CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR UNUSUAL AND HARD TO FIND PLANTS!
GET INSPIRED BY READING THE EXCITING PLANT INFORMATION

IN OUR 'INSPIRATION' SECTION
Important Shipping information and Recommendations in our 'info' section

SPRING SHIPPING IS NOW AVAILABLE! -----CHOOSE SHIP NOW, OR CHOOSE APRIL OR MAY

Daphnes

Few shrubs reward gardeners quite like the daphne plant, a beloved evergreen shrub treasured for its intoxicating fragrance and blooms that arrive when the garden needs them most. In our garden, we grow two standouts: Daphne odora, the winter-blooming daphne, and Daphne transatlantica, the summer-blooming daphne. When most of the garden settles into its winter sleep, Daphne odora bursts into clusters of sweetly scented tubular flowers that perfume the air, while Daphne transatlantica carries that signature scent and charm into the warmer months. These compact shrubs bring year-round interest to any outdoor space, offering glossy foliage and graceful presence through early spring and beyond.

Varieties Worth Knowing

The Daphne odora, commonly called winter daphne, stands among the most treasured species for home gardens. This broadleaf evergreen shrub produces pink flowers that emerge from rosy buds in late winter, each cluster releasing a scent that has charmed flower lovers for centuries. If you’re comparing cultivars, explore favorites like ‘Perfume Princess’, 'Aureomarginata', and 'Zuiko Nishinki'. Summer-blooming daphne species, particularly hybrids within the Daphne transatlantica group, offer fragrant, recurring flowers from spring through autumn. Top selections include 'Summer Ice' and 'Eternal Fragrance', which provide consistent blooms in well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Each daphne shrub brings something unique to your front garden.  

Left: Daphne Odora ‘Sweet Amethyst’

Growing Daphne Successfully

Finding the perfect spot for your daphne plant is half the fun. Look for a place with partial shade where the roots can stay cool. That corner of your yard that gets gentle morning sun but escapes the intense afternoon heat would be ideal. Well drained soil is the secret to keeping your daphne happy, so if your soil tends to hold water, try planting on a small mound to give those roots some breathing room. In cooler climates, daphne handles full sun just fine, but most of us see the best results with partial shade conditions. Once your daphne shrubs settle in, they ask for little more than regular watering when the soil gets dry. Truly easy care for such a rewarding plant. Just be sure you love the spot you pick, because these beauties like to put down roots and stay.

Right: ‘Eternal Fragrance’

Top Sellers 

Zuiko Nishiki Zuiko Nishiki
Daphne odora 'Sweet Amethyst' Daphne odora 'Sweet Amethyst'
Daphne x 'Perfume Princess' Daphne x 'Perfume Princess'
Daphne x 'Perfume Princess White' Daphne x 'Perfume Princess White'
Daphne x transatlantica 'Summer Ice' Daphne x transatlantica 'Summer Ice'
Pink Fragrance Pink Fragrance

About Singing Tree Gardens Nursery

At Singing Tree Gardens Nursery, we have spent decades sharing exceptional plants with gardeners throughout the region. Growing on Dow's Prairie near McKinleyville, California, we cultivate a wide range of shrubs, trees, and grasses that inspire curiosity. Our team combines horticultural experience with genuine passion, offering guidance on plants that thrive in your conditions. From fragrant flowers that perfume the garden to shrubs that anchor the landscape, every plant reflects our commitment to quality.

Image with text

FAQs

How long do daphne plants live?

With proper care, daphne shrubs thrive for five to ten years. Well drained soil, partial shade, and regular watering during dry periods give your plant the best chance.

Are daphne flowers fragrant?

Exceptionally so. The scent of daphne blooms is among the strongest of any garden shrub. Even a small plant fills the surrounding area with sweetness, and the fragrant flowers remain aromatic for weeks as terminal inflorescences open progressively.

Does daphne make a good foundation plant?

Daphne works beautifully near entries or along walkways where you pass frequently during late winter and early spring. Its compact shrubs form and evergreen shrub character provide structure alongside incredible fragrance.

When does daphne bloom?

Most daphne varieties, especially daphne odora, bloom in late winter to early spring, typically February into March. The fragrant flowers appear when little else blooms, making daphne a cherished winter garden presence. Summer blooming daphne blooms from spring through autumn with highly fragrant white flowers.

Does daphne prefer sun or shade?

Daphne shrubs thrive in partial shade, though they tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Morning sun with afternoon shade provides an ideal balance for healthy blooms.

What kind of soil does daphne need?

Well drained soil is the most important factor for healthy daphne. These shrubs do not tolerate wet feet, so amend heavy clay or plant in raised areas. Avoid waterlogged soil, but also avoid extended dry soil conditions.

What USDA zones can grow daphne?

Winter daphne grows well in USDA zone 7 through 9. Gardeners in colder areas may need winter protection or can grow daphne in a sheltered container that moves indoors during harsh weather.

Can I grow daphne in a container?

Yes, daphne makes an excellent container plant. Growing in a pot allows you to control soil drainage and move the plant closer to seating areas where you can enjoy the fragrance of its fragrant flowers.