The scent of my Daphne odora ‘Marginata' that greets me in my garden tells me that spring is very near.  Planted in a sheltered, partially shaded area, my bush is about 10 years old and is covered in narrow green-edged-with-yellow leaves and small 4-petaled waxy purplish pink flowers.

Daphnes are elegant compact perennials that originated in China and Japan.  They are hardy in zones 7-9, preferring some shade, in well-draining soil, pH neutral.  The plant can reach 4 feet by 4 feet and are rounded, needing very little pruning.  Daphnes have a reputation for being difficult to grow.  Finding the right spot and not moving it is important.  Pests can include aphids, mealy bugs and scale.  There is also a virus that is fatal, causing DSDS, Daphne Sudden Death Syndrome! (Really!)  Over-watering can bring on crown rot and fungus disease.  Mulching helps keep the soil moist, but not wet.  The leaves are attractive and evergreen.

I conclude with a quotation from Atlantic Avenue Garden Center, located in Raleigh, N C that sums up the delight of the perfume.  “Daphne odora is one of the most sought-after shrubs, not for the beauty of her flowers, though they are pretty enough, but for their fragrance.  It is like no other, sweet and clean, a little like jasmine, a little like orange blossom, but mostly like itself and no other. And this shrub is winter blooming, showing its gorgeous fragrant flowers when we all need a lift.”