Daphne odora

 

  Winter Daphne

  Family: Thymelaeaceae

  Origin: Native to Europe and Asia

Hardiness: Hardy in Zones 8, 9 and 10
Growth: Slow growing to 3-5 feet with a wider spread
Form: Natural form is an irregular mound
Leaves: Long oval; glossy; medium green; some are variegated
Flowers: White to dark pink; very fragrant; February and March
Fruit or Seeds: Rare but poisonous, as is entire plant
Exposure: Shade or morning sun
Water: Do not overwater during summer
Soil: Well drained; neutral; plant with root ball high
Fertilizer: NPK after flowering (April)
Prune: Cut back during and after bloom to control shape and size
Problems: Root rot; aphids, scale

Neat and attractive plant for a shady area. Grown for its strong fragrance when in flower. Usually sold in nurseries in February. Daphne has a reputation as difficult to grow, but with well drained soil and a bright shady location, it should thrive.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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