Meet the Winter Daphne

Winter Daphne | Daphne odora

How do you know it’s me?:

• I am a medium-sized woody shrub.

• I have dense branches and a naturally rounded shape.

• My evergreen leaves are glossy green, with a leathery texture. Some varieties have variegated leaves.

• My leaves are alternate and pointed oval shaped.

• My chocolate-brown stems (on some varieties) are another good identifier.

• I have very fragrant clusters of blooms. Each independent flower typically has 4 petals, and a waxy texture.

How big do I grow?: 2’ - 4’ height, and 2’ - 7’ spread.

Sun-seeker or shade-lover: Part shade is my preference. I will grow in full shade, but can have a straggly look.

Where I prefer to put my roots: Moist, rich, well-drained soil. Good drainage is essential. I do not mind when the soil is occasionally dry.

Hardiness: Zone 7-9

Original home: I am native to China and Japan.

Colors: My flowers are light pink, light purple, or white in color.

When I bloom: Late winter to early spring. Red or black berries may appear in summer.

Wildlife friends: Bees, butterflies, moths, and flies are attracted to my decedent blooms.

Flora Fun Facts: I have long been regarded as a symbol of immortality.

More Info: This tropical-looking plant loves an understory setting. It can be a little temperamental until it has established, and then exhibits some drought tolerance and becomes more of a low maintenance plant. The shrub naturally has a very neat and tidy look, and the blooms produce a (rather intense) perfume.

• A member of the Thymelaeaceae (Daphne) family.

• A great shrub for a woodland setting, in a container, or as a specimen plant (a unique winter bloomer!) Mulching is important to maintaining the soil qualities preferred by this plant.

• Moderately salt tolerant.

• All parts of this plant are highly poisonous, and the sap and berries can be very irritating to the skin, so take caution when pruning. The milky sap inside the stems also makes this plant deer-proof.

• Protection from harsh winter winds and too much sun (in hotter climates), is recommended.