About
Daphne bholua, the Nepalese paper plant, is an evergreen or semi-evergreen upright shrub to around 2 m, with short-stalked, thinly leathery leaves 5�10 cm long. From midwinter to early spring, terminal and axillary clusters of intensely fragrant, white flowers flushed purplish-pink are produced � among the most powerfully scented flowers of the winter garden. Black, oval fruits follow. One of the most desirable of all winter-flowering shrubs.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toE Nepal to China
FragranceFlower
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 5312,daphne-blagayana,Daphne blagayana,Blagay's daphne,Daphne blagayana
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained but not dry soil in sun or part shade. Mulch to keep roots cool. Establishes best if planted in the spring, resents transplanting so do not move once established
PruningPruning group 1 or pruning group 8 but keep pruning to a minimum
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Propagate by softwood cuttings in early to midsummer and semi-ripe heel cuttings in mid or late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and virus diseases