The Hour

Daffodils are one of Britain’s most common flowers. Also known as narcissus, their unmatched beauty, cheerful yellow colour and delicate scent make them a popular choice in the spring.

Daffodils are commonly associated with St David’s Day, which falls today [March 1], and to celebrate the occasion, Nick Priestly from Mood Flowers was in The Hour studio showing how to create a daffodil topiary. He said:

“Daffodils are really popular at this time of year and you’ll get them pretty much everywhere; supermarkets, florists and public parks. Daffodils don’t cost a lot and you will get 20 for £1 in some places.”

Daffodil flowers have a trumpet-shaped structure set against a star-shaped background, and the most luxurious kinds are called Soleil d’Or, which means golden sun. The more common daffodils are the ones that can be found everywhere.

To make a topiary, Nick took several daffodils and put them together in a bunch. He explained:

“Secure the flowers with an elastic band and use a piece of lily grass as a natural tie. Take the elastic band off and then take a pin cushion, which you’ll get in a flower shop or craft shop, and cut the stems of the flowers flat across the bottom.

“Put the flowers into the pin cushion and use decorative pebbles round the base to cover up the pin cushion. Lastly, add some water.”

It is advisable to be careful when handling daffodils, as they contain an alkaloid poison called lycorine, which can cause illness if ingested. Lycorine is more prevalent in the bulb but can be found in the leaves as well, so wash your hands throroughly after handling them. If you use kitchen scissors to cut the stems, give them a good scrub afterwards as well.

For more information on Nick Priestly and floral arrangements, see the Mood Flowers website.