower of Wales. For March birthdays or any Welsh occasion, they carry a layer of meaning no other spring flower can match.

Shop arrangements that include daffodils

Our florist's choice bouquet features seasonal stems and includes daffodils during their peak spring season. Available with free UK delivery from £34.

Related guides:

Mimosa Guide

All flower guides