About
A semi-evergreen shrub to 1.5m tall, bearing leathery leaves and producing highly scented, pink flowers in spring and with a second flush in autumn.
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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens
Native toChina (western Sichuan)
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 sun or partial 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 sowing seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe; take 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