Daphne odora var. rubra
red winter daphne
A compact evergreen shrub with glossy, narrowly oval leaves and crimson buds opening in late winter and early spring into highly fragrant, purplish-red flowers with white lobes
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Red White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Thymelaeaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Daphne can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with small, usually very fragrant tubular, 4-lobed flowers, often followed by colourful berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Mulch annually in spring with well-rotted organic matter to keep the roots cool. Not reliably hardy in exposed conditions, may need winter protection. Resents root disturbance and transplanting. See daphne cultivation for more information
Propagation
Take nodal stem-tip greenwood and semi-ripe cuttings just as the base begins to firm up. Hormone rooting compound, a free-draining compost and bottom heat of 15°C (59°F) will improve rooting. Layering of shoots take a year to become well rooted
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or pruning group 8; keep pruning to a minimum
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and virus diseases
Get involved
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