Daphne bholua Jaqueline Postill

Daphne bholua Jaqueline Postill

An upright, evergreen shrub (can lose leaves in a hard winter) from the Himalayas with leathery, dark green leaves.

Clusters of fragrant white flowers, flushed with purple-pink, followed by fleshy, black fruit.

Height 2m spread 1m. Sun part/ shade. Ideally against a wall.

All parts of Daphne are toxic.

MORE

An upright, evergreen shrub (can lose leaves in a hard winter) from the Himalayas with leathery, dark green leaves. Daphne Jaqueline Postill is a flowering shrub that belongs to the family Thymelaeaceae. This plant is native to China and was introduced to the United Kingdom in the 1980s. It is a slow-growing shrub that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height and spread up to 1.5 meters in width.

Daphne Jaqueline Postill is a winter-flowering shrub that produces an abundance of sweetly scented, pale pink flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring. The flowers are tubular and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. They are followed by red fruit, which is poisonous if ingested.

This shrub is prized by gardeners for its beautiful, fragrant flowers that bloom during the winter months when most other plants are dormant. The fragrance of the flowers is said to be similar to that of jasmine or honey, and it is often used in perfumes and other fragrances.

One of the most notable features of the Daphne Jaqueline Postill is its glossy, dark green leaves. They are oval-shaped and grow in an alternate pattern on the branches. The leaves are evergreen, meaning that they stay on the plant year-round and provide an attractive backdrop for the flowers.

The Daphne Jaqueline Postill is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires well-draining soil and moderate watering. It prefers partial shade to full sun, but it can tolerate some shade. It is also hardy to temperatures as low as -15°C, making it suitable for most UK gardens.

When planting a Daphne Jaqueline Postill, it is important to choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds, as the delicate branches can be easily damaged. It is also recommended to add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.

Propagation of the Daphne Jaqueline Postill is best done through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be approximately 10cm long. They can be planted in a mixture of peat and sand and placed in a sheltered location until they root.

In terms of pests and diseases, Daphne Jaqueline Postill is relatively resistant to most common garden pests. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining or if it is over-watered. It is also important to avoid pruning the plant too heavily, as this can cause stress and make it more vulnerable to disease.

Overall, the Daphne Jaqueline Postill is a beautiful and fragrant shrub that is well-suited to UK gardens. Its winter-blooming flowers and evergreen foliage make it an attractive addition to any garden, and its low-maintenance requirements make it easy to care for. Whether planted in a border or grown in a container, the Daphne Jaqueline Postill is sure to bring joy to any gardener who appreciates the beauty and fragrance of this wonderful plant.