Daffodil : the remarkable story of the world's most popular spring flower / Noel Kingsbury ; with photographs by Jo Whitworth.

This book charts the remarkable story of the daffodil from the tombs of the Pharaohs, through pre-Darwin evolutionary theory, to Cornwall's burgeoning bulb business and diversification efforts by breeders seeking the definitive bloom. Today's gardener's have a rich palette including the pink-cupped Backhouse hybrids, the star-like 'Firebrand' bred by Engleheart, and P.D. Williams's 'Killigrew', described as "perfect in form, balance, and quality." Garden cultivation notes, description, and recommendations introduce the delights of the less well-known daffodils such as the fragrant Jonquils and windswept Narcissus cyclamineus without neglecting the classics such as bold, butter yellow 'King Alfred'. Exquisite plant portraits combine with an engaging narrative to capture the spirit of these delightful spring flowers that immortalize the work of early plant breeders, offer a tempting array of plant options to gardeners, and bring continuing pleasure to all.--INSIDE FLAP.