Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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types of daphne

Looking for the perfect garden shrub with exquisite fragrance, stunning flowers, and dependable evergreen foliage? Exploring the types of daphne available for New Zealand gardens is a great way to find a plant that offers both beauty and resilience. Daphne shrubs are renowned for their intoxicating scent, winter blooms, and shade tolerance—making them a favourite among gardeners who want something special for their borders, patio, or even containers. With several types of daphne to choose from, each offers unique qualities suited to different preferences and growing conditions.

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

4.5

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower spikes in spring. This robust variety performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for fast ground coverage, borders, and underplanting.

Buy Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

From $18.63

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 18 cm

Spread: 80 cm

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern

Leptospermum 'Blossom'

Leptospermum 'Blossom' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its masses of soft coloured flowers and fine foliage. Flowering in spring, it creates a beautiful display that adds colour and movement to New Zealand gardens. This hardy and versatile plant performs well in a wide range of conditions.

Buy Leptospermum 'Blossom'

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.50 m

Spread: 1.75 m

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native

Popular Types of Daphne

Daphne is a genus of around 70 species, but only a handful are commonly cultivated for home gardens. While most daphnes are prized for their fragrant blossoms and compact growth, each variety has its own distinctive traits and uses.

Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne)

The Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne) stands out for its attractive, variegated leaves with creamy yellow edges. This type produces clusters of pink-white blooms in late winter to early spring, filling the garden with a rich, sweet fragrance. The variegation offers added visual interest throughout the year, making this shrub an excellent choice for shady beds or as a focal point in a small space.

Daphne odora Aureomarginata (Daphne japonica Striata)

Another exceptional cultivar, the Daphne odora Aureomarginata (Daphne japonica Striata), boasts glossy green foliage edged with gold. The flowers, pale pink to white, emit a powerful scent early in the season. Known for its tolerance to light shade and its ability to bring winter colour to the garden, this type of daphne is both ornamental and practical.

Daphne odora Rubra (Red Winter Daphne)

For more intense colour, the Daphne odora Rubra (Red Winter Daphne) offers deep pink to reddish blossoms, with the same legendary scent as other odora varieties. This daphne is ideal for gardeners who want a bolder statement in late winter and appreciate a compact, tidy form for foundation plantings and containers.

Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne)

The Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne) is a lower-growing species, sometimes called Garland Daphne or Rose Daphne. It forms tight mats of evergreen foliage with masses of bright pink flowers in late spring. This type is perfect for rock gardens, slopes, or the front of borders where its spreading habit adds colour and texture.

Daphne gnidium (Flax-Leaved Daphne)

The Daphne gnidium (Flax-Leaved Daphne) features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and clusters of white flowers with a delicate scent. Hardy and drought tolerant, it thrives in well-drained soils and sunny sites, making it a great option for coastal or Mediterranean-style gardens.

Choosing the Right Type of Daphne

When selecting the ideal type of daphne for your garden, consider not only flower colour and fragrance, but also growth habit, leaf style, and site requirements. Many gardeners find joy in the convenience of evergreen foliage and winter blooms, while others prefer a daphne that spreads or fits neatly into containers. For New Zealand conditions, well-drained soil and some shelter from harsh winds or afternoon sun will promote longevity and maximum flowering.

If you’re ready to add a delightful daphne to your landscape, browse our range, including the Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne), Daphne odora Aureomarginata (Daphne japonica Striata), Daphne odora Rubra (Red Winter Daphne), Daphne cneorum (Rose Daphne), and Daphne gnidium (Flax-Leaved Daphne)—each ready to transform your garden with scent, colour, and year-round appeal.

Contact us

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.

types of daphne

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Leptospermum 'Blossom'

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Popular Types of Daphne

Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne)