Daphne odora

Daphne odora

Common name: white daphne

Family: Thymelaeaceae

Leaf: Glossy, leathery, obovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (to 4" long).

Flowers: Blooming in late winter, intensely fragrant reddish-purple flowers with pale pink to white insides in terminal inflorescences.

Habit: broadleaf evergreen shrub; Form: mounded

Height: 3-4': Spread: 2-4'

Culture: Hardy in USDA zones 7-9. Usually only winter hardy to about -10F. If sited in colder areas of its hardiness zone, be sure to plant it in a protected location, for example the south side of the home. Best grown in moist, humusy, rich, sandy-humusy, well-drained soils with a neutral pH in part shade. Good drainage is essential. If you have dense, clay soil, consider planting this daphne in raised beds to ensure good drainage. Winter root mulch is a good idea. Do not allow soils to dry out. Established plants have some drought tolerance, but drier soils may mean reduced bloom. Slow to establish. Best not to disturb/transplant once establish. Can even be overwintered in containers in a greenhouse/summer porch.
Uses: Rounded evergreen shrub for borders and foundations. Specimen or groups. Plant near decks, doors etc. for maximum enjoyment of frangrant flowers. May also be uses as a hedge.
Origin: China, Japan