For Super Scents of Spring, Plant Daphne

    Daphne Odora        Daphne Somerset

            One of the most gorgeous flowering shrubs to add its enticing scent to a spring garden that has just escaped frostbite is the Daphne. Daphne can add so much interest to the garden in three different ways. First, the emergence of small waxy looking clusters of delicate star shaped blossoms emitting the most delicious heavenly scent. The flower color ranges from pure white, to delicate pink, mauvish red, lavender and yellow. Then after the flowers fade, the variegated green or grayish leaves tipped with yellow, cream or white add a lot of zip to any border. Finally, multicolored berries provide an added season of interest. Daphne can be found ranging from small 6” tall compact plants, to the taller erectile tree shapes that grow to 12 feet or more. They can spread nicely and will provide stunning color to any spring and summer garden.

            Winter varieties include Daphne marginata, Daphne odora, and the Carol Mackie variety and all do well in southern gardens such as the one at Treetops, a maritime pacific coastal garden. These wonderful shrubs sport clusters of up to 16 white to pink blossoms in late Feb or March. Rose Daphne is a hardy ground hugger for the colder areas. Its blossoms are a deep pink.  Daphne is hardy in zones 4 through 9, depending on the variety. Just remember all parts of the Daphne are poisonous. Contact with the cut ends of the stems can cause itching in some folks. 

            Pick the spot where you want to plant your scent sensations carefully right from the start, as Daphne does not take to moving and the shock can kill. It prefers its roots to be in the shade, so do provide it lots of mulch, and water sparingly. Planting right below your bedroom window allows the sensual lemony scent drift in as you begin to open your windows each spring.

            Daphne is best grown in moist, rich, sandy, well-drained soils with a neutral pH, and in part shade. Some like to cling to gentle slopes, which automatically allow good drainage. Consider raised plantings in areas of heavy clay soils to insure good drainage. Always try to provide a spot that is sheltered from biting winter winds.  Pruning should always be done with a very sharp tool, as it is easy to strip the bark off. If done in the fall, healthy new growth will be available for cuttings next spring. Keep the cuttings moist before you pot them up.