Fragrant Daphne

Winter daphne (Daphne odora, Thymelaeaceae) is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub from China and Japan, reaching about 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Glossy, leathery, dark green leaves create a dense mound. Intensely fragrant pink to purple flowers bloom in terminal clusters from March to April, producing one of the most powerful floral scents in the winter garden.

Winter daphne grows in part shade on moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 7.0), hardy in Zones 7a to 8b. It resents disturbance once established and is sensitive to poor drainage. Documented diseases include black root rot, crown gall, and root rot; aphids and lecanium scale are the primary pests. Cultivars include 'Mae Jima' (3 feet), 'Marginata' (4 feet, gold-edged leaves), and 'Aureomarginata.' All parts of the plant are toxic.