Daffodils are one of the most beloved flowers in Britain, brightening gardens and parks across the country each spring. But did you know that some rare and unique varieties might be hiding in plain sight? Experts are on a mission to track down these long-lost daffodils, some of which are connected to local histories and traditions, and could even hold important value for science in the future.

Why the Search for Rare Daffodils Matters

Many of these daffodils, which are believed to have been brought to Britain by the Romans, have been cherished for centuries. One variety, in particular, the “bonfire yellow” daffodil, was linked to the famous Bonfire Night celebrations in Sussex. However, this daffodil, bred by local horticulturist Noel Burr, hasn’t been seen for over 20 years. Experts like Gwen Hines from the plant conservation charity Plant Heritage are warning that these varieties could be lost forever if they aren’t found and nurtured soon.

Credits: Hayloft

“It’s not just about the beauty they bring to our gardens,” said Gwen Hines. “These daffodils could play an important role in future medicines. For example, daffodils are the source of galantamine, a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.”

The Daffodil’s Rich History

Daffodils come in a dazzling variety of shapes, sizes, and colors—around 30,000 different types, to be exact. While most daffodils are yellow, some varieties feature white, orange, and even salmon-pink hues. The daffodil has a long history in Britain, dating back to when the Romans first brought them over. Over time, these beautiful flowers have been bred into unique varieties, each with its own distinct color and form.

The Missing “Bonfire Yellow” Daffodil

The Sussex Bonfire daffodil, named after the Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes, Sussex, is just one of many rare varieties that experts are searching for. This daffodil is known for its bright orange-yellow petals, but it hasn’t been seen in over two decades. Roger Parsons, a Sussex horticulturist, hopes it may still be growing in someone’s garden. “Perhaps someone planted it years ago, and it’s still there. Our challenge is to find that person,” he said.

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Tracking down these missing varieties is crucial for preserving the genetic material of these flowers for future plant breeding, ensuring that they continue to thrive for generations to come.

The Legacy of Sarah Backhouse and William Fowler Copeland

Other rare daffodils, such as those bred by the plantswoman Sarah Backhouse, are also of great interest. The Sarah Backhouse daffodil, named after her by her husband after her death in 1921, is particularly notable for its salmon-pink trumpet and ivory flowers. Though it’s known to exist in national collections, its current location remains unknown.

Similarly, William Fowler Copeland, a well-known daffodil breeder from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, created a white, double-flowered daffodil that was named after his wife. These varieties hold both historical and scientific value, and their preservation is vital for future generations.

Your Role in the Search

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is asking the public to help by recording where and when they see daffodils blooming this spring. This information will help scientists map the locations of rare varieties and study how daffodils are responding to climate change. Dr. Kálmán Könyves, a scientist at RHS, has spent 15 years researching daffodils and believes that tracking their growth patterns will provide valuable data on the effects of changing weather.

Conclusion: The Hunt Continues

The search for rare British daffodils is more than just a botanical adventure; it’s a race against time to preserve these plants for future generations. With the help of gardening enthusiasts, horticulturists, and the general public, we can uncover these hidden treasures and ensure that the legacy of daffodils continues to bloom for years to come. So, keep your eyes peeled this spring—you might just spot a rare daffodil growing in your own backyard!