Daphne at Wairere Nursery

Daphne

Gardens exist for three major reasons: to maintain the balance of nature, to feed the body and to please the senses. There is nothing more exotic and pleasurable (well, we could debate that) than arriving at someone’s front door and being overcome by an intoxicating fragrance. The Daphne must take pride of place at the entrance to a home as the powerful and sensual perfume is not only welcoming for guests arriving, but is as delightful for the homeowners, enticing them outdoors. It is the feng shui of fragrance. The added bonus of the Daphnes is that they are winter flowering and will provide colour and fragrance when much of the garden is dormant. From mid-winter on into spring the shrub produces clusters of small, starry, flowers. Several flower and foliage forms are available and the variety with yellow-edged leaves, 'Variegata' is often hardier and easier to grow.

Daphne odora (Leucantha) is the most commonly grown species. It is native to China and has been cultivated in Japan for centuries. It is frost tender but will survive in temperate regions. Daphne bholua, which originates in the Himalayas can be evergreen or deciduous, both of which have fabulous perfume. Daphne cameo has an unusual apricot colour in contrast to the mostly pink varieties. Daphnes prefer cool, well-aerated, gritty, humus-rich soil. They will not forgive you for moving them - they are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in position when young and left there to mature. They can be incorporated into the general planting scheme as well as taking pride of place in the vicinity of the front door.

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5 LISTINGS FOR DAPHNE

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Daphne Alba

aka White Daphne or Daphne odora

This very desirable Daphne has glossy green leathery foliage and tight clusters of creamy white blooms with a gorgeous fragrance. The blooms appear in late winter. Plant in semi-shade in nice rich soil, avoid Lime.

Your Daphne will do well if you avoid root disturbance. They generally prefer semi-shade and cool lime free soil with good drainage. If you do not have just the right spot in the garden plant one in a container and place where you will enjoy the delicious perfume.

Flower Colour: White
Habit: Shrub
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 100cm x 100cm

Daphne Leu. Alba 1yr

Expected Stock Height: 30/40 cm ?

New stock expected Beginning of June, 2026. Waitlist now. Estimated price $59.99. Payment on order.

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Daphne Leucanthe

aka Pink Daphne or Daphne odora

Pink Daphne. The popular upright Daphne having clusters of white to pink blooms with typical heady fragrance that Daphne is renowned for. Attractive dark green foliage that offsets the flowers. Suits a dappled light spot. Evergreen. H1m.

Flower Colour: Pink / White
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 100cm x 100cm

Daphne O Leucanthe 1yr

Expected Stock Height: 25/35 cm ?

New stock expected Beginning of June, 2026. Waitlist now. Estimated price $59.99. Payment on order.

Daphne O Leucanthe 2yr

Expected Stock Height: 30/45 cm ?

New stock expected Beginning of June, 2026. Waitlist now. Estimated price $74.99. Payment on order.

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Daphne Leucanthe Std

aka Upright Daphne

Who doesn't love the smell of Daphne? This gorgeous evergreen shrub has flowers that emit one of best fragrances Mother Nature ever created. Glossy green foliage and clusters of pink and white blooms from late winter to early spring. Prefers semi-shade, good drainage and lime free soil.

Flower Colour: Pink / White
Habit: Shrub
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): Standard

Daphne O Leucanthe Std

Expected Stock Height: STD-50/HGT-100 ?

This plant is in high demand and supply is limited this year. Add to your Waitlist for updates on next available stock.

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Daphne Perfume Princess

A great new hybrid with larger flowers than many of its contemporaries, its scent is divine! Leaves are lustrous and dark green, so will add structure and form all through the year. Its perfect for a partially shady border, or a woodland garden. Evergreen

Perfume Princess is the largest and longest flowering of all Daphne and will tolerate full sun.

Flower Colour: White / Pink
PVR:
Habit: Shrub
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size (HxW): 1.5m x 1m

Daphne Perfume Princess

Expected Stock Height: 30/40 cm ?

New stock expected Spring, 2026. Waitlist now. Estimated price $49.99. Payment on order.

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Daphne Perfume Princess White

This hybrid has larger white flowers than many of its contemporaries, and their scent is divine! Stems cut for the vase will fill the room with their perfume. Mainly evergreen the leaves are lustrous and dark green, so will add structure and form all through the year. Evergreen

Just perfect for a partially shady border, or a woodland garden.

Flower Colour: White
PVR:
Habit: Shrub
Leaves: Evergreen, Green
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 1.5m x 1m

Daphne Perfume White

Current Stock Height: 25/35 cm ?

Container: 2.5l ?

$49.99

5 LISTINGS FOR DAPHNE

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HL Nurseries Limited t/a Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: