Plant Picks: Daphne tangutica

Published 11:21 am Wednesday, October 16, 2013

WHAT: Daphne tangutica is a carefree shrub dotted in spring with small fragrant flowers at the branch tips. The blooms are rosy red pink in bud and become a tubular flower blushed pale pink fading to an ivory white.

Each flower cluster is backed by thick, deep green shiny foliage on sturdy stems. Intermittent flowers will often appear through the summer.

In late summer and fall brilliant clusters of red berries spark up in the autumn garden.

WHY PLANT IT: This mounding shrub offers year-round interest in the garden and requires little care other than regular watering.

WHERE: The plant thrives in a rich, well-drained sandy soil with full sun to light or dappled shade. Growing it with limited fertilizer and good drainage will prolong its life.

SIZE: Daphne grows to about 3 feet by 3 feet.

SOURCE: www.greatplantpicks.org.