daphne plant size

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Curious about daphne plant size before adding this beloved shrub to your New Zealand garden? Understanding how large daphne plants grow is essential for choosing the right cultivar and finding the perfect spot in your landscape. These evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs are prized for their intensely fragrant flowers and attractive foliage, but different daphne varieties can vary significantly in their mature height and spread. Read on to discover the typical size of popular daphne plants, plus tips for planting and siting to ensure your daphne flourishes.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

5

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter', commonly known as Pinatoro or the NZ Daphne plant, is a mat-forming, NZ native, ground cover plant. It has small, blue foliage which becomes adorned with fragrant, white flowers in spring and results in white berries. This evergreen typically grows to 10 cm tall and 50 cm wide. Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' is commonly used as a groundcover, added to coastal plantings, included in rock gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, grown on a bank, or positioned so it can spill out over a path or over a wall.

Buy Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

From $24.98

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 10 cm

Spread: 50 cm

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock

Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

5

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who all prefer an acidic soil. The Plant Company has specifically blended fertilisers to cater for such plants that also reduces the risk of injury to plants through being applied too heavily. Our blend has a NPK rating of 4.1:6.4:5 with sulphur levels at 19.7 and contains a mix of essential trace elements.

Buy Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

From $7.50

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Daphne and Pimelea, or related Categories - Acid Loving Plants Groundcover Plants and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search daphne

How Big Does a Daphne Plant Grow?

Daphne plant size can range widely depending on the species or cultivar. Most daphnes are compact, low-maintenance shrubs that fit well in smaller gardens, containers, or even formal borders. On average, mature daphne plants reach between 60 centimeters and 1.5 meters tall, with a similar or slightly wider spread. Some dwarf species remain petite, while other cultivars gradually form rounded, bushy clumps over time.

Popular Daphne Varieties and Their Mature Size

Daphne arbuscula (Rose Daphne): A slow-growing, compact shrub reaching up to 30-50 centimeters tall and spreading up to 1 meter. Its small size makes it perfect for rock gardens and troughs.
Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne): This low, mat-forming daphne typically stays under 30 centimeters high and can spread 60-90 centimeters wide, creating a dense carpet of glossy leaves and pink spring flowers.
Daphne Burkwoodii (Burkwood Daphne): Slightly larger, this variety forms rounded bushes up to 1-1.2 meters tall and wide, ideal for mixed borders and woodland gardens.
Daphne odora Cameo (Winter Daphne): Growing to about 1 to 1.5 meters tall and wide, this highly fragrant shrub offers year-round structure and colour in sheltered positions.
Daphne genkwa (Blue Daphne): A deciduous type, maturing around 1 meter tall and wide, with a vase-shaped habit well suited to shrub borders and courtyard gardens.

Plant Spacing and Site Selection

When planning where to place your daphne plants, always account for the mature daphne plant size to avoid overcrowding. Allow at least the mature width between plants so each has sufficient airflow and room to grow. Daphnes prefer sheltered sites with dappled shade, well-draining soil, and protection from strong winds. Although they dislike being moved, their slow, steady growth means they rarely outgrow their space suddenly.

Caring for Your Daphne

With optimal placement and room to grow, these shrubs reward with years of low-maintenance beauty and delightful fragrance. Regularly check soil moisture during dry periods but avoid waterlogged conditions. For specific care requirements and to browse the best daphnes for New Zealand gardens, see our range including Daphne arbuscula (Rose Daphne), Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne), Daphne Burkwoodii (Burkwood Daphne), Daphne odora Cameo (Winter Daphne), and Daphne genkwa (Blue Daphne).

Understanding daphne plant size helps you make the most of these classic, fragrant shrubs in your garden. Whether you choose a petite rockery daphne or a larger border variety, there's a perfect daphne for every outdoor space.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.