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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.

A large Calamagrostis 'Overdam' grass with elegant, variegated foliage.

Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

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Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ is a striking variegated ornamental grass that delivers elegant upright form and delicate texture to garden borders and landscaping. With green and creamy-white striped foliage and feathery plumes in summer, this clump-forming grass is both functional and decorative.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 90 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn, Winter
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
viburnum-tinus-variegatum--1

Viburnum tinus variegatum

Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum' is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its cream and green variegated foliage that provides year round colour and interest. Clusters of pink buds open to fragrant white flowers from winter into spring, often followed by metallic blue black berries.

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, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
pittosporum-tenuifolium-variegata-4
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen shrub renowned for its beautifully variegated foliage and elegant growth habit. The...

From$22.01
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Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'

Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen succulent shrub prized for its creamy white and green variegated foliage carried on...

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Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

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Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' is a rare and highly ornamental Japanese Maple treasured for its striking white and pink variegated foliage. Often called the...

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Acer palmatum 'Shirazz'

Acer palmatum 'Shirazz' is a stunning variegated Japanese Maple admired for its rich purple red foliage edged with soft pink. The colourful leaves...

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Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum ‘Marjorie Channon’ is a popular evergreen shrub admired for its striking variegated foliage. Its green leaves are edged with creamy...

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Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

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Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

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Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred' is a premium evergreen perennial valued for its elegant winter and early spring flowers and attractive year round...

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Cornus controversa variegata (Wedding Cake Tree) specimen in a large garden.
Cornus controversa variegata

Cornus controversa variegata, commonly referred to as the Wedding Cake Tree, features tiered branches that bear leaves that are variegated cream and...

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Acer 'Esk Sunset'

Acer 'Esk Sunset' is a stunning deciduous maple prized for its richly variegated foliage with green leaves flushed in pink, cream, and purple...

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Buxus sempervirens variegata (Variegated Box) shrub with lush and colourful foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'variegata'

Buxus sempervirens 'variegata' features small, mid-green leaves with cream-white edges on new growth, which age to become a darker green. It grows to...

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Erica Ice Green flowers.
Erica 'Ice Green' (Winter Heather)

Erica 'Ice Green' is a compact evergreen heath valued for its fresh green foliage and masses of delicate flowers that brighten the garden through the...

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Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

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Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven'

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' is a stunning perennial admired for its finely divided variegated foliage and clusters of soft lavender blue bell...

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Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum white flowers and variegated leaves.
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum (Variegated Star Jasmine)

Trachelospermum jasminoides Variegatum is a striking evergreen climber featuring glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white margins. In summer, it...

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Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' plant with pink flowers and foliage variegated green and yellow.
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow'

Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' is an architectural evergreen prized for its variegated sword like leaves washed with soft gold and green tones. In...

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Pandorea jasminoides variegata pink flower and variegated foliage.
Pandorea jasminoides variegata

Pandorea jasminoides 'Variegata' is a climber that features light pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with a dark pink throat from spring through autumn...

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Cordyline australis albertii plants with variegated foliage.
Cordyline albertii

Cordyline albertii (Variegated Cabbage Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. This...

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Westringia 'Wynyabbie Highlight'

Westringia 'Wynyabbie Highlight' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its fine variegated green and cream foliage, naturally rounded habit, and...

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Variegated Monstera plant in a pot with cream and green foliage.
Monstera albo 'variegata'

The Albo Variegata Monstera, also known as the Variegated Monstera, is a striking indoor plant prized for its large, split leaves splashed with...

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Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.
Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy variegation...

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Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' plant with variegated leaves and pink flowers.
Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' (Daphne japonica Striata)

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' is a beautiful evergreen shrub treasured for its intensely fragrant pink and white flowers and glossy green leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Daphne odora 'Marginata' plant with variegated foliage.
Daphne odora 'Marginata' (Variegated Fragrant Daphne)

Daphne odora 'Marginata' is an elegant evergreen shrub prized for its richly fragrant flowers and attractive green leaves edged with creamy yellow...

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 '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 'Perfume Princess' pink flowers and green foliage.
Daphne 'Perfume Princess'

Daphne 'Perfume Princess' is an outstanding evergreen shrub celebrated for its masses of exceptionally fragrant white flowers with soft pink buds...

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...

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Daphne odora 'Leucanthe' (Winter Daphne Leucanthe)

Daphne odora 'Leucanthe' is a beautiful evergreen shrub prized for its intensely fragrant pure white flowers that appear from winter into spring. The...

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
Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

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Search variegated winter daphne

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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You know Corokia 'Geenty's Green' and Ficus Tuffi, but have you met Olive 'Frantoio', Feijoa 'Takaka', and Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

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