Scientific name: Daphne odora
Synonym: Daphne japonica
Family: THYMELAEACEAE
Common names: “Winter daphne” “Japan daphne”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 5-8
Light: Dappled shade – full shade
Exposure: Sheltered from cold winds
Soil: Moderately fertile, humus rich, neutral – alkaline soil
Moisture: Moist well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 4′ W 4′
Leaf and Stem shape: Leathery, dark green leaves
Flower: Highly fragrant deep purple-pink & white flowers in clusters of 10-15 or more, blooms February – April
Pruning: Can prune after flowering but only when necessary
Maintenance: Mulch, do not transplant!
Landscape use: Flower beds and informal gardens
Propagate: By seed, cuttings and grafting
Pests & Disease: None in Victoria
*Deer resistant
Comments: Beautiful smelling flowers but not for people with hay fever, all parts of the plant are poisonous
Cultivars: D. o. ‘Aureomarginata’ – may be hardier, has variegated foliage
D. o. ‘Zuiko nishiki’ – has larger flowers & is more floriferous
Vancouver Island Grows 