DAPHNE SMELLS - 8V100-
A plant that should find a place in every garden or terrace! The clusters of small, fleshy flowers, with an extraordinary scent, open in late winter. It also grows in alkaline soil with excellent drainage or at the base of large trees. 1-1.5 m tall and wide (when fully grown).
Description
Description
Botanical name: Daphne odora
Family: Thymelaeaceae
Origin: East Asia (China, Japan)
Plant type: Evergreen flowering shrub
Flowering: Late winter – early spring (January – March)
Botanical description
Daphne odora is a compact evergreen shrub, known for its abundant, fragrant flowering in midwinter. It reaches an average height of 100–150 cm, with a rounded and tidy habit.
The leaves are glossy, leathery, dark green. The flowers, purplish-pink on the outside and creamy-white on the inside, appear in very ornamental terminal corymbs and produce a sweet, intense, and persistent scent, perceptible even from a distance.
Cultivation requirements
- Exposure: Partial shade or filtered light; tolerates direct sunlight only in the morning hours.
- Soil: Rich, light, well-drained, preferably sub-acid
- Watering: Moderate; Keep the soil cool in summer, avoiding waterlogging.
- Fertilization: In spring, use organic or slow-release fertilizers specifically for acid-loving plants.
- Pruning: Keep to a minimum, only to remove damaged branches after flowering.
- Hardy: Good hardiness down to -10°C / -12°C; in cold climates, a sheltered location is recommended.
Pot cultivation
Also perfect for container cultivation, Daphne odora adapts well to deep pots (minimum 30-40 cm), provided they have excellent drainage. Ideal for terraces, patios, or entryways, where you can fully enjoy its winter scent.
Landscape uses
- Prestigious borders in winter gardens
- Lightly shaded corners or mixed flowerbeds with acid-loving plants (Camellias, Pieris, Azaleas)
- Decorative pot cultivation for entryways or relaxation areas
- Sensory and meditation gardens
Distinguishing characteristics
- Early and fragrant flowering (January-March)
- Elegant and compact evergreen shrub
- Intense and unmistakable fragrance
- Good hardiness
- Suitable for growing in pots or in the ground