About

A compact, evergreen shrub to 50cm tall, withoblong, glossy,dark green leaves to 25mm long and 8mm wide. In spring, scented deep pink-purpleflowers are borne in terminal clusters.

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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

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, Gravel 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 soil in sun or partial shade. Mulch to keep roots cool. Resents transplanting. For further information see daphne cultivation
PruningLittle pruning required: Pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate from semi-ripe cuttings or 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