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Winter daphne

Daphne odora

DAF-nee OH-dor-ah Audio

This evergreen species produces rose-purple buds that open to white and are intensely and exotically fragrant. The blooms (from mid-winter to early spring) are followed by red fruit and dark-green, glossy leaves.  

Noteworthy CharacteristicsThese shrubs are gems in the open woodland and shrub border, or for specimen planting. Daphnes have the reputation of being finicky and perishing without warning, but in general, they are beautiful, low maintanence shrubs. 

CareThis species prefers filtered shade and heavy pruning to keep it full.

PropagationSow seed in a cold frame when fresh; take softwood cuttings in early summer and hardwood cuttings in late summer.

ProblemsSouthern blight, Verticillium wilt, crown and root rot, Botrytis twig blight, aphids, and scale.

  • Genus : Daphne
  • Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
  • Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
  • Zones : 7, 8, 9
  • Bloom Time : Early Spring, Spring, Winter
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Showy Fruit
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Light : Partial Shade
  • Flower Color : Pink, White
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest

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