Grow Master Fact Sheet

Delightful Daphnes

One of the most exquisite small shrubs for the garden is the deliciously-scented Daphne odora rubra. A sprig of this Daphne in flower has an unforgettable fragrance which even non-gardeners usually recognise. It is one of the best perfumes in the whole plant world. Growing your own Daphne at home is not difficult despite what some people may tell you. Plants, as well as people, all have their own likes and dislikes. If our needs are met, we both thrive so always think and plan a little first.

Daphnes come from cool woodland areas where temperatures can be quite low so cold weather and light frosts don‘t bother them at all. A position in front of an east-facing wall is ideal as they will receive morning sun but will be protected from extreme heat later in the day. They love well-drained soil so add some compost or leaf mould prior to planting.

Don‘t plant them too deeply particularly if your soil is heavy clay. They are not thirsty plants so don‘t over water particularly in summer.

In the garden, Daphnes are very neat growers. They are evergreen with long, dark green, leathery leaves. Usually they grow to around one metre high and spread a metre or so in width. In winter, magnificent clusters of star-shaped pink and white flowers smother the bush. These can be cut for a small vase and, if you do this,there is really no need for further pruning.

Give your plants a little fertiliser straight after flowering. If you are lucky enough to have a front door facing east to plant a Daphne by you will really be able to enjoy the heady perfume every time you come and go during the  winter/spring flowering. I made the mistake of planting my Daphne fifteen years ago beneath an easterly bedroom window. This has been a great success except for the fact that it is often too cold to open the window in mid-winter to allow the perfume to waft in! However,I do lean out the window and cut a bit for a small bedroom posy.