Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Thymelaeaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- All parts toxic by ingestion and may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Daphne can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with small, usually very fragrant tubular, 4-lobed flowers, often followed by colourful berries
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained but not dry soil in sun or partial shade. Mulch to keep roots cool. Daphnes resent transplanting. Further daphne cultivation advice
Propagation
Take nodal stem-tip greenwood cuttings and semi-ripe cuttings just as the base begins to firm up. Hormone rooting compound, a free-draining compost and bottom heat of 15°C (59°F) will improve rooting. Layering of shoots take a year to become well rooted. Daphnes may be propagated by grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or pruning group 8; keep pruning to a minimum
Pests
Aphids and scale insects may be troublesome
Diseases
May be affected by grey moulds, leaf spot and a virus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.