Daphne odora

Common Name:
Winter Daphne

Description:
Daphne odora is a highly prized evergreen shrub renowned for its intensely fragrant flowers and compact growth habit. Flowering from winter into early spring, it produces clusters of small tubular blooms in shades of pale pink to deep rosy pink with creamy-white interiors, filling the garden with a rich, sweet perfume. The glossy green foliage provides year-round structure and is particularly attractive in shaded courtyards, entrance plantings, and cottage gardens. Well-suited to Melbourne’s cooler climate, Winter Daphne performs best in a sheltered position with morning sun or part shade and free-draining soil. It dislikes heavy root disturbance and benefits from protection against hot afternoon sun and overly wet conditions. Ideal for pots and feature planting, it is treasured for bringing fragrance and colour to the garden during the colder months.

Form:
Shrub - Small

Mature Size:
Height: 1–1.5 m
Width: 1–1.5 m

Aspect:
Part Shade
Full Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Winter
Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:
Pink
Rosy pink
Creamy white

Key Attributes:
Bee Attracting
Evergreen
Perennial
Scented flowers
Suitable for Pots

Toxicity:
Highly toxic if ingested by humans, dogs, and cats. All parts of the plant, especially the berries and sap, can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation and other serious symptoms. Sap may also irritate skin.

Companion Plants:
Camellias
Hellebores
Azaleas
Pieris
Japanese Forest Grass
Clivia
Cyclamen
Ferns