Daphne

Daphne - a quick guide

Daphnes are known for their superb scent. Flowering in January, and into spring and summer, these popular shrubs bring beauty even on the longest and darkest winter days. Each variety has its own special attributes, so whether you’d like tiny star shaped blooms, delicate pink or variegated golden leaves, find your ideal daphne using the pointers below.

Which daphne is the hardiest?

The hardiest daphne variety is typically considered daphne odora, which includes some lovely cultivars with attractive variegated foliage. Daphnes are typically hardy plants and won’t need winter protection.

Best daphne variety for strong scent

Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’ blooms slightly later than others in March but has the most powerful scent. A slower growing shrub but well worth including on the edge of the border or along a pathway where the heady scent can be best appreciated. Another super strong scented type and the best daphne for growing in a pot is Daphne x transatlantica 'Pink Fragrance'. Enjoy blooms from spring through summer.

Are all daphne varieties evergreen?

Most daphnes are evergreen like the popular daphne odora. Some daphne x transatlantica types are semi-evergreen and will shed some, sometimes all, of their leaves during the winter months. Take a look at our top ten evergreen shrubs to find suitable companions for your daphne.

Which daphne variety flowers the earliest in winter?

Daphne odora varieties flower the earliest in the year. Expect to see blooms of these popular scented shrubs appearing as early as January.