The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has issued a compelling appeal to gardeners across the United Kingdom, urging them to meticulously inspect their outdoor spaces this spring for a particularly rare and visually striking pink flower. This initiative forms a crucial part of the RHS's broader Daffodil Diaries project, which is dedicated to mapping gardens and green areas throughout Britain to support conservation science.
Identifying the Elusive Pink Bloom
Horticultural specialists are specifically targeting the uncommon Narcissus 'Mrs R.O. Backhouse' daffodil, a heritage variety named after the renowned flower breeder Sarah Backhouse. This distinctive bloom is celebrated for its solid coral pink trumpet and elegant ivory petals, making it a standout feature in any garden setting. The RHS emphasises that early identification is paramount for the flower's long-term preservation and to ensure this unique variety continues to thrive in British horticulture.
The Critical Need for Public Participation
Why is this garden check so vital? The distribution of this rare daffodil outside of designated national collections remains largely undocumented. Most reported sightings by gardeners in previous years have actually been misidentifications, often of the 'Salome' variety, which transitions from yellow to peach as it matures. By dedicating just a few moments to examine their plots, homeowners can provide invaluable data to scientists tracking the flower's prevalence and geographical spread.
Guy Barter, the RHS's chief horticulturist, explained: "With 30,000 daffodil varieties in the UK, telling one from another requires an experienced eye, but this diversity is fundamental to their potential benefit for people and planet, and why it's so important we celebrate and preserve them."
How Gardeners Can Contribute to Conservation
The society is encouraging those who discover the Mrs R. O. Backhouse daffodils growing in their gardens to take proactive steps. Once the flowering period has concluded, gardeners are advised to carefully lift the bulbs and post them to the RHS research facility at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey. This process will enable experts to confirm the varieties and potentially rediscover others thought to be in decline.
Last year, the Daffodil Diaries project successfully garnered an impressive 3,000 public submissions. Analysis revealed that a mere 6% of British daffodil varieties exhibit pink blooms, underscoring the rarity of the sought-after specimens. Rare daffodils were spotted across the country in 2025, and consolidating them in a single research location will facilitate accurate identification and conservation planning.
Additional Rare Varieties to Seek Out
While the pink Mrs R.O. Backhouse is the primary focus, the RHS also highlights other uncommon daffodils worth seeking during spring garden inspections:
- Narcissus 'Mrs William Copeland': This specimen features beautiful white, double blooms and is named after the spouse of plant breeder WFM Copeland.
- Narcissus 'Sussex Bonfire': A striking double-flowered variety developed by Noel Burr, showcasing vibrant yellow and orange petals. The RHS confirms this variety has never been located, and Plant Heritage's Sussex Group would be delighted to add it to their shared National Plant Collection of daffodils.
This concerted effort by the RHS not only aims to safeguard botanical heritage but also engages the gardening community in meaningful citizen science, enhancing the understanding and preservation of the UK's diverse floral landscape for future generations.
