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most fragrant daphne

If you're searching for the most fragrant daphne to fill your New Zealand garden with captivating scent, you're in the right place. Daphne shrubs are famous for their exquisite perfume, adding uplifting aromas during the cooler months. Selecting the most fragrant daphne can truly elevate your outdoor space, transforming it into a sensory retreat. In this guide, we'll introduce the standout varieties celebrated for their exceptional fragrance and how to choose the right one for your garden.

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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Michelia 'Princess Cinderella'

Michelia 'Princess Cinderella' is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its glossy green foliage and masses of highly fragrant creamy white flowers...

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Michelia 'Allure'

Michelia 'Allure' is a stunning evergreen tree prized for its glossy green foliage and masses of beautifully fragrant flowers. The creamy blooms are...

From$515.35
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Rhododendron 'Scented Sun'

Rhododendron 'Scented Sun' is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its fragrant flowers and attractive dark green foliage. During spring, the...

From$37.19
Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Fragrant Star'

Gardenia 'Fragrant Star' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its intensely perfumed, star-shaped white flowers and glossy green foliage...

From$18.95
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

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Gardenia 'Buttons' small, white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Buttons'

Gardenia 'Buttons' (Miniature Gardenia) is a charming compact evergreen shrub admired for its intensely fragrant creamy white flowers and glossy dark...

From$18.95
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Michelia 'Princess Isabella'

Michelia 'Princess Isabella' is a stunning evergreen tree renowned for its glossy green foliage and masses of beautifully fragrant creamy white...

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Prostanthera 'Eddington Blue'

Prostanthera 'Eddington Blue' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its masses of vibrant blue mauve flowers and highly aromatic foliage. This...

From$27.53
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Prunus blireiana

Prunus 'Blireiana' is a charming cherry tree prized for its fragrant pale pink blossoms that appear in early spring. This deciduous tree grows to...

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Sarcococca ruscifolia

Sarcococca ruscifolia (Fragrant Sweet Box) is a highly valued evergreen shrub known for its glossy green foliage and wonderfully fragrant winter...

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An informal hedge of 'Iceberg' rose plants with masses of white flowers.
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Rosa ‘Iceberg’, one of the world’s most popular roses, is a reliable floribunda variety producing masses of pure white, lightly fragrant blooms from...

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Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

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Yellow 'Yen Ben' Lemons.
Lemon 'Yen Ben'

The ‘Yen Ben’ Lemon is a high-quality lemon variety prized for its smooth skin, abundant juice, and tangy flavour. Popular with chefs and home cooks...

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'Meyer' Lemon yellow fruit.
Lemon 'Meyer'

The ‘Meyer’ Lemon is a much-loved citrus variety known for its sweeter, less acidic flavour compared to standard lemons. The thin-skinned fruit is...

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Orange 'Washington Navel' orange fruit.
Orange 'Washington Navel'

The ‘Washington Navel’ orange is the most famous navel orange variety, celebrated for its sweet flavour, seedless fruit, and easy-to-peel skin. This...

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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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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 '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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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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...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne mezereum stem with pink flowers and green leaves.
Daphne mezereum

Daphne mezereum is a highly fragrant deciduous shrub admired for its clusters of pink to purple flowers that appear on bare stems in late winter and...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne 'Carol Mackie' plant with variegated leaves and pink flowers.
Daphne 'Carol Mackie'

Daphne 'Carol Mackie' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its highly fragrant pink flowers and beautifully variegated green and cream foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill' plant with green leaves and pink flowers.
Daphne 'Jacqueline Postill'

Daphne 'Jacqueline Postill' is a highly sought after evergreen shrub admired for its intensely fragrant pink flowers that appear from winter into...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne 'Briggs Moonlight' plant with variegated leaves and pink flowers.
Daphne 'Briggs Moonlight'

Daphne 'Briggs Moonlight' is an elegant evergreen shrub prized for its highly fragrant flowers and striking variegated foliage. The green leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne bholua plant with pink flowers.
Daphne bholua (Nepalese Paper Plant)

Daphne bholua, commonly known as the Nepalese Paper Plant, grows with a rounded shape and carries leathery, dark green leaves with highly fragrant...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne odora 'Cameo' pink flowers with green foliage.
Daphne odora 'Cameo'

Daphne odora 'Cameo' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its intensely fragrant pink flowers and attractive variegated foliage. Flowering from...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Daphne, Gardenia, and Melia, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search most fragrant daphne

What Makes a Daphne Fragrant?

Not all daphnes are created equal when it comes to fragrance. While most varieties offer some scent, a select few are renowned for being the most fragrant daphne in cultivation. Their citrusy-sweet notes tend to waft through the garden, especially on calm winter and early spring days. Location, soil, and plant health all play a role in enhancing these aromatic qualities.

Top Varieties: Most Fragrant Daphne Choices

Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne)

A household name among garden enthusiasts, Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne) features glossy green foliage with creamy yellow margins and clusters of blush-pink flowers. The scent is intoxicating and lingers for weeks, making it a top contender for NZ gardens looking for the most fragrant daphne.

Daphne Eternal Fragrance (Eternal Fragrance Daphne)

For gardeners seeking delightful aroma over a longer bloom period, consider Daphne Eternal Fragrance (Eternal Fragrance Daphne). This modern cultivar offers repeat flushes of blooms from spring into autumn, each basked in a sweet fragrance. Its compact habit and adaptability to New Zealand conditions make it a versatile option.

Daphne Leucanthe (Winter Daphne Leucanthe)

The Daphne Leucanthe (Winter Daphne Leucanthe) is treasured for its lush, creamy-white clusters that fill the garden with heady perfume during winter's chill. It’s one of the most fragrant daphne selections available, making it perfect for planting by pathways or entranceways where the scent can be fully enjoyed.

Daphne odora Rubra (Red Winter Daphne)

With its rich pink-red buds opening to palest pink, Daphne odora Rubra (Red Winter Daphne) brings not only colour but a delightful, strong fragrance to the garden. This variety is especially popular for those who want visual interest paired with one of the best daphne scents.

Daphne gnidium (Flax-Leaved Daphne)

If you're keen for something a little different, Daphne gnidium (Flax-Leaved Daphne) offers anise-scented blooms and a fine-leaved appearance. While not quite as potent as Daphne odora types, it's a charming addition for gardeners who collect fragrant shrubs.

Tips for Growing the Most Fragrant Daphne

To ensure your daphne performs at its fragrant best, plant in a sheltered position with dappled light, moist but free-draining soil, and protection from harsh afternoon sun. Regular feeding and minimal root disturbance are keys for long-lasting health and floral bounty.

Find Your Favourite Most Fragrant Daphne

Whether you choose Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne), Daphne Eternal Fragrance (Eternal Fragrance Daphne), or another standout, introducing the most fragrant daphne into your New Zealand garden guarantees winter and early spring are filled with unforgettable scent. Explore our curated collection and discover the perfect variety for your landscape.


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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.

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