About
Daphne alpina, the alpine daphne, is an upright, deciduous shrub to 60 cm with downy shoots and hairy, blue-green leaves to 4 cm long. In late spring and early summer it produces clusters of fragrant, white flowers at the stem tips, followed by fleshy, spherical, orange-red fruits. A choice and ornamental daphne for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or raised bed.
About the genus
Daphne are deciduous or evergreen shrubs with simple, often leathery leaves and clusters of small, usually intensely fragrant, tubular, four-lobed flowers in white, pink, purple or yellow, often followed by colourful, fleshy berries. Among the most treasured of all garden shrubs for their fragrance.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toEurope
FragranceFlower
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 5309,daphne-arbuscula,Daphne arbuscula,shrubby daphne,Daphne arbuscula
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus rich soil in full sun. Mulch annually in spring with well-rotted organic matter to keep the roots cool. See daphne cultivation for further information
PruningSee pruning groups 1 and 8; keep pruning to a minimum
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe; take semi-ripe heel cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and virus diseases