Plant Type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub, Ground cover

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green, Grey Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, High

 

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring

 

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Rose daphne is a slow-growing, mounding, broad-leafed evergreen shrub that reaches about 12 or so inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide. It has a prostrate habit and is well suited to a rock garden setting. It has oblong leaves that are generally a dark green color, and bright pink, fragrant flowers that bloom in April. There are a number of cultivars selected for variations in flower color, leave variegation, and size.

Best grown in rich, sandy-loam, well-drained soils with a neutral pH in part shade. Consider raised plantings in areas of heavy clay soils to insure good drainage. Benefits from a summer mulch or ground cover which will help keep roots cool (sweet woodruff or ajuga are particularly nice). Best sited in a location protected from winter winds. Daphnes are often slow to establish and are best left undisturbed once planted. Do not shear, but prune selectively if necessary (see Guides). Non-variegated forms tolerate more sun. All parts of the plant are poisonous.