About
This vigorous, upright, deciduous shrub, to just over 2m high, with long oblong leathery leaves and richly-scented flowers, pink in bud and opening white, in late winter or early spring.
About the genus
Daphne can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with small, usually very fragrant tubular, 4-lobed flowers, often followed by colourful berries
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil in a sheltered position in partial shade (or in sun if roots are kept shaded); for more advice, see daphne cultivation
PruningPruning group 8 but no pruning usually required; daphnes do not always respond well to pruning
PropagationPropagate by heeled semi-ripe cuttings or grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and virus diseases