Probably the most remarkable daffodil in the world ...

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04 Mar 2009

One of the most remarkable daffodils in the world is adding a splash of golden colour to the winter garden at Aberglasney.

The resilient Narcissus ‘Cedric Morris’ has impressed gardeners by triumphantly still being in flower after nearly four months, despite a bitter battle in the recent sub-zero temperatures during the severe winter weather.

This tough little wonder conquered the elements to take its place alongside those other harbingers of spring, snowdrops.

Graham Rankin, Aberglasney’s Director of Operations, said: “The Cedric Morris daffodil is probably the most remarkable daffodil in the world because of its long flowering period and its ability to survive the minus 10.5 degrees Celsius temperatures this winter in full flower. The flowers lay flat on the ground during the cold spell and I assumed that they would turn brown and decay, but the same flowers are upright again and look totally unfazed by the bitterly cold experience”.

Sir Cedric Morris (1889-1982) is better known in Wales for his works of art than for one of the most desirable and sought after daffodils. He was the eldest child of a Sketty family and spent his childhood around Swansea. His paintings display a very simplistic style and he specialised in floral scenes, portraiture and landscapes, many of which depict scenes in Wales, such as Llanmadoc Hill on the Gower, Pontypridd and Crickhowell. His work is much coveted and examples are to be found in most major collections in the country.

Cedric Morris was also a fanatical plant collector, plant breeder and well-connected gardener. He grew about 1,000 new iris seedlings every year and selected the better ones for cultivation. Several cultivars of other plants also bear his name and include a Rose, Poppy and a Geranium to name but a few.

The early flowering daffodil was originally collected around 50 years ago by a friend of his in Northern Spain. His mentor and gardening friend Beth Chatto named it after him, posthumously.

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