shrub RHS Award

Carol Mackie Burkwood Daphne

Daphne burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

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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

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Short-lived shrub (10-15 years)

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic if ingested; sap is a skin irritant.

The Story

Plant Bio

Daphne x burkwoodii is a group of hybrid, semi-evergreen shrubs renowned for their intensely fragrant flowers. They are notoriously finicky about their growing conditions, especially soil drainage. 'Carol Mackie' is a prized cultivar featuring striking variegated leaves with a creamy-yellow margin, providing year-round interest. This is coupled with clusters of pale pink, powerfully fragrant flowers in late spring.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A premier shrub for sensory gardens, 'Carol Mackie' offers an intoxicatingly sweet fragrance from its spring flowers. The crisp, cream-edged foliage provides bright, clean color and texture from spring through fall, making it a year-round asset.

Its compact, mounded habit makes it an ideal choice for foundation plantings, small gardens, or placement near entryways and patios where its delightful scent can be appreciated up close.

The fragrant flowers are highly attractive to bees and other early season pollinators, providing them with a valuable nectar source. Its toxicity makes it resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with excellent drainage and protection from winter winds.
Dig a hole just as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Amend the soil with compost for fertility, not for water retention.
Carefully remove the plant from its pot, disturbing the roots as little as possible.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill, water gently, and apply a light layer of mulch.

Pro Tip

Choose its permanent location carefully; daphnes resent being transplanted and may fail if moved.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage; plant on a slope or in a raised bed if necessary.
Water during prolonged dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Site where its fragrance can be enjoyed.
Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.

Don't

Do not transplant it once established.
Avoid overwatering, as this is the most common cause of death.
Do not prune heavily; it flowers on old wood.
Don't pile mulch against the stem, which can cause crown rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fragrant accent near a patio or walkwayVariegated foliage for brightening a mixed borderSpecimen plant for a small garden

Companion Plants

Helleborus Pulmonaria Brunnera macrophylla Epimedium Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Carol Mackie Burkwood Daphne questions

What zones can Carol Mackie Burkwood Daphne grow in?

Carol Mackie 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 Carol Mackie Burkwood Daphne deer resistant?

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

When does Carol Mackie Burkwood Daphne bloom?

Carol Mackie 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 Carol Mackie Burkwood Daphne need full sun?

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