Plant daffodils now to dazzle the landscape in spring

There is little else you can do in your landscape that requires so little time, is easy to do, and pays off in huge dividends, as planting bulbs. They fit in every garden no matter the style. They can be planted in large informal drifts, formal patterns, or just tucked among existing shrubs and perennials.

And while tulips offer the broadest range of flower colors, no landscape should be without daffodils. They reliably return year and year. They are unappealing to deer and other backyard critters. And daffodils brighten the spring landscape in shades of yellow, orange, salmon, pink and white.

Plant daffodils in full sun or part shade under deciduous trees where plants will receive full sun before trees leaf out in spring. Daffodils also require well-drained soil; those planted in damp soil may rot.

Ideally, daffodils should be planted in early fall so bulbs have time to grow roots before the ground freezes. To determine the proper depth bulbs should be planted, use the "two to three times" rule. Generally, bulbs should be planted two to three times as deep as the bulbs are tall. In heavy clay soils, add lots of organic matter and plant them toward the shallower end of that rule.

Add a little fertilizer when planting and again in late spring just before the flowers start to die back to provide nourishment as the bulb prepares for its next round of blooming.

Here are a few of the many types of daffodils available at your local garden center.

Cyclamineus Daffodils

Daffodils in the Cyclamineus group are among the first daffodils to bloom in the spring. They can tolerate more shade and moister soils more than most other groups. Their flower petals are swept back resembling an umbrella turned inside out by a strong wind.

February Gold is bright yellow. The orange cup of Jetfire is held above yellow petals. Jack Snipe shows off his yellow cup surrounded by white petals a little later, in mid spring.

Cyclamineus daffodils may look delicate, but they are extremely durable. Plant them closely together for the best show.

Double Daffodils

The centers of the double daffodil family are packed full of petals. Some have more than one blossom per stem. Many are fragrant.

Dick Wilden is a magnificent sunny yellow example. Ice King has creamy white petals that provide the backdrop for its fluffy yellow center. Both of these varieties bloom in early spring.

White Medal deserves a medal! Looking more like a gardenia than a daffodil, it brings elegance to the mid to late spring garden.

Double daffodils grow on strong, straight stems - ready to stand up to spring storms and perfect for indoor bouquets.

Jonquilla Daffodils

Members of the jonquilla group are among the most fragrant of all daffodils. Although the flowers are small, there are two to six flowers per stem. Not convinced yet? These daffodils also multiply quickly.

The creamy white petals of Bell Song show off its soft yellow cup blushed with pink in late spring. Quail brightens mid spring with its deep golden yellow blooms. Pipit blooms in very late spring with blossoms of white cups and yellow petals.

Large Cupped Daffodils

As the name implies, large cupped daffodils have, well - larger than normal cups. Carlton is one of the most popular varieties. Its flowers are two-toned - soft yellow petals surround a bright yellow cup - and are vanilla scented.

Be smart and plant Professor Einstein. His pure white petals are the perfect backdrop for his vivid orange center. The Professor blooms in mid spring.

Or choose Scarlet O'Hara. I declare! Her reddish-orange cup is surrounded by golden-yellow petals. She will brighten your early to mid spring garden.

Small Cupped Daffodils

Aptly named, the cups of these daffodils are small and shallow. This group features the broadest range of colors - varieties can be white, yellow, chartreuse, salmon, orange, and orange-red.

The brilliant orange cup of Barrett Browning pops from his white petals. Verona will steal the show in any garden. Its pure white flowers will brighten up the dreariest late spring day.

Split Corona Daffodils

The flowers in this group are unusual. The cup is literally split creating an open, upward facing bloom. Split Corona daffodils bloom in mid spring.

Cassata is a lovely mix of lemon yellow and white. Orangery is a combination of white and tangerine. Parisiene is a gorgeous bicolor daffodil with white petals and a deep orange center.

Trumpet Daffodils

Daffodils in the Trumpet group have the traditional daffodil form. Dutch Master is a perennial favorite - its golden flowers grace many of our gardens.

This year, add Mount Hood. It delightfully opens pale yellow, but quickly turns all white. Or let Spellbinder enchant you. This beauty begins lemon yellow, but matures to yellow with a hint of chartreuse.

So, while I would encourage you to plant tulips (and crocus, grape hyacinths, Siberian squill, and others), get to your local garden center, choose your favorite daffodils, and plant them today!

•Diana Stoll is a master gardener and the retail manager of The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield, IL 60190. Call (630) 293-1040 or visit planterspalette.com.