Species

1 other cultivar

‘Marianni’Sea Daphne

shrub RHS Award

Winter Daphne

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata'

The Story

Plant Bio

Daphne odora, native to southern China and Taiwan, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its intensely fragrant late-winter blooms. It forms a mounded frame of thick, leathery leaves centered around dense terminal clusters of four-lobed tubular flowers.

'Aureomarginata' is distinguished by narrow, irregular creamy-gold margins outlining its dark green foliage, maintaining variegated interest throughout the year. Its purplish-pink flower buds open into pale pink and white blossoms that carry the rich, sweet fragrance of the species.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers gold-edged evergreen foliage and intensely fragrant pink-and-white winter flowers.

Functions well as a compact, structured shrub for shaded entryways and courtyard borders.

Provides an early source of nectar for active generalist pollinators in late winter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

78"

Width

48"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short-lived (3-7 years)

Native To

Asia (China, Taiwan)

Toxicity

High severity (all parts)

Bloom period

Winter – Early spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial sun or dappled shade sheltered from harsh afternoon heat and strong winds.
Amend the planting zone with organic matter to ensure exceptionally well-draining, humus-rich soil.
Plant the root ball slightly elevated above the surrounding soil grade to prevent crown saturation.
Apply a light layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the main stem base.

Pro Tip

Avoid cutting back into mature bare wood during pruning, as stems lack dormant buds to regenerate growth once old wood is cut.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure topsoil drains rapidly after irrigation or rain.
Provide partial shade during peak afternoon sun exposure.
Leave roots undisturbed once the shrub is established in the ground.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into bare, leafless woody stems.
Do not allow roots to sit in heavy, poorly drained clay or standing water.
Do not attempt to transplant or move established shrubs.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Entryway accent plantings where winter fragrance can be appreciated.Partially shaded shrub borders combined with acid-loving perennials.Courtyard gardens protected from winter winds.

Companion Plants

Helleborus niger Heuchera Sarcococca hookeriana Camellia japonica Acer palmatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Winter Daphne questions

What zones can Winter Daphne grow in?

Winter Daphne is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Winter Daphne deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Winter Daphne, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Winter Daphne bloom?

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

Does Winter Daphne need full sun?

Winter Daphne does best in part shade.

Is Winter Daphne drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Winter Daphne handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.