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variegated winter daphne

The variegated winter daphne is highly prized by New Zealand gardeners for its captivating year-round foliage and intoxicating winter scent. This evergreen shrub brings a touch of elegance to garden borders, patios, and containers, especially when most other plants are dormant. With its glossy, deep green leaves edged in creamy yellow or gold and clusters of pink-tinged white blooms, variegated winter daphne adds both structure and colour to any landscape. Its moderate size, exceptional fragrance, and long flowering season make it a must-have for anyone seeking winter interest and easy-care beauty.

Daphne 'Perfume Princess' pink flowers and green foliage.

Daphne 'Perfume Princess'

5 from 4 customers

Daphne 'Perfume Princess' is an outstanding evergreen shrub celebrated for its masses of exceptionally fragrant white flowers with soft pink buds from winter through spring. Flowering on both old and new wood, it delivers an extended display of colour and perfume. Well suited to New Zealand gardens, this compact shrub is perfect for bringing fragrance and elegance to outdoor living areas.

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, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical
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Viburnum tinus variegatum

Viburnum tinus variegatum is an evergreen shrub that features variegated foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of white flowers during late winter and early spring. The flowers are great for attracting birds and bees and are followed by blue-black berries. The foliage comprises cream and green leaves which provide a pleasant backdrop to the flowers. It typically grows to 2.5 m tall and the same wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. Best performance with this shrub is achieved when it is grown in full sun on a well-drained site. It is a hardy plant that will tolerate coastal conditions, dry periods, moderate frost, and cool climates. This shrub is commonly included in a mixed planting, included in cottage gardens, planted around outdoor living areas such as pools and the like, used as a backdrop for smaller plants, or trimmed into a hedge.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Daphne 'Perfume Princess'

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Why Grow Variegated Winter Daphne in New Zealand Gardens?

Variegated winter daphne is celebrated for thriving in New Zealand’s temperate climate, coping well with light frosts and humid conditions. It flowers from mid to late winter, filling the colder months with an irresistible perfume that drifts through the garden and into open windows. The elegant variegation makes this plant especially valuable for brightening shady spots, where the golden leaf edges reflect light and add vibrancy to typically dull corners. This shrub reaches around 1 to 1.5 metres in height and width, making it ideal for small gardens or feature planting in mixed borders.

Features and Care for Variegated Winter Daphne

Variegated winter daphne is revered not only for its scent and attractive foliage but also for its low maintenance requirements. It performs best in filtered light or morning sun and needs free-draining, slightly acidic soil. Shelter your shrub from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds to keep its leaves healthy and vibrant. Variegated winter daphne does not tolerate “wet feet,” so ensure good drainage and avoid heavy, wet soils. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but be careful not to bury the base of the stem to prevent rot.

Pruning is rarely necessary, but you can lightly trim after flowering to maintain shape. Since daphnes dislike root disturbance, plant them where they can remain for several years. They are generally pest-resistant but benefit from regular checks for scale or aphids in more humid conditions.

Popular Varieties Related to Variegated Winter Daphne

There are several cultivated varieties of variegated winter daphne that New Zealand gardeners love. One outstanding choice is Daphne odora Aureomarginata (Daphne japonica Striata), known for its broad creamy-yellow leaf margins and clusters of highly fragrant pink buds. Another popular selection is Daphne odora Marginata (Variegated Fragrant Daphne), featuring more defined golden edges and exceptional winter perfume.

If you’re seeking alternative flower colours or similar robust winter daphnes, consider Daphne odora Rubra (Red Winter Daphne), with vibrant pinkish-red blooms, or the luminous Daphne odora alba (Winter Daphne Alba), valued for pure white flowers. For those wanting larger shrubs and lasting blooms, Daphne Leucanthe (Winter Daphne Leucanthe) is another excellent variety.

Where to Plant Variegated Winter Daphne for Best Results

Plant your variegated winter daphne close to patios, paths, or entrances where its delightful scent can truly be appreciated during the colder months. Use it as a focal point in Asian-inspired gardens, woodland borders, or as part of a fragrant foundation planting near the home. These versatile shrubs also work well in containers, adding style and interest to decks and courtyards.

Explore our full selection of daphne varieties to find the perfect winter fragrant plant for your garden, and bring home the unmatched allure and resilience of variegated winter daphne this season.


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