Daphne cneorum

Garland Daphne
Thymelaeaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs

DAPHNE

Although some daphnes are easier to grow than others, all require fast-draining soil and careful summer watering. They are generally more temperamental in California than in the Northwest. Plants respond to heavy pruning but rarely need more than the occasional snip to correct their shape. Cut back to lateral branches or to just above obvious growth buds. You can cut budded branches of deciduous types for forced bloom indoors.

Daphne cneorum

From mountains of central and southern Europe. Forms mat less than 1 ft. high and 3 ft. wide. Good container plant. Trailing branches covered with narrow, 1-in.-long, dark green leaves. Clusters of fragrant rosy pink flowers appear in spring.

Choice rock garden plant; give it light shade in warm areas, full sun in cool-summer areas. After bloom is through, top-dress with mix of peat moss and sand to keep roots cool and induce additional rooting of trailing stems.

'Eximia'

Lower than the species (8 in. high), with larger flowers.

'Pygmaea Alba'

Charming dwarf form to just 3 in. high, 1 ft. wide, with white flowers.

'Ruby Glow'

Has larger, more deeply colored flowers than the species. Reblooms in late summer.

'Variegata'

Leaves are edged in gold.