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DAPHNE
Commonly known as Garland flower
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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EvergreenSmooth leaves 1-2cm (½-¾in) long.
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Shades of pinkAll shades of pink through to Carmine (red)Rose pink to white
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Height15cm (6in)
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Spread2m (6½ft)
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Dwarf shrubTypically only grows to a maximum of one or two feet in height but there will be some exceptions.Low-growing shrub with trailing, branching stems. Flowers in dense, terminal clusters of 6-20, to 1cm (½in) across.
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Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Full sun
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Partial shade
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowAll daphnes resent transplanting. Attractive to bees and other insects.Pests & DiseasesAphids, leaf spot, grey mould, viruses.Place of originCentral and southern Europe.
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Garden Location/ConditionsRockery (inc alpine)Suitable for small gardens
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeLanceolate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning 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 flowers
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Seasonal InterestSpring
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Soil ConditionsFertile well drained soilHumus rich but not dry - mulch to keep roots cool.Neutral soil preferredOr slightly alkaline to slightly acidic
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WildlifeBee friendly
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
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
DAPHNE 'Spring Beauty'
flowers tinged pink. Glorious scent
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