Partners for Daffodils
Nothing says spring quite like a daffodil. After a long winter, their sunny faces popping up all over town is one of the cheeriest sights I know. Add to that their resilience and dependability, and it’s no wonder that the daffodil is one of the best loved spring perennials. But what if you are hungry for something new? Several lesser-known plants exhibit beautiful blooms this time of year. Pair these with daffodils, and both really shine!
Tulips, grape hyacinths, and daffodils are a classic combination. In the Four Seasons Garden at Minnetrista, we a pair a burgundy and yellow tulip called ‘Gavota’ with timeless purple hyacinths and yellow daffodils. Of course, one advantage of tulips is that they come in almost every color, so you are sure to find something that suits your palate.
Grape hyacinth, daffodils, and 'Gavota' tulips in the Four Seasons Garden at Minnetrista.
Anemone sylvestris or windflower, is another great partner for daffodils. Their delicate white blooms transform into woolly cotton-like seed heads. Excellent for the shady woodland garden, their finely cut foliage is attractive throughout the summer and they often yield a second bloom in the fall.
Windflower blooms with daffodils.
Serviceberry trees are just opening their blossoms. Also called Juneberry and Saskatoon, these natives are available in both tree and shrub form. We pair the cultivar ‘Autumn Brilliance’ with daffodils along the Boulevard at Minnetrista, and they reward us year round with spring blooms, edible summer berries, and golden fall foliage.
Serviceberry buds on a rainy morning along the Boulevard at Minnetrista.
Lastly, Red Trillium is a dramatic companion. They might even steal the show! These woodland wildflowers take five long years to reach bloom size, but the blood-red flowers and striking mottled leaves are worth the wait. Patches of trillium and daffodils look great side by side, but be sure to give your trillium plenty space—it doesn’t like competition!
Red trillium in the Formal Garden
Daffodils are an old favorite—and for good reason! For a fresh look, pair them with a new face to celebrate spring.
