PLANT OF THE WEEK

DAPHNE ODORA

When a daphne is happy and in the right place it will let you know by producing lots of clusters of sweet smelling little pink flowers. The scent is unmistakable on a winter’s day.

So, what are the right conditions? Partial shade to full sunshine is best to encourage flowering. They don’t like being waterlogged but don’t let them dry out either – when first planting add plenty of humus material which will help drainage as well as moisture retention and if your soil is very heavy, some grit would be helpful.

A neutral soil is best and they don’t respond well to transplanting so choose the site well – somewhere you will be passing regularly in winter such as a trip to the bins or by the front door. They don’t need any pruning and should form a pleasing shape unaided.