Daphne Varieties: 9 Top Picks For Fragrance And Beauty
Enjoy year-round blooms and vibrant foliage that transform gardens into sensory retreats.
9 Distinct Daphne Varieties for Fragrance and Beauty
When aiming to create a landscape full of scent, color, and elegance across seasons, Daphne shrubs are some of the most sought-after choices for home gardeners. Loved for their star-shaped blooms, intoxicating perfume, and attractive foliage, the Daphne genus includes nearly 50 woody shrub species native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Selecting the right variety transforms gardens with year-round allure and lasting fragrance.
Why Choose Daphne for Your Landscape?
- Intense fragrance: Many varieties emit a powerful scent even in winter.
- Seasonal blooms: Some flower in deep winter, while others repeat flower until autumn.
- Luminous foliage: Variegated, glossy, or evergreen leaves increase visual interest outside blooming periods.
- Diversity of form: Options range from compact mounds to upright shrubs.
This guide explores nine popular Daphne varieties, examining bloom time, visual traits, fragrance, and ideal uses.
Daphne odora âAureomarginataâ
Daphne odora âAureomarginataâ stands out for its powerful winter fragrance and striking foliage. Native to China and Japan, itâs considered among the most scented Daphnes. Blooming from late January through March, deep purple-pink flowers appear amidst glossy green leaves edged in creamy yellow. The plants form a rounded mound, maturing to about three to four feet tall.
- Bloom period: Late winter to early spring
- Fragrance: Intensely sweet, often detected before blooms are visible
- Hardiness: Zones 7-9; tolerates down to 10°F (-12°C)
- Ornamental foliage: Yellow-edged leaves; excellent winter interest
Landscaping tip: Plant near entryways or outdoor seating to appreciate its winter scent.
Daphne x burkwoodii âCarol Mackieâ
With subtle variegation and reliable cold hardiness, âCarol Mackieâ appeals to gardeners in cooler climates. This sport (naturally occurring mutation) of âSomersetâ features graceful gray-green foliage with creamy white margins that remains attractive into December. Flower clusters of pale pink appear profusely in late spring, emitting a delicate perfume throughout the garden.
- Growth habit: Compact, dense, rounded; 2-3 feet tall
- Bloom period: Late spring
- Foliage: Narrow gray-green leaves with soft white rims
- Hardiness: Excellent; suited for cold climates
Interesting fact: Named for Carol Mackie, who discovered this mutation in her New Jersey garden in 1962.
Daphne x burkwoodii âSomersetâ
The parent of âCarol Mackieâ, âSomersetâ was developed by renowned English plantsmen Albert and Arthur Burkwood in the early 20th century. Rods of bright green leaves set off creamy pink flowers in late spring. Awarded the Royal Horticultural Societyâs Award of Garden Merit, it forms a slow-growing mound with excellent garden endurance.
What others are reading
- Bloom: Creamy pink flowers â late spring
- Foliage: Bright green, lustrous
- Shape: Slow-growing, mounded
- Special recognition: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Daphne mezereum (February Daphne)
Among the first to flower in late winter, Daphne mezereum dazzles with clusters of pink or purple blooms on bare stems, followed by glossy leaves and striking berries. Deciduous, itâs a feast of color long before most shrubs leaf out. Its vivid flowers and later bright berries create continuous interest.
- Bloom: Late winter (February-March)
- Flower color: Pink to purple
- Berries: Red, showy in summer
- Height: 60-100 cm
Popular varieties include:
- âRubraâ: Deep pink blossoms
- âAlbaâ: White flowers with red berries
Daphne bholua (Nepalese Paper Plant)
Daphne bholua is prized for its legendary fragrance and prolific winter blooms. A semi-evergreen or deciduous shrub, it features clusters of pink flowers from mid-winter to early spring, often before leaves fully emerge. The scent is intense, making it a favorite for planting near walkways or entrances.
- Bloom period: Mid-winter to early spring
- Fragrance: Extremely intense
- Form: Upright to mound-forming; varies by variety
Popular varieties include:
- âJacqueline Postillâ: Highly scented, pale pink flowers, dark foliage
- âPeter Smithersâ: Compact, deep pink flowers
Daphne x transatlantica (Eternal Fragrance Daphne)
This hybrid, often called Eternal Fragrance Daphne, offers repeated flushes of scented blooms from spring to fall, far outlasting the flowering window of most Daphnes. The compact growth habit and durability make it a mainstay for borders, containers, or specimen planting.
- Bloom period: Repeats from spring through autumn
- Form: Dense and compact
- Fragrance: Sweet, persistent
Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne)
Daphne cneorum, or Rose Daphne, charms with its low-growing habit and cheerful pink blooms in late spring. Suitable for rock gardens and stony soils, it provides a ground-hugging splash of color.
- Height: 20-40 cm
- Bloom period: April-May
- Foliage: Dark green, leathery leaves
- Soil: Thrives in calcareous, stony, nutrient-poor locations
Daphne laureola (Spurge Laurel)
Distinctive for its evergreen, leathery leaves and greenish-yellow flowers between February and May, Spurge Laurel is notable for tolerating shade. The dark foliage remains attractive year-round, making it suitable for woodland borders or shaded foundation plantings.
- Height: 50-120 cm
- Bloom period: Late winter to spring
- Foliage: Evergreen, glossy dark green
Daphne x burkwoodii âSomersetâ (Hybrid Daphne)
This hybrid between Daphne caucasica and Daphne cneorum is a standout for light to purplish-pink blooms that appear in May and June, followed by deep green foliage. âSomersetâ sheds its leaves in autumn and flourishes best on deep, mineral soils with less humus. Its upright mound and reliable bloom make it a favorite for established gardens.
- Height: 100-150 cm
- Bloom: May-June, light to purplish-pink
- Planting: Deep, mineral-rich soils
Comparison Table: Key Daphne Varieties
| Variety | Bloom Season | Flower Color | Fragrance | Foliage Type | Growth Habit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daphne odora âAureomarginataâ | Late Winter – Early Spring | Purple-pink | Intense | Glossy, variegated | Rounded mound |
| Daphne x burkwoodii âCarol Mackieâ | Late Spring | Pale pink | Sweet | Gray-green, variegated | Dense, rounded |
| Daphne x burkwoodii âSomersetâ | Late Spring | Creamy pink | Moderate | Bright green | Slow-growing mound |
| Daphne mezereum âRubraâ | Late Winter | Deep pink | Moderate | Deciduous | Upright shrub |
| Daphne cneorum | Spring | Pink | Moderate | Leathery, dark green | Low-growing |
| Daphne laureola | Late Winter – Spring | Greenish-yellow | Mild | Evergreen, glossy | Upright |
| Daphne bholua âJacqueline Postillâ | Mid-Winter – Early Spring | Pale pink | Intense | Dark green | Upright/mounded |
| Daphne bholua âPeter Smithersâ | Mid-Winter – Early Spring | Deep pink | Intense | Medium green | Compact |
| Daphne x transatlantica (âEternal Fragranceâ) | Spring – Autumn | Pale pink | Sweet | Green | Compact |
Landscaping Uses and Planting Tips
- Entryways and patios: Place highly fragrant varieties where scent will be enjoyed.
- Foundation beds: Use evergreen varieties for structure and year-round interest.
- Woodland gardens: Spurge Laurel and bholua tolerate part-shade and add persistent green.
- Rock gardens: Rose Daphne excels where space and nutrients are limited.
- Borders and mixed beds: Variegated types blend with perennials for extended seasonal color.
General Daphne Care Guide
- Soil: Fast-draining, enriched with humus, slightly alkaline preferred
- Light: Dappled sun to partial shade
- Water: Moderate; avoid waterlogging, which may lead to root rot
- Pruning: Minimal; shape lightly after flowering
- Propagation: Most easily from semi-ripe cuttings
Note: Daphnes are sometimes called finicky due to sudden decline if conditions are poor. Plant carefully, ensuring drainage and shelter from wind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are all Daphne varieties fragrant?
A: Most Daphne species and cultivars are highly fragrant, especially D. odora, bholua, and mezereum. Some, like laureola, are mildly scented.
Q: Are Daphne plants poisonous?
A: Yes. All parts, including berries and leaves, are toxic to humans and animals. Take care when planting near children or pets.
Q: When is the best time to plant Daphne?
A: Plant in early spring or autumn when temperatures are moderate. Avoid disturbing the roots; Daphnes dislike transplanting.
Q: Do Daphne shrubs need much maintenance?
A: Once established, maintenance is minimal. Provide regular water, avoid soggy soil, and prune lightly only as needed for shape.
Q: Why did my Daphne suddenly die?
A: Sudden death can occur from root rot, poor drainage, or pathogens. Ensure soil is well-drained and do not overwater.
Conclusion
With their alluring fragrance, captivating flowers, and versatile forms, Daphne varieties offer outstanding value for ornamental landscapes. Whether your goal is winter interest or summer beautyâor simply wish to bask in unforgettable perfumeâthese carefully selected species and cultivars bring lasting joy to gardeners across climates and seasons.
References
- https://www.acquagarden.co.uk/blogs/planting-guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-growing-and-nurturing-daphne-plants
- https://plantura.garden/uk/trees-shrubs/daphne/daphne-overview
- https://www.epicgardening.com/daphne-varieties/
- https://www.epicgardening.com/daphne/
- https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/03/daphne-plant-profile.html
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