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I would really like to plant a daphne as I keep bees and noticed yesterday that they were busy on Daphne Bholua at Wakehurst Place. Our garden is on chalk with very little topsoil, but I do put a lot of organic matter into it. Is there a variety that I could buy that would tolerate these conditions, the ground can be very dry and is free draining.
Thank you




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Daphnes seem to prefer a dryish, well drained soil that tends to be alkaline rather than acidic. So far, your soil sounds perfect.
Of the Daphnes that we grow D. mezereum makes a nice sized round bush and can have red or white flowers. For scent I love our D. cneorum which is a spreading shrub. In our garden it is at the top of a raised bed and cascades down the front wall. A smaller, white Daphne would be D. retusa which also has a super scent.

25 Feb, 2011

 

Thanks Bulbaholic, I will have to go shopping!

25 Feb, 2011

 

Be prepared for the high price of these shrubs!!

25 Feb, 2011

 

Hi Louise,

Most Daphne do prefer an alkaline soil - D. bholua being the main exception - so, as Bulbaholic says, your conditions should be ideal.

In addition to the species that he mentions I would also recommend D. pontica, a small species with powerfully fragrant pale yellow flowers that thrives in shade.

25 Feb, 2011

How do I say thanks?

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