Daphne Spring Herald

A choice hybrid between Daphne bholua Jacqueline Postill and Daphne acutiloba Fragrant Cloud, Daphne x Spring Herald is more compact and rounded than the former and larger than the latter. A small to medium-sized, slow-growing, semi-evergreen shrub with lance-shaped, glossy, deep green leaves, it produces terminal clusters of wonderfully scented flowers over a long period from late winter; they are pale pink in bud and pure white within, sometimes with a touch of cherry-red at the base of the petals. Daphne Spring Herald is great in a winter border, or planted by a path or near a window where the scent can be appreciated indoors on mild days. Be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if eaten, and the sap is an irritant.

Site: Sheltered
Soils: Well-drained, moist, humus-rich, neutral to alkaline soil
Position: Best in partial shade
Season of interest: Late winter and spring
Hardiness: Hardy to -10ºC
Height to 5’ (1.5m) Spread to 5’ (1.5m)