Daphne is one of my wish list plants this winter and I’m really happy with the odora aureomarginata my mother in law gave me for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. The flowers are now emerging and as it has been indoors since I received it, the scent has filled our living room!

Along with the lovely perfume, with its delicate pink clusters of inflorescence and evergreen variegated leaves, this plant has got a lot to offer the winter garden. However, as it doesn’t like hard frosts or cold winds, positioning in a sunny, sheltered spot is important as well as providing a good layer of mulch in winter. At its best in moist well drained alkaline/neutral soil, Daphne odora aureomarginata has an ultimate height and spread of 1.5 x 1.5 metres. I’m going to risk planting this one in a container initially, but am mindful that Daphnes don’t like to be transplanted and do prefer room to spread their roots – I’ll use a big pot!

For details of more wonderful seasonal plants, visit my previously posted ‘Winter Shrubs’