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is daphne evergreen

If you’re asking, “is daphne evergreen?” you’re in good company—many gardeners across New Zealand are drawn to daphnes for their legendary fragrance and elegant growth, but it’s important to know if these highly scented shrubs offer year-round foliage. The answer is both yes and no, depending on the variety. Daphnes are a diverse group of shrubs, and their evergreen or deciduous nature varies by species. In this article, we’ll clarify which popular daphnes are evergreen, their benefits in your garden, and suggest some standout varieties to consider.

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

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

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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
daphniphyllum-macropodum-3

Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a truly impressive evergreen tree. The young growth in spring resembles masses of miniature Cycads and has red hues. Older foliage sits as a rosette with a downward arch and is dark green. The combination of old and new foliage produces quite a dramatic display and affords the tree a lush appearance. Clusters of small, cream flowers in spring result in purple berries in autumn. It typically grows to 3 m tall and the same wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. Best results with this tree are achieved when it is grown in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained, sheltered site. It is tolerant of moderate frost once established. This evergreen is typically grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting, maintained in a courtyard garden, included in a tropical garden, or planted around outdoor living areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' plants with fine and elegant, blue foliage.

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...

From$24.98
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Azalea Autumn Lily (Autumn Lily Azalea)

Azalea Autumn Lily is grown for its lovely form and profuse flowering. This hardy, evergreen shrub produces masses of fragrant, large and showy...

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Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor)

Magnolia grandiflora Jade Emperor, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and...

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Euryops pectinatus Sunshine (Euryops)

Euryops pectinatus Sunshine is a vigorous, evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It produces showy, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers...

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Magnolia Kay Parris (Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris)

Magnolia grandiflora Kay Parris, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Evergreen Magnolia, is a small tree that produces masses of large and showy...

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Cryptomeria japonica Egmont

Cryptomeria japonica Egmont, commonly known as Japanese Cedar, is an evergreen tree that makes an exceptional and hardy shelterbelt. It features...

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Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with...

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Taxus baccata Fastigata

Taxus baccata Fastigiata, commonly known as the Irish Yes, is a conifer grown for its attractive foliage and slender form. This evergreen has a...

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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...

From$7.50
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Azalea indica

This variety of Azalea grown for its lovely form and profuse flowering. This hardy, evergreen shrub produces masses of small and showy, lightly...

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Cedrus deodara, commonly known as the Deodar Cedar, is a large and stately, evergreen conifer that grows to about 30 m tall and 10 m wide. It has a...

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Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

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Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

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A large and showy Quercus ilex specimen tree in a field.

Quercus ilex

Quercus ilex, commonly known as the Holm Oak or Evergreen Oak, is an evergreen tree with lush foliage. The dark green leaves are glossy and...

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Fraxinus griffithii (Evergreen Ash)

Fraxinus griffithii is a standout choice for New Zealand gardens. Fraxinus griffithii, commonly known as the Evergreen Ash tree, is an attractive...

A Ficus hillii (Evergreen Fig) specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Ficus Hillii (Australian Banyan)

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Armeria maritima 'Alba' plants with green foliage and white flowers.

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Armeria maritima 'Alba' (White Thrift) is a compact coastal hardy perennial producing masses of pure white pompom flowers above tight evergreen...

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Lomandra Evergreen Baby growing as a ground cover with lush, green foliage.

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Lomandra Evergreen Baby is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass known for its delicate, deep-green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to...

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Alnus jorullensis lush green foliage.

Alnus jorullensis

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Liriope 'Evergreen Giant'

Liriope 'Evergreen Giant' is an herbaceous perennial that grows as a clump and produces strap-like, dark green leaves. Stems rise above the foliage...

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Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alnus, Armeria, Azalea, Cedrus, Cryptomeria, Daphne, Daphniphyllum, Dichroa, Euryops, Ficus, Fraxinus, Liriope, Lomandra, Magnolia, Pimelea, Prostanthera Quercus and Taxus, or related Categories - Acid Loving Plants, Conifer Trees, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search is daphne evergreen

Is Daphne Evergreen? Decoding Daphne Types

The term “daphne” covers a wide range of species, and whether daphne is evergreen depends on the specific variety you choose. Many daphnes are prized as evergreen shrubs, holding glossy, green leaves throughout the year. These provide reliable structure and colour even during the coldest months, making them excellent for year-round interest in both formal and informal garden designs.

However, some daphnes, especially those from mountainous regions, are semi-evergreen or even fully deciduous. Factors such as local climate and garden microclimate can also affect whether a typically evergreen daphne holds its leaves through winter.

Popular Evergreen Daphne Varieties

Some of the most beloved daphnes in New Zealand gardens are evergreen. Not only do they boast fragrant blooms, but their foliage endures through the seasons. For example, Daphne arbuscula (Rose Daphne) is an attractive evergreen shrub offering dainty pink flowers each spring. Similarly, Daphne Perfume Princess (Perfume Princess Daphne) is a robust, evergreen cultivar known for its long, sweetly scented flowering period.

Another excellent evergreen choice is Daphne burkwoodii (Burkwood Daphne), which is semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on conditions. For smaller spaces and rock gardens, Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne) is admired for its evergreen leaves and spreading habit. These varieties give you dependable greenery and fragrance when little else is in bloom.

Deciduous and Semi-Evergreen Daphne Varieties

While many gardeners specifically look for evergreens, some daphnes offer a different type of interest. Daphne bholua (Nepalese Paper Plant) is mostly semi-evergreen to deciduous but stands out for its exquisite winter flowers. In milder parts of New Zealand, it may retain its leaves longer, but in cold sites, it’s more likely to drop them. This cycle can add seasonal variety to your planting scheme.

Where to Plant Evergreen Daphnes

If evergreen structure is your goal, plant daphnes in sheltered, part-shade positions in humus-rich, free-draining soil. Daphnes are perfect for entrances, foundation plantings, and mixed shrub borders, where their lush foliage and captivating scent can be enjoyed up close.

Conclusion

So, is daphne evergreen? Many of the most popular daphnes grown in New Zealand are indeed evergreen or semi-evergreen, providing lush green foliage and beautiful scent throughout the year. Varieties like Daphne arbuscula (Rose Daphne), Daphne Perfume Princess (Perfume Princess Daphne), and Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne) are top choices for evergreen performance and fragrance. With thoughtful variety selection and positioning, daphne can reward you with beauty in every season.


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