Taylors Bulbs Narcissus 'King Alfred' (7)

Few daffodils are as instantly recognisable as 'King Alfred' — the classic golden-yellow trumpet variety that's been a fixture of British spring gardens for well over a century. Each sturdy stem carries a single, bold bloom with slightly twisted petals surrounding a long, cylindrical trumpet with a flared, serrated rim, giving it the traditional, sunshine-yellow look that generations of gardeners have grown to expect from a "proper" daffodil.

Reaching up to 40cm tall, it's a strong, reliable grower that suits borders, naturalising in grass, or mass planting beneath trees and shrubs, and makes an equally good cut flower for the house. Plant the bulbs in autumn at one to two times their own depth in moderately fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade; the bulbs and sap can irritate skin, so gloves are worth wearing at planting time. Deadhead as the flowers fade and leave the foliage to die back naturally, which feeds the bulb ready for next year's display.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.