About

A compact, evergreen shrub to 20cm with glossy, dark green leaves. Good for a rock garden or alpine trough. In late spring and early summer it produces clusters of very aromatic pink flowers.

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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

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, Patio and container plants, 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 well-drained, humus rich soil in full sun. Also suitable for growing in a alpine trough. 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