The Golden Dawn daffodil, a hybrid wonder, results from the cross-breeding of Paper White Narcissus, Pheasant’s Eye, and Jonquil. Hardy and fragrant, it blooms in beautiful clusters, making it a standout choice for California gardens. Golden Dawn is a multi-stemmed, fragrant daffodil and sure to be a success for daffodil enthusiasts.

Lucy Tolmach, the director of horticulture at Filoli Estate in Woodside, introduced me to this varity last fall. Many of my clients tested it by planting 100 bulbs each, and their feedback was enthusiastic. They praised Golden Dawn’s long blooming season and exceptional fragrance. I planted over 2,000 bulbs in three spots on my property, starting in December and completing in January.

At Filoli, Lucy first planted 15,000 Golden Dawn bulbs northwest of the mansion in 2007. Seeing their impact, she added another 50,000 the following year. These daffodils, with butter-yellow petals and bright orange cups, bloom from February to March, producing clusters of five to eight flowers per stem. They sway in the breeze, adding a vibrant, dancing display. As the bulbs multiply each year, they fill out the field with increasing density, achieving maximum coverage through careful grid planting, spaced 6 inches apart.

The field of Golden Dawn at Filoli reached its peak bloom in 2009 after 50,000 more daffodils were added in 2008, totaling 65,000 bulbs.

William Welch, Golden Dawn’s hybridizer, describes it as a “plant-and-forget” daffodil that multiplies like “rabbits.” As soon as the first crop fades, a second begins to grow. Golden Dawn thrives even in poor soil and is resistant to deer and gophers, just like other daffodils. Planting by January is ideal, but the bulbs can be planted as soon as they arrive, allowing winter rains to help them establish a strong start.