Daphne retusa

314-040D4 Daphne retusa
Joy Creek Photo Archive (c) all rights reserved	It is sometimes hard to find reliable, compact evergreen shrubs for smaller gardens. Daphne retusa is a good candidate. Introduced in 1901 by Ernest Wilson from an expedition to China and Tibet, it has been a familiar plant for rock gardeners ever since. Its upright habit and dark, glossy, blunt-tipped foliage, give it a sense of solidity. Yet in bloom, it has a surprisingly delicate appearance when it is covered with clusters of two-toned flowers, pink on the outside, white on the interior. They are delightfully fragrant. Later in the season, orange fruits glow amidst the rounded leaves. Late spring. 24 in. x 18-24 in. Rose and White flowers *Sun, Part Shade Zones 6, 7, 8*
We have learned to grow the rock garden daphnes in well-draining soil with protection from the hottest sun of the day. In addition, we keep our daphnes free from the foliage of overhanging perennials and grasses.