How to Grow Daphne
Daphnes are grown for their lovely scent, and for winter interest as many varieties of the shrub flower in late winter and early spring. Daphne has a strong, sweet scent and attractive red, pink and white flowers. Daphne are both evergreen and deciduous. The commonly grown Daphne odora is evergreen, equally popular is Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill', which is deciduous. What is common to all Daphnes is the strongly scented flowers.
Daphnes have attractive foliage and some varieties have variegated leaves, as in the image above right. Because Daphne has an intense scent, and they are often blooming in the late winter when less of the garden is accessed, plant Daphne near a path to enjoy the scent. The Daphne in the centre image was growing near a sheltered wall alongside a path. The fact that it was in a sheltered spot may well account for its success, both in terms of size and the number of blooms on the shrub.
Where to plant Daphne
Although most varieties are hardy, Daphnes will only thrive in a sheltered spot and grow more reliably in the South and West. D. Odora, the Daphne illustrated above left is the most hardy, H4 which is -5-10 although much depends on the position of the plant. Daphne is difficult to graft and propagate, which means they are difficult to produce. As a result, the shrubs are more expensive than some other shrubs. Given the expense, and that Daphnes are tricky to grow, it is important to plant the right place.
Daphnes like moist but well drained soil and will not tolerate either being water logged or drought. Daphne need a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, if it is sandy add organic matter. A heavy clay soil may not be ideal and the most tolerant of clay soil are Daphne laureola and D. Mezereum.
All Daphnes will do best in a sheltered spot with sun, although D laureola will tolerate shade. Daphnes are not suitable to grow in container and dislike being pruned. Avoid pruning unless absolutely necessary and then only after flowering. Daphne is slow growing shrubs, it can take 7-10 years to reach mature size and then only around 3-5 feet depending on the variety. Daphnes are mostly winter or spring flowering.
It is important to plant Daphne in the correct place as Daphnes do not tolerate being moved, so choose the best, sheltered spot at the outset.
Daphnes are slightly tender, and do require a sheltered spot, and the correct soil, which makes them a bit tricky to grow. Amber wheelbarrow means medium difficulty to grow. If Daphne is not the shrub for your garden, check out shrubs and bushes; spring flowering shrubs; 10 Best summer flowering shrubs; shrubs with autumn and winter interest; and evergreen shrubs.
Good Varieties of Daphne to grow
When selecting a Daphne for your garden picking a variety which has the RHS award of garden merit is always a good starting point.
Daphne x burkwoodii is one of the easiest to grow, 'Somerset' a tried and tested variety, *** hardy and flowering late spring.
Daphne Odora 'Aureomarginata' very scented, late winter early spring flowering, with some variegation on the leaves.
Daphne 'Jacqueline Postill' is evergreen and very fragrant but only borderline ***
If your garden presents with the right conditions and soil, Daphne is a lovely scented slow-growing shrub.