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DAPHNE
Genus of about 100 species of deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen shrubs from Europe, northern Africa and temperate and subtropical Asia.
Their main attraction is the clusters of usually heavily scented flowers. Some have variegated leaves. They can be grown in borders, rock gardens and in a woodland setting.
The "Eternal" series are a result of a successful 30 year breeding programme to produce a free-flowering Daphne more tolerant of a wide range of soil and garden conditions.
All are attractive to bees and other insects, the earlier bloomers being particularly useful.
D. mezereum, Mezereon, is the native. Found in woods on calcareous soils is very rare.
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Semi-evergreenKeeps some of its foliage all year, and will drop some leaves as well.leathery, dark-green leaves to 10cm (4in) long.
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Shades of pinkAll shades of pink through to Carmine (red)Pale pink -
Height2-4m (6½-13ft) -
Spread1.5m (5ft)
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Tall ShrubUpright, rarely spreading, habit. Flowers in terminal clusters of 7-15 to 1.5cm (½in) across.
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Hardy - average winterHardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)Borderline -
Full sun -
Partial shade
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Additional Features
Good to knowAll daphnes resent transplanting.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, leaf spot, grey mould, viruses.
Place of originEastern Himalayas. -
Garden Location/ConditionsBorderSuitable for a shrub borderCottage gardenTown garden
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HardinessFully hardyBorderline
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Leaf margin
Entire(see photos above) -
Leaf shape
Elliptic
(see photos above)
Oblanceolate(see photos above) -
Pruning group
Pruning group 1Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
Pruning group 5Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
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Scented PlantsScented flowersRichly fragrant.
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Seasonal InterestWinter
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Soil ConditionsFertile well drained soilHumus rich but not dry - mulch to keep roots cool.Neutral to acid soilNeutral to alkaline soil
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Toxic - Category B - CAUTION
Skin irritantPeople and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents
Toxic if eatenPeople and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents -
Wildlife
Bee friendlyRabbit Resistant
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2-4m (6½-13ft)
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1.5m (5ft) |
Buy Varieties of DAPHNE
DAPHNE bholua 'Jacqueline Postill'
large and showy intensely fragrant purplish pink flowers
DAPHNE bholua 'Mary Rose'
deep purple-pink, darker in bud. Comparatively large flowers and highly scented
DAPHNE bholua 'Spring Herald'
pure white flowers on this early flowering and highly scented shrub
DAPHNE gemmata
bushy habit and clusters of yellow flowers in late spring to summer followed by red fruits
DAPHNE laureola subsp. philippi
fragrant yellow-green flowers beneath polished green leaves. Semi-prostrate habit
DAPHNE mezereum 'Rubra'
scented purplish-red flowers
DAPHNE odora
fragrant with reddish-purple flowers
DAPHNE odora 'Aureomarginata'
leaves have a yellow margin which becomes creamy-white with age
Gift-wrapping available
DAPHNE odora f.alba
(var leucantha) - pure white flowered form
DAPHNE odora 'Mae-jima'
compact habit and attractive creamy-yellow edged green leaves. Profuse dark pink, strongly fragrant flowers
DAPHNE odora 'Marianni'
('Rogbret'). - green leaves with broad golden yellow margins. Very fragrant tubular pink flowers in late winter, early spring
DAPHNE 'Perfume Princess'
large clusters of very fragrant white flowers with a hint of pink at the centre
Gift-wrapping available
Gift-wrapping available
DAPHNE 'Spring Beauty'
flowers tinged pink. Glorious scent
Gift-wrapping available
DAPHNE tangutica
clusters of fragrant white flowers tinged purple on the inside
DAPHNE x transatlantica 'Eternal Fragrance'
rosy-red flowers in bud opening white in large clusters. Extremely fragrant
Gift-wrapping available
Useful extras...
