Daphne Odora Aureomarginata

Daphne Odora Aureomarginata
Known as variegated Daphne or gold-edged winter Daphne, Daphne Odora Aureomarginata is an evergreen shrub with a winter interest. The variegated foliage and lovely pink flowers bring liveliness and colour to the garden, at a time when there’s little of it to be found. When compared to other Daphne varieties, Aureomarginata is fairly easy to grow and care for. 

Daphne Odora Aureomarginata’s blush, waxy flowers emerge from purplish-pink buds in late winter/early spring. Although small, the clusters of heavily fragrant flowers are striking when in contrast with variegated foliage. Lance-shaped, deep green leaves with creamy-gold, thin edges look stunning throughout the year.

Variegated Daphne prefers partial shade, but tolerates full sunlight if sheltered. When it comes to soil, this rounded, compact shrub feels best in well-drained, fertile soil, rich in humus. In perfect conditions, Daphne Odora Aureomarginata has a life expectancy from 10 to 20 years and can grow to be 1 to 1.5 metres tall and wide. This plant has a slow growth rate, so it won’t reach its full size quickly. Although hardy in Britain and Ireland, this variety of Daphne won’t survive if the weather gets too cold. It’s best suited for parts of UK with milder winters, but it can survive in harsher conditions, if not exposed when the temperature starts dropping below zero. Variegated Daphne can be grown in large containers, which gives you the option to move it to a more sheltered location during winter, in case you don’t have a spot in your garden where this evergreen shrub would be protected from cold winds.

Pruning should be kept to a minimum since leaves can be easily damaged, causing branch dieback. Daphne Odora Aureomarginata strongly dislikes disturbance and it’s not advisable to move it once established, so chose the spot wisely. Disease and pest free, Aureomarginata is surprisingly resistant and doesn’t require much care, unlike some other Daphne varieties.

Although it tolerates being a part of a mixed shrub border, the low-growing habit and slow growth rate make Daphne Odora Aureomarginata easily overpowered by fast-growing, invasive shrubs. If you’re planning to include this winter gem in a mixed border, group it with compatible plants, such as different evergreen shrubs or slow-growing, tall, deciduous shrubs that will provide shelter and won’t interfere with its development. Due to the sweet fragrance of the flowers, variegated Daphne works well planted near a patio, along paths or even under your window, where it can be easily enjoyed. Since it’s slow-growing, this compact, evergreen shrub will be perfectly happy in a container. However, make sure to choose one that will provide enough space for the plant to thrive and won’t need replacement as the shrub matures.