As part of an attempt by the RHS Bulb Committee to create a wider audience and exhibitor base for its Daffodil, Hyacinth and Tulip competitions, a Daffodil Show was held this year at the RHS Gardens at Rosemoor in North Devon. The daffodil plantings within the gardens itself are spectacular as can be seen above. These are not restricted to standard daffodils but also include Narcissus bulbocodium and Narcissus cyclamineus in quantities rivaling the hillside at Wisley (click on the photographs below).
Despite the daffodil flowering season in Cornwall being several weeks later than normal, Quality Daffodils produced an excellent stand.
In the early days of daffodil showing at RHS Vincent Square, visitors were often asked to vote on their favourite daffodil. As the growing of miniature daffodils has increased in the UK, a selection of 47 species and miniature hybrids were displayed and visitors invited to choose their favourite. The result of the public voting was:-
1st Narcissus rupicola subsp. watieri displayed by Mrs Anne Wright
2nd ‘Minnow’ displayed by Christine Skelmerdsale
3rd Narcissus panizzianus displayed by John Gibson
Christine Skelmersdale produced a display showing (with explanations) examples of the thirteen sections within the Daffodil Classification.
These and other interesting displays within the show marquee are shown below. Click on an image to expand it.
N. rupicola subsp. watieri
photo Oliver Kite
‘Minnow’
photo Oliver Kite
N. panizzianus
photo Oliver Kite
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Sections
photo Gwynne Davies
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Photo Wendy Akers
Photo Wendy Akers
Photo Wendy Akers
For a first-time show, the daffodil competition was very successful with exhibitors from Falmouth in the South, York in the North, Northern Ireland in the West and Rainham in the East.
Richard Gillings was the most successful exhibitor of standard daffodils and Brian Duncan likewise with miniatures. Full results may be seen by clicking here.
A pot of a selection of Narcissus x litigiosus (N. x susannae) was put forward to the RHS Bulb Committee for an award. The cultivar to be named ‘Giselle’ shown by Mrs Anne Wright, Dryad Nursery, York was provisionally awarded an AM for Exhibition, subject to its naming.
A photograph of the flower together with other exhibits are shown below.
It is hoped that in continuation of the widening of the locations of the RHS Daffodil, Hyacinth and Tulip shows that a ‘Late’ show could be held here in the north of England at RHS Harlow Carr in 2015.
Shown by Anne Wright
(York)
Won by Richard Gillings
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‘Terminator ‘
Richard Gillings
Shown by Brian Duncan
(Northern Ireland)
Shown by Ron Scamp
(Falmouth)
Shown by Marie Bersey
(Looe)
Despite having been at the Rosemoor show with James and Wendy I didn’t have time to see the beautiful daffodil displays. However a week later, and inspired by James and Wendy’s post, I made a large detour on my way to Cornwall to call in.
The daffodil displays are really dazzling and pop up in every corner of the garden adding colour and interest. The bulbocodium are truly amazing (better than Wisley?) and there is evidence of some hybrids amongst the drifts. In some areas they are now being joined by Fritillaria meleagris.
It is a super garden and well worth a visit if anyone is travelling to north Devon.