To all who are interested,
The bleeding of corona colours from the base of the crown into the perianth has only been a concern of a few daffodil fanciers. These individuals have carried their ideas somewhat out of proportion, in what I term recent years.
When I first started exhibiting daffodils in the mid 1940’s staining was not deemed a fault, indeed, in most cases it was regarded as enhancing a flowers appearance, (around this period of the 20th century huge advancement in the development of the daffodil was taking place). A good example was Guy L. Wilson’s bi-colour trumpet “Effective” 1931. This gained an Award of Merit for exhibition, 16th April 1935. It was well known that “Effective” was given its name because of the attractive staining of the perianth at the base of the corona It should also be recognised that this award was given by a committee of the RHS of great prestige, headed by their Chairman, Edward Augustus Bowles. Others on the committee in 1935 were:
Mr P.R. Barr, V.M.H.
Mr C.H. Curtis, V.M.H.
Sir Daniel Hall, F.R.S.
Mr. G.M. Leak, V.M.H.
Mr G. Munro, V.M.H.
Mr. J.L. Richardson
Mr F.A. Secrett, F.L.S.
Major F.C. Stern, F.L.S.
Mr P.D. Williams, V.M.H.
Mr Guy L. Wilson.
“Effective” would never have gained an Award of Merit if the above committee, who were regarded at that time the cream of English daffodil fanciers, had regarded staining as a fault. I believe it was sometime in the 1970’s or 80’s that one or two individuals introduced the idea that staining was to be penalised and eliminated. These same individuals were quite happy to allow cupping of the perianth (in some cases quite severe) to exist, also allowing different sizes in the three sepals or the three petals. In my early days I was taught that muddy coloured perianth segments and segments that lacked substance and texture were very serious faults. Even some of these attributes are still seen at our shows. In my view, for one society to follow another society’s judging manual without adequate research, is folly, as sometimes it proves to be just one or two individuals views.
One final thought. How is a raiser expected to breed the all pink daffodil or the all red or orange daffodil if we are told by the few that staining from the corona into the perianth is not acceptable??????
Cheers,
John
John A Hunter,
195 Paton Road,
R.D.1 Richmond
Nelson
New Zealand
I agree 100% with John,
The staining in the perianth is by far one of the desirable treats if we aim for the all pink or all red (which I consider an objective of high value)
Thank you for the very informative history lesson.
Colleen NE Calif.