"There’s something truly special about Daphne. Whether it’s the exquisite fragrance that drifts through the garden on a crisp winter morning or the clusters of delicate, jewel-like flowers that brighten up the dullest months, these shrubs are a must-have. They’re compact, evergreen, and surprisingly tough - just the thing for bringing year-round beauty and scent to your garden, patio, or doorstep."
Peter McDermott, Head Gardener
"There’s something truly special about Daphne. Whether it’s the exquisite fragrance that drifts through the garden on a crisp winter morning or the clusters of delicate, jewel-like flowers that brighten up the dullest months, these shrubs are a must-have. They’re compact, evergreen, and surprisingly tough - just the thing for bringing year-round beauty and scent to your garden, patio, or doorstep."
Peter McDermott, Head Gardener
Daphne plants are loved for their powerful scent and compact shape, yet they remain easy to manage in most gardens. These shrubs thrive in partial shade, especially where soil drains freely but stays moist. Once settled, they need very little fuss. Their evergreen leaves keep borders looking tidy throughout the year, while their early flowers bring colour to the dullest months. A daphne plant works beautifully in containers too, making it a great choice for patios or small gardens where space is limited.
Growing a daphne plant is straightforward when you give it the right spot. Choose a sheltered area with morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid moving the plant once it’s planted, as it prefers to stay in place to develop deep, steady roots. Add organic matter to the soil for better drainage and feed lightly in spring. With this simple care, your plant will produce fragrance, structure and colour each year.
There are many beautiful forms of daphne to explore. Evergreen selections bring glossy foliage and compact growth, while winter and early spring flowering varieties are prized for their perfume and clusters of pink, white or cream blooms. Look out for forms that suit borders, containers or small garden spaces, and enjoy their reliable year round appeal.