A small evergreen shrub Daphne Cneorum grows naturally on the edges of conifer forests in wide areas of Europe. The specific epithet ‘cneorum’ means small and olive like, referring to the foliage.
Low growing and with clusters of rose coloured fragrant flowers in spring this is a great addition to the shade garden.
We know about the sweet smell of the old fashioned daphne plant, the one that flowers in winter, however with many more species available such as Daphne Cneorum or ‘Rose daphne’ and sometimes ‘Garland Flower’ we thought it best to take a closer look.
Daphne Cneorum flowers in spring, and has masses of bright pink flowers, this is a ‘suckering’ small shrub preferring slightly acidic soil, so it would grow well in the shade of a camellia.
Usually reaching under .5m flowers may continue through summer. It is evergreen, fragrant and would do well in a shaded position in the rock garden.
How To Grow Daphne Cneorum
Best grown in the garden rather than containers and also best in a permanent position as it resents transplanting. It naturally grows in rocky soil, so well drained and also in part shade.
Growth rate would be regarded as slow.
- Best grown in a well drained soil.
- Part shade of at least afternoon shade.
- Mulch around the plant to maintain a cool root run.
- In dry summers a few deep waterings should be enough. Do not let the soil get wet and soggy. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Like most daphnes it does not like to ‘be disturbed’ so plant and leave alone, although we have seen them growing well in containers.
Daphne cneorum varieties
Daphne Cneorum ‘Leila Haines’ is a much smaller growing plant reaching around 10cm in height, so ground hugging. Fairly drought tolerant once established.
Daphne Cneorum Variegata with its green foliage edged with cream adds a little more interest throughout the year. Daphne cneorum ‘Eximia’ and Daphne cneorum ‘Ruby Glow’ are cultivars not generally available in Australia.
Propagation and Pruning
Propagation is from cuttings (softwood or hardwood) or for the patient gardener, from seed.
Pruning, really not needed, if you pick a few flowers each year that will keep it in shape. Fertilize with a liquid seaweed fertilizer and remember to mulch.
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