• shrub
• zone 3B
• attractive variegated leaf
• pretty pink tubular scented flowers in May
• 3’w x 3’h
• prefers well-drained average moisture
• likes clay type healthy loam
• does not like wet feet
• light shade to sun
• can be difficult to find
• best protected around root area in winter

It is easy to capture a picture but I wish the fragrance could be preserved in a bottle. If you can find this shrub it is well worth having, especially close to a front door or frequently travelled area of the garden. It is hard to beat many of the Daphne varieties for fragrance and yet they all seem to be so hard to locate. This variety is particularly attractive with its compact form, attractive foliage and pretty pink flowers in May. It does not require pruning and in fact resents it and does not like to be moved once established.

This shrub combines well with small conifers and a border of low growing edging perennials such as Aubretia, Saxifrages, dwarf Iris and short bulbs. Mine unfortunately does not look as magnificent as the one below as it is a little crowded but this is the potential.

I had to spotlight this favourite shrub even though it may take you a while to find one. Let me me know where, if you do! …and if you do you struck gold for the garden.