Daphne Plants: Fragrant Beauties for Your Garden

Daphne plants are beloved for their intoxicating fragrance, elegant foliage, and early-season blooms. These evergreen or semi-evergreen shru

bs add year-round interest to gardens, with some varieties flowering in the depths of winter when little else is in bloom. Ideal for planting near entrances, pathways, or patios, daphnes provide a delightful sensory experience, attracting both gardeners and pollinators alike.

If you’re considering growing daphnes, here are four standout varieties to explore.

 

Daphne ‘Jacqueline Postill’

Photo by Magnus Manske, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

One of the most sought-after daphne varieties, ‘Jacqueline Postill’ is a winter-blooming evergreen hybrid known for its strong, sweet scent and elegant flowers.

Key Features:

• Flowers: Clusters of deep pink buds open into white, star-shaped flowers.
• Blooming Time: Mid to late winter, often lasting into early spring.
• Foliage: Dark green, glossy, and evergreen.
• Size: Reaches around 1.5–2m in height and spread.
• Ideal Conditions: Prefers partial shade and well-draining, humus-rich soil.
• We like: An early flowering variety with the strongest perfume

 

Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’

Photo By jon_sullivan , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

As the name suggests, ‘Perfume Princess’ is celebrated for its exceptional fragrance and long flowering season. It is a relatively new hybrid, offering improved resilience and larger blooms compared to traditional daphnes.

Key Features:

• Flowers: Large, pale pink blooms with deeper pink centres, appearing in clusters along the stems.
• Blooming Time: Mid-winter to late spring, with an extended flowering period.
• Foliage: Evergreen, with deep green, glossy leaves.
• Size: A compact shrub, reaching about 1–1.5m in height and spread.
• Ideal Conditions: Thrives in partial shade to full sun, provided the soil is well-draining.
• We like: One of the longest flowering season

 

Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’

Photo by Josve05a, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Also known as Variegated Winter Daphne, ‘Aureomarginata’ is prized for its beautifully variegated leaves and highly fragrant flowers.

Key Features:

• Flowers: Clusters of deep pink buds open to pale pink, sweetly scented flowers.
• Blooming Time: Late winter to early spring.
• Foliage: Glossy green leaves with an elegant gold margin.
• Size: Compact, growing up to 1m in height and spread.
• Ideal Conditions: Prefers well-drained soil, partial shade, and protection from harsh winds.
• We like: The variegated foliage adds year-round interest. One of the hardiest varieties.

 

Daphne ‘Eternal Fragrance’

Photo by MylarLemon , licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Unlike many other daphne varieties, ‘Eternal Fragrance’ is repeat flowering, meaning it blooms not just in spring but also intermittently throughout the summer and autumn. This makes it an exceptional choice for gardeners looking for continuous scent and beauty.

Key Features:

• Flowers: Delicate, pale pink to white flowers with an exceptionally sweet fragrance.
• Blooming Time: Spring through to autumn with repeat flowering.
• Foliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen, depending on climate.
• Size: A neat, compact shrub, reaching about 60cm in height and spread.
• Ideal Conditions: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
• We like: A compact and repeat-flowering variety, perfect for small gardens and containers.

 

How to Grow and Care for Daphne Plants

Daphne plants require a bit of care but reward gardeners with their outstanding fragrance and elegant form. Here are some essential tips for keeping them healthy and thriving:

1. Soil & Location

• Daphnes prefer well-draining, humus-rich soil. Avoid heavy clay or overly wet locations as this may cause root rot.
• They thrive in partial shade, though some varieties, like ‘Perfume Princess’ and ‘Eternal Fragrance,’ can tolerate more sun.

2. Watering & Feeding

• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, overwatering is a common cause of failure.
• Apply a mulch of leaf mold or well-rotted compost to help retain moisture.
• Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth.

3. Pruning & Maintenance

• Minimal pruning is required—only remove dead or damaged stems after flowering.
• Avoid moving or disturbing daphne plants once established, as they dislike root disturbance.

4. Pests & Diseases

• Daphnes can be prone to root rot if the soil is too wet, so good drainage is essential.
• Watch out for aphids and scale insects, which can sometimes attack new growth.

Where to Plant Daphne in the Garden

• Near doorways or patios where the fragrance can be fully appreciated.
• Along garden paths or borders for a natural perfume experience.
• In containers to showcase their presence and control soil conditions more easily.

Final Thoughts

Daphne plants, with their unparalleled fragrance and beautiful blooms, are a must-have for any garden. Whether you choose the classic ‘Jacqueline Postill’, the long-blooming ‘Perfume Princess’, the stunning variegated ‘Aureomarginata’, or the repeat-flowering ‘Eternal Fragrance’, you’ll be rewarded with a shrub that provides beauty and scent across multiple seasons.

Another variety to try, especially if you are bored of white flowers, Daphne Mezereum Rubra. Although it is deciduous, it is a stunning shrub with purplish-pink flowers in early spring. It is also fairly compact (1.5m tall), therefore suitable for small gardens and containers. 

Photo by Llez, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

 

Cover Photo by 阿橋花譜 HQ Flo