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ShrubsAlpine Rockery

Daphne laureola 'Margaret Mathew'

spurge laurel 'Margaret Mathew'

A compact evergreen shrub to 40cm, with glossy, leathery leaves. In late winter and early spring it produces clusters of fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers; these are followed by purple-black berries

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Green Black Purple
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green Yellow Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, humus rich soil in partial or deep shade. Mulch annually in spring with well-rotted organic matter to keep the roots cool. See daphne cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe heel cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

See pruning groups 1 and 8; keep pruning to a minimum

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and virus diseases

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.