Well, hello, Daphne! With intensely fragrant flowers that start to bloom in winter, these shrubs have a way of making us feel better about the world. All Daphnes are perennial shrubs that do great in cool weather.
While Daphnes begin blooming in late winter/early spring, some varieties will deliver another flush of blooms well into Fall. We've arranged the list of daphnes we stock in the plant nursery according to when they bloom.
Daphne odora 'Marginata'
Blooms Winter - Early Spring
Dense, mounding shrub with variegated foliage. Intensely fragrant clusters of magenta buds open to white flowers in late winter. 4' x 4' w. Evergreen.
Zones 7-9.
Daphne transatlantica 'Eternal Fragrance'
Blooms Spring - Fall
Fragrant, pink-white flowers from spring lasting into fall. To 3'. Sun to part shade, well-drained soil. Semi-evergreen.
Zones 5-6.
Daphne transatlantica 'Summer Ice'
Blooms Spring, Summer, Fall
Lovely white and green variegated foliage. Sweet scented, pale pink flowers emerge in mid spring with flushes through fall. To 5'. Full sun to part shade, well-drained soils. Semi-evergreen.
Zones 6-9.
More About Daphnes
Daphnes are broadleaf evergreen shrubs native to China and Japan. Luckily for us, they do great in USDA zones 7-9.
Super-fragrant flowers come in clusters that range from white to pink to red flowers with creamy pink throats. Leaves can be solid green or green with gold margins. Most daphnes grow about 4 feet high; though they can reach up to 10 feet at maturity.
Growing Requirements
These lovelies need rich soil, dappled sunlight, light moisture and protection from harsh winds. Winter daphnes (Daphne 'odora') should be well-mulched year round to prevent drying out during summer, and to protect the roots in the winter when temperatures reach freezing. All daphnes need excellent drainage. Light needs vary by variety. Be sure to check plant tags before choosing.
Special Note
Daphnes don't like to be moved. To avoid damage and possible loss, carefully plan your daphne's long-term location in the garden.
They are superb as hedges and in entryways, where their intoxicating fragrance can be enjoyed.