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.

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.

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.
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