85 gardener saves
Daphne: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 5 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 5 most-saved Daphne varieties
Of 5 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedFebruary Daphne
Daphne mezereum 'October'
#2 most savedGwen Daphne
Daphne genkwa
#3 most savedCarol Mackie Burkwood Daphne
Daphne burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie'
Sea Daphne
Daphne maritima
Eternal Fragrance Daphne
Daphne transatlantica 'Blafra'
How to grow Daphne
What the Daphne varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Daphne year
- MulchMarch, April and October100% of varieties
Maintain a thick layer of mulch to keep shallow roots cool and moist
- PruneApril and May100% of varieties
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain shape
- PlantMarch, April, September and October80% of varieties
Plant when dormant; avoid disturbing the root ball as Daphne resents transplanting
- FertilizeMarch40% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
- Spring CleanupFebruary40% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged or dead foliage before new growth
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant
- Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture
- Water during dry periods to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to harsh, direct afternoon sun in hot climates ❌
- Refrain from heavy fertilization that can cause leggy growth
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Daphne
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Waxy or armored bumps on stems | Use horticultural oil during dormant season |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves, soft roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, apply fungicide |
| Leaf spot | Spotted or discolored leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide if necessary |
| Root Rot | Sudden wilting, yellowing leaves, plant death | Prevention is the only cure. Ensure perfect soil drainage. Do not overwater. Plant with the crown high. |
Making more Daphne
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch segments and remove lower leaves.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil or perlite.
- Keep in a humid environment for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Seed
- Collect mature seeds in fall and clean thoroughly.
- Stratify seeds in moist sand in refrigerator for 3 months.
- Plant seeds in pots with well-draining soil in early spring.
- Keep soil moist and place in bright, indirect light.
- Transplant seedlings after they develop 2–3 true leaves, approximately 6 weeks later.
Daphne questions
How many types of Daphne are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Daphne varieties. The most popular — ranked by 85 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Daphne grow in?
Across its varieties, Daphne covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Daphne bloom?
Most Daphne varieties bloom in early spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Daphne should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Daphne shows up in
Design with Daphne in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
