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Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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evergreen daphne plant

The evergreen daphne plant is a sought-after gem for New Zealand gardeners, admired for its graceful, glossy green foliage and intoxicating fragrance. As an evergreen shrub, daphne remains vibrant year-round, bringing beauty, structure, and sweet-scented blooms to your garden no matter the season. If you’re looking for a shrub that thrives in sheltered, semi-shaded spots and offers both visual and olfactory delight, the evergreen daphne plant is a perfect choice.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

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.

Buy Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

From $19.95

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

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

Why Choose an Evergreen Daphne Plant?

With its stunning clusters of perfumed flowers, the evergreen daphne plant is a popular favourite for borders, entrances, patios, and shaded garden nooks. Featuring lush green leaves and a compact growth habit, it delivers colour and freshness through winter and early spring when your garden needs it most. The blooms of many evergreen daphnes burst forth in pink or white, filling the air with rich, heady fragrance that has made daphne one of New Zealand’s most beloved garden shrubs.

Evergreen Daphne Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

There are several beautiful types of evergreen daphne to consider for your landscape. Among these are the renowned Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne), known for its cream-edged leaves and clusters of highly scented, pale pink blooms. Another favourite is Daphne Perfume Princess (Perfume Princess Daphne), a unique cross-breed prized for its exceptional fragrance, longer flowering season, and robust performance in local conditions.

For those who appreciate a bushier leaf structure and delicate flowers, Daphne arbuscula (Rose Daphne) and Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne) offer petite, low-growing forms perfect for tucked-away garden spots or the front of a border. If you’re interested in a more unusual choice, Daphne gnidium (Flax-Leaved Daphne) provides slender foliage and charming white blossoms, ideal for bringing year-round appeal to drier, sunny corners.

How to Grow and Care for Evergreen Daphne

To help your evergreen daphne plant flourish, select a sheltered position with dappled shade and well-draining, humus-rich soil. Avoid waterlogged sites, as daphnes are sensitive to root disturbance and dislike soggy conditions. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and encourage healthy growth, but avoid heavy feeding or digging around the roots. Once established, the evergreen daphne plant requires minimal fuss beyond light pruning after flowering to maintain its tidy shape. With the right care, you’ll enjoy decades of beautiful foliage and scented blooms.