My heirloom Daffodil

13 years ago

This daffodil was growing in my garden when we moved here in 1965, there were sprinklings of it around the neighborhood in several yards but they have disappeared. I've never know which one it might be until yesterday, I took a picture and posted on the Name That Plant Forum. Not much time lapsed before I was given a link where I might match it up with one of the old timers. Bingo, I think it might be "Argent" apparently quite rare. Can anyone here confirm this?

Although it probably wouldn't win any prizes on the show bench today I love it, it even has a faint sweet scent. My little clump is thriving right beside where DH stacks the firewood, sometimes it ends up under it if I don't get out and stand guard. I've tried transplanting it to different locations but after a couple years it peters out so best to leave it where it's happiest.

There's another oldie on a bank close to us, this one is a double maybe 'Butter and Eggs'. The property where this one is growing was appropriated to cut a road through to the highway. I think I should rescue at least one :).

Annette

Comments (16)

reneestauffer
13 years ago
Wow, that is really neat!
~Renee
ginny12
13 years ago
That is absolutely beautiful. Why don't you take a look at the website of Old House Gardens? The owner, Scott Kunst, is an expert on old bulbs of all kinds. If it's not in his catalog, and I bet it is, he will know what it is. He and his catalog are among our true garden treasures. And the catalog is luscious to look at.

Here is a link that might be useful: Old and heirloom flower bulbs
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schoolhouse_gw
13 years ago
I wish I had some of those daffodils, I really like them. You're so lucky.
aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
Original Author
13 years ago
Ginny, that is exactly where I think I found out what it was, scroll down to 'Argent', it sure looks like the one I have.

Annette

Here is a link that might be useful: Heirlooms
schoolhouse_gw
13 years ago
Did you see the "Royal Wedding Sampler" via the link to "Old House Gardens" on the site you posted the link to? It's in honor of William and Kate, I think it would be fun to plant.
aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
Original Author
13 years ago
School, yes I did see it, Lovely, I'll have to look around and see if I can find those up here.
gardenweed_z6a
13 years ago
What ginny12 said...times 10! What a gorgeous daff!! I'm fortunate my mom & brother planted lots of them that I get to enjoy every spring. My brother especially since he planted lots of different varieties that I recognize in catalogs when I look through them. Nothing as elegant as yours but fun and colorful after the long, dark, cold winter. This winter was longer, darker and colder than any I can remember so I'm really enjoying the spring flowers.
floral_euphoria
13 years ago
That's got to be one of the prettiest daffodils ever. I just love looking at it!!
organic_kitten
13 years ago
That is a truly beautiful daffodil
kay
aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
Original Author
13 years ago
The other oldie I said was growing on a bank by the side of the road :). Dh went and dug it up for me, he had to go through a ditch and climb up the bank to get at it. It had just about disappeared in the tangle of blackberries covering that area. Well I know what it is going by the Heirloom link above. It's Van Sion (1620) the flower is rather ratty looking from being abused by the blackberries but here's a couple of pictures of another oldie.

{{gwi:657309}}

{{gwi:657311}}

There use to be quite a few of these in this spot but the blackberries have done them in.

Annette
ginny12
13 years ago
What a treat. And so glad you found out what they are. Just beautiful.
User
13 years ago
Oh so sweet. I had tons of old narcissus that I dug up from around an old falling down Southern cottage years ago. I left them all at our last home. I wonder if they would let me come get some. Argent was definitely one of them. They have such a sweet fragrance here. c
girlgroupgirl
13 years ago
Beautiful daffs! I have a few old fashioned ones: many that were already here, and a few that I was given from a cemetery so that I could keep the strain going.
bev2009
13 years ago
Argent is beautiful and how special. Thanks for sharing.
plantmaven
13 years ago
How pretty, so glad you have saved them.
gottagarden
13 years ago
How special! Love those unique daffs.