About

This compact, bushy, evergreen shrub to 40cm, with gloss, dark green leaves and clusters of strongly scented, dark pink flowers in early summer. Good for a rock garden or raised bed.

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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Alpine Rockery
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
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 freely draining, humus rich soil in full sun to 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 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