Daphne odora

Fragrant daphne is a  woody, densely-branched, broadleaf evergreen shrub that can grow to be 2 to 4 feet wide and 4 to  6 1/2 feet tall. A member of the Thymelaeaceae (daphne) family, daphne is native to southern China, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

Daphne should be planted in sun to part shade, in moist, very well-drained soil that can dry out between waterings. It is moderately salt-tolerant. Cut it back after flowering to avoid leggy growth. Though the plants often last only three or four years they are easy to propagate from stem cuttings.

Showy, deeply fragrant flowers in pink, lavender, or white appear in mid-to-late winter before the glossy leaves.  Red or black fruits are sometimes present rounding out year-round interest with this shrub.

This plant works well in a woodland or in a container, as a specimen, or along a foundation plant. It is equally at home in a butterfly, pollinator, or winter garden. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are coriaceous, alternate, crowded, look whorled
• Evergreen shrub has shiny dark green leaves
• Fragrant terminal 1 inch cymes in winter
• Salverform, cream to purplish flowers with four lobes 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.