Daphnes are grown for their beautiful and intensely fragrant blooms. Some also have attractive foliage, laurel-like in Daphne odorata and D. laureola, or variegated, as in cultivars of D. odorata. There are both evergreen and deciduous daphnes, ranging in size from large shrubs to small alpine plants.
Many daphnes look best planted among other shrubs but require good light. D. bholua, D. blagayana, D.mezereum and D. pontica AGM tolerate partial shade; D. laureola will grow in deep shade. Among the easiest to grow are D. albowiana, D. pontica AGM and D. tangutica AGM.
Be aware that all parts are highly toxic if ingested.
Cultivation
The majority of daphnes require a well-drained, yet moisture retentive, humus-rich soil. Neutral to slightly alkaline conditions suit most species. They will not tolerate drought or waterlogging. On sandy soils incorporate organic matter and on heavy soils plant in a raised bed. With grafted plants bury the union at least 5cm (2in) to encourage rooting from the scion and improved vigour. Mulch to keep roots cool. Established plants should not be moved.
Daphnes are slow growing and many are grafted making them relatively expensive. Species can be propagated from seed sown ripe, after removal of the fleshy exterior, into a John Innes seed compost with added grit. Pots should be placed in a cold frame and retained for two years. Propagate cultivars by semi-ripe heel cuttings in mid- to late summer or layering in spring.
Daphnes require minimal pruning. Remove damaged, diseased or wayward growth in early spring or immediately after flowering.
Plants suffering sudden dieback may be under environmental stress, in particular, waterlogging or drought depending on soil conditions. In the former case, shrubs may need to be moved to a more suitable site. With the latter, water once a week in dry spells and mulch well in spring to conserve moisture. If dieback occurs with no obvious environmental cause it is possible that plants are infected with a virus and should be destroyed.
Tony Dickerson