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 GB / Ireland
- 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
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
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.