Daphne cneorum

Daphne cneorum, also known as Garland Flower, is a hardy and evergreen undershrub that loves the sun, tolerates shade, but only thrives in perfectly drained soils that are not too dry. When its low cultivation requirements are met, this bush happily crawls among the stones and offers an abundant flowering in early spring, with small clusters of red or pink flowers that wonderfully perfume the evening air.

Native to the mountains of southern and central Europe, Daphne cneorum is an undershrub belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family, a cousin of Wood Gillyflower. In nature, it is found in a variety of habitats, but generally dry and rocky: in meadows, pine forests, and on limestone screes, up to an altitude of 2100m (6890ft), but also in lowlands, on sandy or siliceous soils. 

It is a slow-growing bush with a semi-prostrate habit, whose slender but tough reddish-brown branches are initially erect and then trailing. The young branches are grey and fuzzy. This daphne develops main shoots branching into numerous lateral stems. At maturity, it will reach about 30cm (12in) in height and spread up to 1.5m (5ft). The evergreen foliage consists of small, entire, ovate, glabrous, leathery leaves, measuring 1 to 2cm (0.4 to 1in) in length and 3 to 5mm (0.1 to 0.2in) in width, and are well distributed on the branches. Flowers appear in spring, in April-May depending on the region. The small tubular and hairy flowers are red to bright pink when they open, and are grouped in clusters of 6 to 12 at the ends of the branches. They measure 1cm (0.4in) in width and are mixed with bracts. Their sweet fragrance is complex; it recalls carnation, jasmine, and hyacinth, enhanced with a spicy hint of cloves and lemony notes. They are remarkably fragrant in the late afternoon. The rarely observed fruit is a tough drupe of light brown colour. The lifespan of this bush is estimated to be about 20 years. The entire plant is toxic if ingested.

Daphne cneorum is hardy and not very demanding on soil type, as long as it is moist but well-drained. It naturally fits in large rockeries, and in raised and well-drained beds, in all exposures. It can also be grown in pots if excellent drainage is provided and the plant is regularly watered and fertilised. Plant it near a window, a path, or an entrance to enjoy its exceptional flowering and fragrance. It can be planted with other rock plants such as Lithodora, Alyssum, saxifrages, Prunella, Nepeta, gorses, and helianthemums. Its flowering branches are also beautiful in bouquets, mixed with those of Japanese quince or Prunus.

Note: Daphnes are sometimes capricious plants, whose cultivation can be delicate if the conditions are not adequate. They are recommended for experienced gardeners.