Daphne cneorum and other “alpine” Daphnes

"Garland flower" This species consists of a number of gorgeous prostrate shrubs with clusters of vibrant flowers, usually pink, at the end of every branch in April-May and, weather permitting, again in late summer. A true alpine in its requirements, but it would need to be a large rock garden to accommodate the larger growing forms, as it will easily develop a spread of 1m. So try it in the front of the border. Wonderful scent is almost a bonus.

The alpine Daphnes are not difficult to grow outside if you understand their basic requirements. They come from the mountains of central Europe where they would be under snow all winter. Hence they would stay rather dry. When it melts in spring they would receive the equivalent of a hefty watering, triggering active growth and flowering. They would be growing on very thin soil over scree, so drainage is very sharp. However, through the summer, they would receive regular irrigation from typical mountain weather—low cloud and frequent storms. Hence the almost mystical gaol of moist but free draining is achieved.

Mulching can be a tremendous help in maintaining soil moisture levels in summer. However, an organic mulch is seldom successful because it tends to stay wet in winter. The low Daphnes have their leaves and stems down in the wet therefore and are most likely to rot. Much more satisfactory is a mulch of gravel or scree, very much replicating their natural conditions.