About
Daphne oleoides, the olive-leaved daphne, is a dwarf, compact evergreen shrub of variable habit, usually under 60 cm tall, forming low hummocks with almost stalkless, square-ish, bristle-tipped, shining leaves, downy below when young. White, cream or yellowish flowers, sometimes pink-tipped and fragrant, are borne in terminal clusters in late spring and early summer. Fruits are orange-red.
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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Coastal, Gravel garden
Native toEurope to Himalaya
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, humus-rich, well-drained but not dry soil in sun or part shade; tolerant of deep shade. Mulch to keep roots cool. Will not tolerate root disturbance and so resents transplanting
PruningPruning group 1 if necessary but pruning is best kept to a minimum
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Propagate by greenwood or softwood cuttings from spring to early summer and semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and virus diseases