Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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daphne plant varieties

Discover the exquisite beauty and diverse appeal of daphne plant varieties, prized for their intoxicating fragrance, compact form, and year-round garden interest. Admired by New Zealand gardeners for their tough yet elegant nature, daphnes blend irresistible scent with attractive foliage and vibrant winter-to-spring blooms. With numerous daphne plant varieties offering subtle differences in leaf colour, flower shape, and growth habit, there’s a perfect match for every corner of your garden or outdoor space.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage through summer and autumn to bear showy clusters of flowers ranging in colour from orange, red, pink, yellow, and pastel.

Buy Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

From $20.63

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Perennials

Height: 1.20 m

Spread: 60 cm

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian

Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a large rosette of broad green leaves edged with creamy yellow, creating dramatic colour and structure throughout the year.

Buy Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

From $15.95

Suited to regions: Alpine, Temperate

Plant type: Succulents

Height: 1.75 m

Spread: 2.50 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Pool areas

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern

Why Grow Daphnes in Your Garden?

Daphnes are celebrated for their sweetly scented flowers, which often appear in late winter or early spring just when you need a splash of colour and fragrance most. These shrubs thrive in partially shaded spots with well-drained soil, making them ideal for borders, woodland gardens, or entryways where their perfume can be enjoyed with every step.

Popular Daphne Plant Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Choosing the right daphne variety can transform your garden’s scent and style. Here are some of the best-loved daphne plant varieties:

Daphne odora Aureomarginata (Daphne japonica Striata)

This stunning variety features glossy green leaves edged with buttery yellow, delivering both evergreen structure and bright winter cheer. The clusters of pale pink, richly perfumed flowers make Daphne odora Aureomarginata (Daphne japonica Striata) a top choice for adding colour and interest to shaded borders.

Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne)

With subtly variegated evergreen foliage and blushing pink to white blooms, Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne) is cherished for its intense fragrance and attractive leaves. It’s exceptionally useful near entrances or patios where you can savour its scent.

Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne)

Perfect for rock gardens or low borders, Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne) forms a compact mound of semi-evergreen foliage covered in vivid pink flowers during spring. Its neat habit makes it a favourite ground cover option and a cheerful addition to mixed plantings.

Daphne arbuscula (Rose Daphne)

Native to European mountain regions, Daphne arbuscula (Rose Daphne) stands out with its dark, glossy leaves and clusters of fragrant lilac-pink blooms. This variety loves sunny, well-drained spots and brings reliable spring colour to rockeries or raised beds.

Daphne odora (Winter Daphne)

The classic Daphne odora (Winter Daphne) is famed for its early-season perfume and delicate, reddish-pink flowers. It’s a must-have for any fragrant garden and thrives in dappled shade, producing bold floral displays even on winter days.

Tips for Growing Daphne Plant Varieties

When planting daphnes, select a sheltered spot with good drainage and avoid disturbing their roots once established. Mulch around the base to keep roots cool and moist, and prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. With proper care, you’ll enjoy years of lush foliage and sweet-scented blossoms from your favourite daphne plant varieties.

Explore our unique selection of daphne plant varieties to bring lasting colour and fragrance to your New Zealand garden today.

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.