Daphne Sweetheart ('Blacir') — Compact, slow-growing

Overview

Daphne Sweetheart ('Blacir') is a compact, slow-growing shrubs in the genus Daphne, part of the Thymelaeaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Daphne Sweetheart ('Blacir') grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

Daphne Sweetheart ('Blacir') is a compact, slow-growing shrub cultivar of the Daphne genus, known for its evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage. Like other Daphnes, it produces small, often highly aromatic tubular flowers with four lobes, typically followed by vibrant berries. This cultivar thrives in partial shade and prefers a sheltered position with fertile, well-drained loam soil that is neutral in pH and kept moist but free-draining. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for borders, rock gardens, and containers, offering seasonal interest in spring and summer.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Daphne

Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist, free-draining
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Daphne Sweetheart ('Blacir') size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Compact, slow-growing
Foliage: Evergreen, semi-evergreen
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Daphne Sweetheart ('Blacir')

Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings, layering, grafting
Pest resistance: Aphids
Disease resistance: Honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot, virus diseases