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growing daphne in nz

If you’re searching for advice on growing daphne in NZ, you’re in the right place. Daphne shrubs are prized by New Zealand gardeners for their intoxicating fragrance, glossy evergreen foliage, and shady-garden adaptability. Whether you’re enchanted by the classic winter scent of Daphne bholua or the long-flowering charm of Daphne transatlantica, daphne plants add beauty and elegance to Kiwi gardens throughout the seasons. With the right care and site selection, daphne thrives in many parts of New Zealand, including cool-summer regions and protected urban gardens. This guide covers everything you need to know about growing daphne in NZ, from variety selection to planting tips and maintenance.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' plants with fine and elegant, blue foliage.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

5 from 1 customers

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.

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
Daphne 'Perfume Princess' pink flowers and green foliage.

Daphne Perfume Princess (Perfume Princess Daphne)

5 from 4 customers

Daphne Perfume Princess produces masses of highly fragrant, blush-pink flowers from mid-winter through spring. It grows with a rounded shape and carries leathery, glossy, dark green leaves as it grows to 1 m tall and the same wide. Daphne Perfume Princess is commonly planted around outdoor living areas such as pools and the like, included in mixed and border plantings, maintained in a container, added to cottage gardens, or planted close to a window or door so the fragrance can fill the house.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

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PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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PB28 Planter Bags (Growing Bag)

These PB28 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 12 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

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PB40 Planter Bags (Growbag)

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PB95 Planter Bags (Growing Bags Near Me)

These PB95 planter bags are 240 microns thick and each bag holds 50 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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PB3 Planter Bags (Grow Bags Online)

These PB3 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.8 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

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PB60 Planter Bags (Garden Grow Bags)

These PB60 planter bags are 150 microns thick and each bag holds 36 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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Daphne cneorum plant with rose-pink flowers in a garden.
Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne)

Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne) is a beautiful low growing evergreen shrub admired for its fragrant rosy pink flowers that appear in abundance during...

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Daphne arbuscula growing on a rock with pink flowers and green foliage.
Daphne arbuscula (Rose Daphne)

Daphne arbuscula, commonly known as Rock or Rose Daphne, is a small, spreading shrub grown for its fragrant, rose-pink flowers in spring. They are...

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Daphne odora 'Marginata' plant with variegated foliage.
Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne)

Daphne odora Marginata, commonly known as Variegated Fragrant Daphne, carries dark green leaves that have a thin, cream edge and clusters of highly...

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Daphne-transatlantica pink flowers against green leaves.
Daphne transatlantica

Daphne transatlantica produces masses of highly fragrant, pink flowers through mid-winter and spring. It typically grows to 90 cm tall and the same...

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Daphne caucasica white flowers and green foliage.
Daphne caucasica

Daphne caucasica grows as a rounded shrub carrying dark green leaves and produces clusters of highly fragrant, pink flowers in early summer. It...

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Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' plant with variegated leaves and pink flowers.
Daphne odora Aureomarginata (Daphne japonica Striata)

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' is a beautiful evergreen shrub treasured for its intensely fragrant pink and white flowers and glossy green leaves...

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Daphne cneorum variegata plant with pink flowers.
Daphne cneorum Variegata

Daphne cneorum variegata is a small, spreading shrub grown for its fragrant, rose-pink flowers in spring. They are held above the small leaves that...

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daphne-odora-leucanthe-
Daphne Leucanthe (Winter Daphne Leucanthe)

Daphne odora 'Leucanthe' is a beautiful evergreen shrub prized for its intensely fragrant pure white flowers that appear from winter into spring. The...

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Daphne gnidium plant with green leaves, white flowers, and orange berries.
Daphne gnidium (Flax-Leaved Daphne)

Daphne gnidium is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine foliage, masses of fragrant white flowers, and colourful berries that provide...

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Daphne x burkwoodii plant with masses of pink flowers and green foliage.
Daphne Burkwoodii (Burkwood Daphne)

Daphne burkwoodii is a highly prized evergreen shrub admired for its intensely fragrant pink flushed white flowers in spring. The sweet scent fills...

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Daphne odora 'Rubra' flowers and foliage.
Daphne odora Rubra (Red Winter Daphne)

Daphne odora 'Rubra' is a highly prized evergreen shrub renowned for its intensely fragrant deep pink flowers that open from richly coloured buds...

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daphne-perfume-princess-white-
Daphne Perfume Princess White

Daphne Perfume Princess White produces masses of highly fragrant, white flowers from mid-winter through spring. It grows with a rounded shape and...

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Daphne transatlantica 'Eternal Fragrance' pink flowers and green foliage.
Daphne Eternal Fragrance (Eternal Fragrance Daphne)

Daphne transatlantica Eternal Fragrance (aka Blafra Eternal Fragrance) produces masses of highly fragrant, pink flowers from mid-winter through...

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Daphne odora green foliage and pink flowers.
Daphne odora (Winter Daphne)

Daphne odora (Fragrant Daphne) is a highly prized evergreen shrub known for its intensely fragrant pink and white flowers that appear in winter and...

OUT OF STOCK
daphne-odora-alba-
Daphne odora alba (Winter Daphne Alba)

Daphne odora alba is a highly prized evergreen shrub renowned for its intensely fragrant pure white flowers that brighten the garden from winter into...

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Azalea 'Daphne' white flower.
Azalea 'Daphne'

Azalea 'Daphne' is a beautiful evergreen azalea prized for its masses of colourful blooms and compact tidy growth habit. Flowering heavily through...

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Daphne genkwa purple flowers.
Daphne genkwa

Daphne genkwa (Blue Daphne) is a deciduous shrub admired for its masses of fragrant lavender blue flowers that appear on bare stems during late...

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Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

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

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Choosing the Best Daphne for New Zealand Gardens

For climate resilience and maximum fragrance, start by selecting a cultivar suited to Kiwi conditions. One of the most reliable options is Daphne Jacqueline Postill, a robust hybrid with handsome, upright habit and pink-tinged blooms. Just as loved is Daphne Carol Mackie, known for its creamy-edged leaves and bursts of scent from spring to autumn. If you prefer continuous flower power, Daphne transatlantica offers repeat blooming and an easy-going nature, making it perfect for beginners. For collectors, the unique variegation of Daphne Briggs Moonlight is sure to delight.

Ideal Conditions for Growing Daphne in NZ

Daphne prefers a soil that’s rich, moist, but free-draining—a must in many New Zealand gardens where heavy winter rains can threaten root health. Plant in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, sheltered from strong wind. Avoid waterlogged soils and sites where drainage is poor, as daphne can be prone to root rot. If your garden is prone to clay, amend soil with compost and grit, or plant in raised beds.

Planting and Care Tips

When planting, set daphne among compatible shrubs or near pathways where their perfume will be enjoyed. Dig a wide hole and gently tease out the roots. Water in well, but never let the soil stay soggy. Mulching with bark chips will help keep roots cool but must be kept clear of the stem. Daphne rarely needs pruning; simply snip off spent blooms to tidy the plant and encourage bushiness. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring and autumn for vibrant foliage and abundant flowers.

Common Problems and Solutions

Growing daphne in NZ may present occasional challenges like yellowing leaves or sparse flowering. These can usually be solved by adjusting soil drainage or feeding. Watch for aphids in spring and maintain good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Disease-resistant hybrids such as Daphne transatlantica tend to perform well in unpredictable weather.

Companion Planting and Alternatives

Daphne pairs beautifully with shade-tolerant groundcovers. For a New Zealand native option, consider Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter', which provides silvery foliage contrast and robust growth under similar conditions. Ferns, hellebores, and camellias make excellent companions in mixed borders, creating a layered, woodland effect.

Bring Daphne Home to Your NZ Garden

With careful selection, site preparation, and a little patience, growing daphne in NZ is richly rewarding. Explore our range of hardy daphne cultivars including Daphne Jacqueline Postill, Daphne Carol Mackie, Daphne Briggs Moonlight, and Daphne transatlantica to find your perfect match. Your garden—and your senses—will thank you.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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