Daphne odora

A compact, evergreen shrub that grows up to 1.5m tall and wide.

Highly fragrant pink and white flowers are produced from winter to spring, occasionally followed by red fruit. The foliage is glossy dark green and leathery.

Prefers partial shade but will tolerate a fair bit of sun. Plant in fertile, moist, well-draining, lime-free soil. If shy to flower, they may be planted in too much shade. Too much sun causes the leaves to yellow.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants. The best time to plant is from late spring to early summer. Planting success can be improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and forming raised beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. Plant in lime-free soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Use Gypsum to help improve soil structure without changing the pH. Part shade is best for most daphne varieties, as direct all-day sun can turn leaves yellow. On the other hand, too much shade will limit their flowering. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and partly backfill with a mix of compost, sheep pellets and topsoil. Carefully remove the pot and gently plant the daphne, watering well once planted.

Do your best to plant daphne where it is to remain, as moving the shrub is typically a death sentence. Limit your choice of sites to those with exceptional drainage and at least three hours of afternoon shade.

Apply mulch annually to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Organic material, such as sawdust and bark, contribute to soil structure. However, make sure to keep mulch away from plant stems. The first summer and autumn after planting are critical for young plants, so water thoroughly during dry periods. A light application (50g/m2) of general-purpose fertiliser in spring is beneficial. Sprinkle evenly and work into the top 2 to 3cm of the soil, taking care not to damage the delicate roots. In heavier soils daphne can suffer from root rot, so keep an eye on drainage. Pruning is not required, other than to maintain shape and deadhead old flowers.

Can suffer from root rot if planted in an area with poor drainage.

Herb and Camellia Garden

Despite a name rooted in Greek mythology, the most commonly grown daphne (Daphne Odora) is native to China and Japan and has been cultivated for more than a thousand years.