About
A small, partially evergreen shrub, compact and rounded in habit. Leaves oblong, flowers pale pink and aromatic, in clusters at the ends of the branches in late 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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden
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 partial shade. Mulch to keep roots cool. Daphnes resent transplanting. Further daphne cultivation advice
PruningPruning group 1 or pruning group 8; keep pruning to a minimum
PropagationTake nodal stem-tip greenwood cuttings and semi-ripe cuttings just as the base begins to firm up. Hormone rooting compound, a free-draining compost and bottom heat of 15°C (59°F) will improve rooting. Layering of shoots take a year to become well rooted. Daphnes may be propagated by grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and virus diseases