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Pink-white winter daphne flowers in full bloom on a cold winter dayShrubs

Daphne odora

Winter Daphne

winter bloomerfragrantevergreensheltered gardenrare shrub

Winter daphne is a compact evergreen shrub with leathery dark green foliage and exceptionally fragrant pink-white flowers that appear in the depths of winter, from February to March. The penetrating, sweet scent can be detected metres away. A jewel for the sheltered garden.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Partial shade
Water
Medium
Height
80–150 cm
Spread
80–150 cm
Hardiness zone
7–9
Family
Thymelaeaceae
Evergreen
Yes
Flower colors
pink, white
Wildlife value
bees

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in partial shade in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Avoid transplanting — daphne resents root disturbance. Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. Mulch with leaf compost but keep the stem clear.

Pruning tips

Prune as little as possible. Remove only dead or damaged wood after flowering. The shrub grows slowly and naturally forms a beautiful, rounded shape. Hard pruning can prove fatal.

Good companions

Purple lenten rose blooming among evergreen foliage in early springPerennials

Helleborus orientalis

Lenten Rose

The Lenten Rose is one of the first bloomers of the garden year, with saucer-shaped flowers in purple, pink or white appearing as early as February. The evergreen, palmate foliage forms attractive clumps that remain decorative year-round. The plant is a valuable early nectar source for bees.

Partial shadeMedium30–50 cm
Yellow spider-like flowers of Chinese witch hazel on bare winter branchesShrubs

Hamamelis mollis

Chinese Witch Hazel

Chinese Witch Hazel is a remarkable shrub that blooms in the depths of winter with fragrant, spider-like yellow flowers on bare branches. The delicate blooms withstand frost and bring welcome colour to the darkest months. In autumn, the large leaves turn spectacular yellow and orange.

Full sunMedium200–400 cm
Neatly clipped boxwood sphere in a formal gardenShrubs

Buxus sempervirens

Boxwood

Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves that is ideal for topiary and hedging. The plant grows slowly and can live for hundreds of years. Small green-yellow flowers appear in April and May, attracting early bees.

Partial shadeMedium100–500 cm