1 named cultivar

‘Carol Mackie’Carol Mackie Burkwood Daphne

shrub

Burkwood Daphne

Daphne burkwoodii

The Story

Plant Bio

Daphne x burkwoodii is a dense mounding semi-evergreen shrub of hybrid origin, three to four feet in both directions. Narrow dull blue-green leaves one to two inches long cover a multi-stemmed frame, and clusters of small pink and white flowers open in late spring, carrying a scent out of all proportion to their size.

It is the most reliable and forgiving daphne, which is a low bar in a genus famous for dying without warning — but it still resents root disturbance and is naturally short-lived, so site it permanently and expect a decade rather than a lifetime. All parts are toxic, including the red berries, and the sap irritates skin.

Uses & Benefits:

Powerfully scented pink and white flowers in late spring on a neat mounded evergreen frame.

The most reliable daphne for general garden use, and small enough for a modest space.

Pollinators work the scented flowers; birds take the fruit, which is toxic to mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden hybrid of Eurasian species

Toxicity

All parts toxic; berries poisonous

Planting

How to Grow

Choose the position carefully; it hates being moved.
Plant in full sun to partial shade in drained soil.
Keep the roots cool with a light mulch.
Water in drought but never let it sit wet.
Prune as little as possible, wearing gloves.
Expect a shortish life and plan a replacement.

Pro Tip

Daphnes die suddenly for no clear reason and hate being moved, so treat the planting position as permanent from day one.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Site it permanently 📍
Keep roots cool and mulched 🍂
Plant it where the scent carries 👃
Wear gloves for any pruning 🧤

Don't

Move an established plant ❌
Prune it hard ❌
Let anyone eat the berries ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Enjoy
Mulch

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Scented shrub beside a path or doorFront of a mixed borderSmall garden focal point

Companion Plants

Hellebore Hardy Geranium EpimediumDwarf Conifer Snowdrop

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Burkwood Daphne questions

What zones can Burkwood Daphne grow in?

Burkwood Daphne is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Burkwood Daphne deer resistant?

Yes — Burkwood Daphne is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Burkwood Daphne bloom?

Burkwood Daphne typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Burkwood Daphne need full sun?

Burkwood Daphne does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.