Daphne is a low-growing evergreen shrub which blooms in the early months of the year. A very few species are semi-evergreen; check carefully if want year round foliage. Its' blooms are wildly fragrant, which makes them all the more attractive as a cold weather specimen. Blooms appear in pink or white. The double pink blooming "Laurel" from Wayside Gardens, is picured here.
Burkwood's solid green leaved specie plant is widley available at good, full sevice nurseries. Creamy white-edged leaf forms are also generally available,"Carol Mackie" and other 'marginata' species. The patented "Briggs Moonlight" specie, shown below, reverses the variegation, with a pale center and green edges. (This photo of Moonlight comes from the Briggs Nursery page). Daphnes have a slow growth habit, which makes buying a larger plant a good idea, if you want to see an impact with daphnes before you pay off your mortgage (even if it's a fifteen year note).
A well-placed grouping of "Moonlight" and "Carol Mackie" creates a uniquely sparkling visual impact. You should also be aware that it also takes a uniquely large hunk out of your wallet.
For example, a five gallon "odorata" plant costs about thirty dollars. The more unusual species can be a LOT more expensive, costing as much as forty dollars for a one gallon plant. The unusual colorations can be hard to find; "Moonlight" is only availble from licensed retailers. If you get your heart set on something special in the daphne family, be prepared to look hard for it.
Several Atlanta gardeners have told me they just love their daphnes, and didn't do ANYTHING special to them when thay put THEIR shrubs in. These folks must have great drainage and locations which just happened to be perfect. Or, they are very accomplished liars.
Here's what I can tell you most clearly, should you decide you decide to throw the dice with daphnes:
