About
A compact evergreen shrub to 40cm, with glossy, leathery leaves. In late winter and early spring it produces clusters of perfumed, greenish-yellow flowers; these are followed by purple-black berries.
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
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Alpine Rockery
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
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 moist but well-drained, humus rich soil in partial or deep shade. 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 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