Daphne odora
daphne
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Slow
- Flowering period: January to March
- Hardiness: Borderline hardy (may need winter protection)
Lustrous, deep green leaves provide a handsome silhouette throughout the year, but it is for the small clusters of highly scented flowers that this rounded, evergreen shrub is most highly prized. Appearing in mid-winter, they open from purple-pink buds to reveal their pale pink petals, which usually have a richer pink reverse. Plant it somewhere that you pass by regularly to make sure you can enjoy their delicious scent.
Daphnes do best, and prefer to be in the ground (rather than in containers), where they enjoy a deeper, cooler root run. Best in well-drained but moisture-retentive soil that contains plenty of organic matter, they won’t tolerate drought or waterlogging. Avoid excessive root disturbance during planting and keep pruning to a minimum since the plant is susceptible to die-back. Where necessary after flowering, lightly trim to remove misplaced branches in order to maintain a compact habit. Shelter from cold, drying winds. Cold hardiness can be improved by insulating the roots and soil surface with a thick (2in) layer of mulch and protecting foliage from severe or prolonged frost with a covering of horticultural fleece.
- Humans/Pets: TOXIC if eaten; skin irritant