The short answer

Quick Answer

Daphne thrives in partial shade or full shade on most soils (pH 6-7), free-draining. Reaches 1 to 2m tall and wide depending on species. Hardy to around -10°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Minimal, after flowering

How: Only remove dead or damaged wood. Daphnes rarely recover from hard pruning

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Asia, particularly the Himalayas and China

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Cultivated in UK gardens since the 1700s. Daphne bholua was introduced from the Himalayas in 1938

Folklore: In Greek myth, Apollo declared the laurel sacred after Daphne was transformed. The genus Daphne includes plants with similar evergreen leaves

Fun fact: Daphne is named after the nymph in Greek mythology who was turned into a laurel tree to escape Apollo

Historical medicinal uses: All parts are toxic. Daphne species were used externally in traditional medicine. Not for self-use

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Early bees on warm days [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 7 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Critical winter nectar source[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowers January to April depending on species[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs with hellebores, snowdrops and ferns

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Sudden death from root rot. Honey fungus. See RHS honey fungus advice

Invasive note: Not invasive

CGM care note

Daphnes hate being moved once planted, so we choose the spot carefully and never disturb the root ball. We plant slightly high, with the top of the compost at soil level, and add a layer of grit mulch to keep the collar dry. A winter wet collar is the most common cause of sudden death.

CGM guides mentioning Daphne

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Daphne and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Daphne

How Daphne fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Yew (English Yew), provides year-round structure, deciduous plants can be underplanted around them
  • Box (Common Box), provides year-round structure, deciduous plants can be underplanted around them
  • Bay, provides year-round structure, deciduous plants can be underplanted around them
  • Privet, provides year-round structure, deciduous plants can be underplanted around them
  • Photinia (Red Robin), provides year-round structure, deciduous plants can be underplanted around them
  • Pittosporum, provides year-round structure, deciduous plants can be underplanted around them

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Daphne.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Daphne are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Daphne (Daphne bholua, Daphne odora, Daphne x burkwoodii). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Daphne. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Daphne bholua, Daphne odora, Daphne x burkwoodii. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Thymelaeaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Van der Bank M, Fay MF, Chase MW (2002). Molecular phylogenetics of Thymelaeaceae. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 139(1), 39-72.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Thymelaeaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, pruning, medicinal_uses.

  4. 4
    Garbuzov M, Ratnieks FLW (2014). Quantifying variation among garden plants in attractiveness to bees and other flower-visiting insects. Functional Ecology, 28(2), 364-374.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 for Daphne. The pollinator description above ("Early bees on warm days") aligns with this study's finding that moderate-ranked plants attract a steady but not exceptional number of flower-visiting insects. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Critical winter nectar source") reflects the plant's supplementary role in providing nectar during its flowering window (Seasonal highlight: "Flowers January to April depending on species"). Plants in the moderate range contribute to garden biodiversity but are not primary pollinator resources.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 and the Pollinators description ("Early bees on warm days"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Daphne's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Critical winter nectar source") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Daphne. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Daphne's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Thymelaeaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Daphne. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Daphne. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Daphne. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Daphne. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Daphne. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Daphne. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Daphne. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Daphne performs well locally

Towns where Daphne is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover