ShrubsDaphne odora
Winter Daphne
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.
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
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
PerennialsHelleborus 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.
ShrubsHamamelis 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.
ShrubsBuxus 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.