2 
Press Notices of BARR’S Gold Medal Daffodils, 1907. 
Incomparabilis variety with vivid orange crown ; Lady Margaret Boscavven, a substantial and 
beautiful Incomparabilis variety with white perianth and golden crown ; Ariadne, an ivory-white 
Leedsii ; Blood Orange and Ai.ba i ross, each with brilliant orange colouring in the crown ; 
Maggie May, one of the largest and best of Leedsii daffodils ; and Lucifer, with glowing orange- 
scarlet cup. There are very many other varieties that may be of equal beauty and interest to other 
folk, hence, where differences are comparatively small, and while taste differs so widely, a visit to a 
place where all the good things are gathered together enables anyone to pick out what meets with his 
or her approval. 
“ In conclusion, it .should be observed that in a small way the Messrs. Barr also show the use of 
daffodils in grass, under trees, and on rockwork, and though we have nothing to say against the cultivation 
of daffodils in beds, or in rigid lines for exhibition purposes, we must confess that the beauty of daffodils 
always seems greater when the flowers are under more natural conditions, and in many cases the flowers 
must be on rising ground to show off their attractions of form and colour. One of the prettiest pieces 
in all Messrs. Barr’s Nurseries is the hedge bank near the Rock Garden, where Muscari ‘ Heavenly 
Blue’ is naturalised with the exquisite Narcissus Johnstoni Queen of Spain — the association of 
gold and blue is delightful.” 
Extract from " The Journal of Horticulture," May 2nd, 1907. 
DAFFODILS AT BARR’S. 
“The D.affodil has been the subject of poetical allusion from very early times. Ovid’s gracefully told 
story of the coy Narcissus, a son of Cephissus and the fair Liriope, who slights the gentle nymph licho in 
favour of his own reflection in a limpid pool, and is by Nemesis turned into the flower that bears his name, 
has inspired the singers. Addison translated Ovid’s poem, and Keats has woven the facts of the story into 
one of his beautiful compositions. But the nodding Daffodills have captivated the minstrels of all times. 
Shakespeare did not omit them, nor Spenser, Shelley, or Wordsworth. Both Shelley and Wordsworth 
seem to associate them with water scenery ; and the flower indeed seems better suited to the grassy 
woodland grove than the cultivated borders of a garden. 
“ But some of those newest of the Narcissi are too good for relegation to uncultivated quarters. .Some 
of them open up quite new prospects. At Messrs. Barr & Sons’ Surbiton Nurseries, Surrey, I 
was shown a seedling Poeticus whose perianth segments were broad and wavy, and the edges of which were 
decidedly on the way to being what could be called fringed. The simplicity of the Poet’s Daffodil can 
really be improved upon by a fringe to the petals. A blush in the cup of a white Triandrus would be no 
objection. The loveliest thing seen at Barr’s was a new Triandrus named Eileen Mitchell. It is most 
enchanting ; of a sweet French white, with a trinity of drooping flowers. Those in pots were very smooth 
and perfect ; others from the same cross, growing in the open, had prettily frilled cups, the tube portion 
coloured primrose, while the frill was white, a rare and attractive combination. 
“The new seedling numbered 910 is considered by Mr. William Barr to be the best white trumpet 
Daffodil. In build it leaves nothing to be desired, the perianth and trumpet each being bold. Another 
seedling. No. 900, is a large Bicolor, with grand, massive flowers ; a smooth, open-mouthed sulphur 
trumpet, and broad white perianth segments. No. 905 is also likely to become one of the finest of future 
Daffs. It has a rich full yellow trumpet, with frilled apex and ‘petals’ of a wavy character and softer in 
colour than the trumpet. In all respects this flower is of the highest merit. 
“ Then there are others that can be found in the firm’s catalogue, for they have already won a place 
among the elect. These comprise such choice and still expensive bulbs as Engleiibartii Royal Star, 
truly a remarkable flower. The flower is 4J in. across with sulphury wings and a broad flat cup of the 
richest orange-red. As it grows tall, the flowers look noble and stately. There is also The Bride, which 
is undoubtedly one of the very best of the Poeticus varieties. Janet Image of three or four years ago 
grows in favour. Its cup is so distinctive— straight, and of pale lemon colour. Maggie May is another 
Giant Leedsii, a beautiful companion to the foregoing. Its cup is beautifully frilled and tinted citron, while 
the perianth is white. This variety is recommended as a strong grower. 1’each is termed an ‘ Apricot- 
crowned ’ Leedsii. The price is now very moderate, and as the plant seems to be prolific and of 
excellent constitution, it is one to be recommended. It grows comparatively dwarf, say i ft., and has rich 
orange-apricot crowns with well-expanded firm white segments. This, in a posy of the white Leedsii, has 
a most telling and enlivening effect. 
“ Among Trumpet Daffodils are Mrs. Geo. H. Barr, after the style of Peter Barr, being a white 
Ajax, but not so large. I have regarded this as one of the finest additions of the last four years. And one 
has only to name King Alfred to raise up a vision of golden grace. It deserves so fine a title, and 
will remain a favourite variety for many years. Standing in a small class by itself is Intermedius 
Sunset, a lovely hybrid from the Poeticus and Polyanthus types. Its flowers are fragrant, stellate, 
in elusters, and coloured pale yellow with orange discs. 
“ Among the novelties ought also to be placed Seraphine, a handsome Bicolor 15 in. high, with 
large funnel-shaped trumpet of a deep canary-yellow. The flowers measure 5 in. in breadth. The edge of 
the trumpet is recurved, but not much crinkled. This, too, is an acquisition. 
“ 1 have made no mention of Peter Barr, but this noble variety is behaving as well as ever. Its 
advent denoted a new epoch in the Daffodil world. Attention should likewise be drawn to other good 
flowers, as those of Lady Margaret Boscawen, ‘ the white Sir VVatkin,’ Ariadne, with primrose cup 
and white radiating segments; Beauty, Lucifer, P. R. Barr, Stella superba, Victoria, 
Sprightly, Mrs. Langtry, Madame Plemp, Mountain Maid, Lord Roberts, and Duchess 
OF Westminster, all of which were new not so long ago, and whose praises were then heralded as I have 
now chanted those whose debut is made this season. There is room for some of these charming sorts in 
nearly every garden ; and already in some of the florists’ shops one can observe that flowers of a higher 
refinement and more delicate beauty are being sold, which is proof that the results of the patient work of 
cross breeders is at last reaching down to delight the multitude.” 
