About
Daphne caucasica, the Caucasian daphne, is a slow-growing, deciduous shrub to around 1.5 m with narrowly oval, green leaves and clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers at the stem tips in late spring and early summer, sometimes with a second flush in early autumn. A choice and ornamental daphne for a sunny, well-drained position.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 5315,daphne-cneorum-aurea-marginata-v,Daphne cneorum 'Aurea Marginata' (v),,Daphne cneorum 'Aurea Marginata' (v) is a variegated form of the garland flower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soils that don't dry out. Mulch to keep roots cool. Plants resent transplanting, and prefer being planted in the ground rather than containers. See daphne cultivation for more details
PruningSee pruning group 1; pruning is best kept to a minimum
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, or by grafting in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and virus diseases