You usually do not think of having fragrant blooms in your garden during the winter months, but that is exactly what you will have if there is daphne planted. The fragrant blooms of this shrub usually appear in the late winter and can last into the early summer. Most are neat evergreen shrubs; although, there are some deciduous varieties, as well. You will want to plant daphnes near windows and doors so their fragrance can be enjoyed regularly.
Daphnes (Daphne) can be grown in your garden or in containers. Wherever you decide to plant your daphne, make sure that the soil drains very well. Daphnes will die suddenly when they develop root rot caused by poor drainage. Daphnes are also rather susceptible to various other ailments. Aphids will cause the leaves to curl and become discolored. Mealybugs will suck the sap from the plant. Scale insects will attack the leaves and branches, resulting in leaf drop and stunted growth. Severe infestations can kill a daphne. Southern Blight caused by hot weather and soil that is too acidic can kill a daphne in a month. Daphnes can also suffer from leaf spot and twig blight. As if all of these plagues were not enough, dog urine can actually burn the foliage.
Many of the problems that plague daphnes, however, stem from improper cultivation. As previously mentioned, make sure to plant your daphne is well-drained soil. Most of the varieties are native to rather dry areas and can even thrive in stony soil, including limestone. Adding bone meal in the spring and fall will help to promote flowering. Proper watering will cut down on a lot of the problems with daphnes, especially fungi. Allow the plant to dry out between waterings and then give it a 20-30 minute drink rather than frequent shallow sprays with the hose. Water in the mornings during the summer months so the leaves will have time to dry before nightfall. This will help to cut down on fungal attacks. Companion planting can help to cut down on some of the bugs, such as aphids, that might attack the plant during the spring and summer months. (Nasturiums are great for keeping aphids off all of your plants.) You also will not need to do a lot of pruning, except cutting of dead branches and tidying up the plant from time-to-time. Never cut into the old wood. Daphnes are similar to lavender in that they will not produce new growth from old wood that has been cut back.
There are several varieties of daphne from which to choose, including:
Daphne mezereum: Deciduous with purplish-pink blooms. Height: 5-feet. Zones 4-8.
D. x burkwoodii: Slow-growing evergreen. Size: 5-feet high and wide. Usually flowers in the spring. Cream-edged leaves on ‘Somerset Variegated.’ Also look for ‘Gold Edge.’ Zones 6-9.
D. bholua: One of the best cultivars. Height: 7 feet. Produces pink or white flowers on the ends of sparsely-leaved branches in the winter and early spring. Varieties include: ‘Jacqueline Postill’ and ‘Gurkha,’ which is a deciduous daphne and one of the hardiest. This daphne prefers acid soil and partial shade.
D. odora: Grown in Chinese gardens for its fragrance. Low-growing evergreen. Size: 3½ feet. Produces white to red buds in the winter. Look for ‘Aureomarginata,’ reputed to be one of the hardiest varieties.
