Spring Herald
white blooms full of fragrance in the depths of winter
Plant Profile: Daphne ‘Spring Herald’
An absolute stunner of a plant in bloom, a plant that fills the garden full of fragrance and produces masses of flowers on a tall columnar evegreen shrub.
1. Common Name:
Spring Herald Daphne
2. Scientific Name:
Daphne ‘Spring Herald’
3. Family:
Thymelaeaceae
4. Plant Type:
Shrub
5. Native Range:
Daphne ‘Spring Herald’ is a cultivated variety and does not have a native range in the wild.
6. Zone Adaptability:
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9, RHS Hardiness H4
7. Ideal Conditions:
Partial shade; prefers a sheltered location with well-drained, humus-rich soil.
8. Size:
Height: 5-6 feet (1.6-1.8 meters); Width: 4-5 feet (1.2 -1.5 meters)
9. Growth Rate:
Slow
10. Bloom Time:
Late winter to early spring
11. Bloom Description:
Clusters of fragrant, pale pink flowers that open from purple-pink buds.
12. Leaf Description:
Evergreen, glossy, dark green leaves.
13. Uses in Landscaping:
Ideal for mixed borders, foundation plantings, and as a specimen plant in small gardens.
14. Maintenance:
Low; pruning is rarely needed but should be done after flowering if necessary.
15. Pests/Diseases:
Can be susceptible to root rot if in poorly drained soil.
16. Other Features:
Notable for its fragrant flowers and compact, upright habit.
17. Propagating:
Propagation is typically done by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, though it can be challenging.
18. Availability:
May be available at specialty nurseries or plant centers with a focus on unique or ornamental shrubs.
19. Pollinators:
Attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, when in bloom.
Daphne ‘Spring Herald is a hybrid cross between Daphne acutiloba ‘Fragrant Cloud and D. bholua ‘Jacqueline Postil’.
I have found this plant to be a bit more vigourous than D. bholua ‘Jacqueline Postil’ and to be slightly longer in bloom, it has the same strong fragrance of it’s parent.
I have this plant in The Patio Garden, on mild winter days the air is filled with its exquisite fragrance. Where it grows, is not far from two other Daphne plants, and the air smells so sweet when they are all in bloom.
It is easy to grow, here it is in a westerly aspect, shaded from summer sun in the mornings until early afternoon, and somewhat sheltered by surrounding plants.
Ciaran The Gardener 