About this product

Daphne in Varieties

Daphne spp. and cultivars

Confirmed format: 2 litre / 17cm potted shrub

Plant Highlights: Richly fragrant flowers • Many varieties flower from winter into spring • Generally compact, slow-growing shrubs • Best in a sheltered position • Dislikes waterlogging and root disturbance

Overview

Daphnes are prized above all for their exceptionally fragrant flowers, with many of the varieties commonly grown in gardens flowering during late winter and spring. Depending on the named plant, blooms may be pink, white or yellow, while foliage can be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous. The exact flower colour, flowering period, foliage and eventual size therefore depend on the variety available.

Their fragrance makes daphnes especially rewarding beside a path, entrance or other frequently used part of the garden. They generally grow slowly and prefer a sheltered position with moist but well-drained soil. Once established, they are best left undisturbed, so choosing the planting position carefully from the outset is important.

Why We Love It

• The richly scented flowers can perfume the surrounding garden when in bloom.

• Many daphnes provide valuable flower interest during late winter and early spring.

• Slow growth makes them useful where a large, fast-growing shrub would overwhelm the space.

• Their neat foliage and scented flowers work particularly well towards the front of a sheltered shrub border.

• Once settled into a suitable site, they normally require very little pruning.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Choose the planting position carefully, as daphnes generally dislike being transplanted once established. A sheltered site in partial shade suits many varieties, while some also grow well in sun where their roots remain cool. Protection from cold, drying winds is beneficial.

Watering

Water thoroughly after planting and as required through the first year while the root system establishes. The soil should remain reasonably moist without becoming saturated. Established plants generally need additional water during prolonged dry spells, as daphnes dislike both drought and waterlogging.

Soil

Plant into fertile, humus-rich soil that holds some moisture but drains freely. Good drainage is particularly important through wet Irish winters. Applying an organic mulch over damp soil can help conserve moisture and keep the root zone cool, but leave the mulch clear of the stems.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Hardiness differs across the Daphne species and cultivars sold in this assortment. A sheltered position and freely draining soil give plants the best chance of coping with cold, wet weather. Check the individual plant label for variety-specific hardiness information.

Routine Care

Daphnes are best pruned as little as possible, as they can respond poorly to hard cutting. Remove only dead or damaged growth when necessary. Avoid unnecessary digging around established plants and minimise disturbance to their roots.

Perfect For

• Planting near a regularly used path or entrance where the flower fragrance can be appreciated.

• Adding scented winter or spring interest with varieties that flower during the colder months.

• Sheltered shrub and mixed borders with good drainage.

• Smaller gardens where the selected variety's mature dimensions are suitable.

• Gardeners looking for a slow-growing flowering shrub that needs little routine pruning.

Good to Know

This is an assortment of named Daphne varieties rather than one cultivar. Flower colour, foliage persistence, flowering time, mature dimensions and hardiness can differ between plants, so check the individual label before choosing your final planting position. Daphnes generally prefer permanent planting in the ground and resent being moved once established.

Product Information

• Supplied in a 2 litre / 17cm nursery pot.

• Variety selected from the current Daphne range.