More about Pink Winter Daphne...

With it's  intoxicating scented pink flowers that are crystaline white on the outside and its glossy, deep green foliage, Winter Daphne is a superstar of a flowering shrub. When it begins to bloom in late winter it heralds - with its intoxicating perfume - the promise of spring. The plant is a small, dense, evergreen shrub reaching about 3 to 4 feet in height with an equal spread and handsome, glossy leaves year round!

Depending on the weather and zone, Winter Daphne usually bloom from sometime in January through March or April, when not mulch else is blooming in the garden. The flowers are good for cutting and last well in water.

Winter Daphne are best planted close to a patios, decks, or other sitting areas where its fragrance can be conveniently appreciated. Despite the remarkable variety of gardening myths about its requirements, Winter Daphne is very hardy and easy to grow.

If you could have only one fragrant shrub in your landscape, Winter Daphne should be the choice!

Native habitat: Western China; close relatives are found in the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan. Daphne odora was already being grown in Chinese gardens by the Sung period, 960-1279 AD.

Hardiness: Zones 7a to 9b. We've found Winter Daphne to be very hardy in Zone 8 and easy to grow. We have a plant over 5 years old in our garden.

Soil: Tolerant of most soils, it does not appreciate extremes such as very shallow, chalky soil, poor drainage, etc. Ideally, a well-drained soil is preferred.

Sunlight: Prefers some afternoon shade in warmer southern zones.

Pruning: Does not heal well over cuts into mature wood, so we suggest heavy pruning is best avoided. However, "pinching" the tips of long shoots on the current year's growth makes the plant much bushier and more floriferous.

Feeding: Fertilize Winter Daphne with a well-balanced shrub fertilizer once a year just after it blooms. You may alternatively fertilize with a natural or organic plant food.

Watering: During the summer, it is best not to water winter daphne at all, except during prolonged periods of dry weather. Newly planted ones will, of course, need some water, but go light with the hose. Little or no water for established plants during the dry season should encourage flower production for the following year and help prevent death from molds.

If you could only have one fragrant shrub in your landscape, Daphne Odora would most likely be the choice!

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