Most daffodil cultivars fall by the wayside, becoming increasingly rare as time goes on. If it doesn’t catch on after a run through the catalogs, it is replaced by something else. Some varieties have dominated for decades, or even centuries, while others die out entirely. Reasons for waning popularity include poor performance, unremarkable flowers, or strangely enough — an uninspiring name. None of these have been problems for N. Salome.

Three of the world’s top hybridizers have assigned this name to cultivars, including G.H. Engleheart, The Brodie of Brodie, and J.L. Richardson. The only one with staying power has been this beauty — by Mr. Richardson. The others are likely extinct.

So refined… a smooth, tubular cup, high in perfection, but light on decoration. The flowers shown here are rather fresh, appearing apricot. But after a couple days, they turn decidedly pink, with yellow-tinted rims. A show flower, yet inexpensive.

A survivor… in the garden too. Salome multiplies aggressively, even in wooded areas, making thick patches that keep flowering. The blossoms are substantial too, lasting almost three weeks!