Daphne bholua
Nepalese paper plant
An evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub to 2m, usually erect, sparsely branched, but may be more bushy in cultivation. Leaves are short-stalked, 5-10cm long and thinly leathery. Very fragrant flowers borne in terminal and axillary clusters from midwinter to early spring are white, flushed purplish-pink. Black ovoid fruits follow
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 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 | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Black | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Pink White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–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
- TOXIC if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- 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
- Plant range
- E Nepal to China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained but not dry soil in sun or part shade. Mulch to keep roots cool. Establishes best if planted in the spring, resents transplanting so do not move once established
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Propagate by softwood cuttings in early to midsummer and semi-ripe heel cuttings in mid or late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or pruning group 8 but keep pruning to a minimum
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and virus diseases
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.