Good companions

• The flowers and foliage of most daphnes may be attractive, but they are rarely outstanding; it’s the scent that is the quality to focus on. A daphne is not a shrub to feature as a

focal point in a sunny border. It will not enjoy being baked and is unlikely to look its best. However, this is a shrub that comes into its own near a doorway, path or gate where its fragrance can delight all who pass. • Daphnes work well between deciduous shrubs that will provide shelter as well as shade to their roots in summer. Light, deciduous shrubs, such as Cornus alba ‘Sibirica Variegata’, are ideal. This adds foliage interest and colourful winter stems, so works with both winterand summer-blooming daphnes. • The low-growing and winterflowering D. odora Rebecca has attractive variegated foliage, but its growth is open and can look sparse. However, if you underplant it with black Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ and sugar-pink Cyclamen coum these will enhance both the foliage and the mauve-pink blooms of the daphne. • The low-growing D. x transatlantica is a good choice at the base of a wall or fence where the ground is partly shaded, and would work well at the base of a fragrant evergreen climber, such as Trachelospermum jasminoides. In midsummer the latter is smothered with jasmine-like, heavily scented flowers. Add a white variegated cultivar of Euonymus fortunei to complete the picture.