About
A dwarf evergreen shrub of rounded habit, with glossy oblanceolate leaves and greenish-yellow flowers in the leaf axils in late winter and 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
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden
Native toPyrenees
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 moderately fertile, well-drained but not dry soil in sun or part shade. Mulch to keep roots cool. Tolerant of deep shade. Will not tolerate root disturbance and so resents transplanting. Further daphne cultivation advice
PruningPruning group 1 or Pruning group 8 if necessary. Pruning is best kept to a minimum
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Take greenwood cuttings from late spring to early summer and semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Layering from late spring to early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and virus diseases