Anisha Riggs
The Daphne genus includes more than 70 species of broadleaf evergreen and deciduous shrubs native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Perfume Princess is a hybrid between Daphne Odora and Daphne Bhoula, combining strong growth and a delightful fragrance. It is the earliest and longest-flowering Daphne ever bred, blooming from mid-winter to late spring, with some spot flowers in summer. It is also the most fragrant of all Daphne varieties. This shrub is slow-growing and will grow into a dense, upright bush, reaching a height of 3ft x 3ft. It is hardy and will grow almost anywhere in a variety of climates, but there are some tips to get the best out of your plant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Daphne Perfume Princess |
| Genus | Daphne |
| Species | Perfume Princess |
| Hybrid | Daphne Odora and Daphne Bhoula |
| Height | 3ft x 3ft |
| Hardiness | USDA Zone 7, tolerates temperatures of +5 to +105°F (-18 to +40°C) |
| Fragrance | Sweet, spicy, fruity, with a citrus undertone |
| Flower Colour | Soft pink, pure white, light pink, lavender |
| Flower Size | Up to four times larger than traditional Daphne |
| Flower Time | Mid-winter to late spring, with spot flowers in summer |
| Soil | Well-drained, slightly acidic, fertile |
| Watering | Infrequent, light to moderate thirst |
| Fertiliser | Slow-release, applied after flowering |
| Pruning | Minimal, only to shape the plant |
| Pests | Aphids, scale infestations |
| Uses | Hedge, topiary, containers, borders |
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What You'll Learn
Soil: slightly acidic, well-drained, with compost
While the Daphne Perfume Princess is known for its hardiness and ability to grow almost anywhere, there are some steps you can take to ensure that your shrub thrives. The Perfume Princess prefers a slightly acidic soil pH that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by blending in some compost and fertiliser for acid-loving plants to achieve the desired pH level.
Daphne shrubs thrive in moist soil, so be sure to water regularly during the growing season, especially in the first year of growth. However, excellent drainage is a must to prevent root rot. When planting, set the shrub slightly higher than it was in the nursery pot to elevate the root crown. Applying a layer of mulch will help to retain moisture in the soil during the summer months and keep the roots cool.
If you are planting your Perfume Princess in a pot or container, use a large one with a quality potting mix to ensure good drainage. Place the pot near a door to enjoy the delightful fragrance or position it beside a garden seat to create a mid-winter perfumed retreat.
The Daphne Perfume Princess is a robust and fragrant addition to any garden, and with the right soil preparation, it will thrive and bring you joy for years to come.
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Watering: infrequent, keeping soil moist
The Daphne genus includes more than 70 species of broadleaf evergreen and deciduous shrubs native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Perfume Princess variety is a hybrid between Daphne Odora and Daphne Bhoula, combining strong growth and a delectable fragrance. It is the earliest and longest-flowering Daphne breed, blooming from mid-winter to late spring, and sometimes into the summer. It is also capable of withstanding outdoor winter temperatures down to -15 degrees Celsius, though some sources claim that its foliage and flowers can be destroyed by temperatures of -5 degrees Celsius.
Daphne Perfume Princess is not a fussy plant and will grow almost anywhere in a variety of climates and soils, but there are some tips to follow to ensure the best results. It is important to water Perfume Princess infrequently, keeping the soil moist. The shrub thrives in moist soil but requires excellent drainage. When planting a nursery-grown specimen, it should be set slightly higher than it was in the nursery pot so that the root crown is elevated by about half an inch. To keep the soil moist in the summer and to keep the roots cool, apply a three-inch layer of mulch. In the first year of growth, water your shrub at least once a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Once established, the shrubs still require a balance between consistent moisture and good drainage. Make sure the mulch remains moist, and ensure the shrub gets at least one inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation.
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Fertiliser: twice a year, after flowering
Daphne Perfume Princess is a hardy and durable shrub, known for its fragrant flowers and ability to grow almost anywhere. While it is a low-maintenance plant, fertilising it twice a year will help promote growth and an abundance of flowers.
The first fertilisation should take place in spring, after the flowers of mid-winter to late spring have bloomed and faded. The second fertilisation should then take place in summer.
To prepare the soil before planting, blend in some compost and fertiliser for acid-loving plants to create the slightly acidic pH level that Daphne shrubs prefer. When applying fertiliser after flowering, toss one to two handfuls around the base of each plant.
It is important to note that Daphne Perfume Princess is sensitive to strong frosts, so if you live in an area with severe winters, take extra care to protect your plant.
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Sunlight: full sun to partial shade
The Daphne genus includes more than 70 species of broadleaf evergreen and deciduous shrubs native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Perfume Princess variety is a hybrid between Daphne Odora and Daphne Bhoula, combining strong growth and a delectable fragrance.
Daphne Perfume Princess is not the easiest shrub to grow, and it is known to be sensitive to frost. However, it is a non-fussy plant that will grow almost anywhere in a variety of climates and soil types. It can be grown in full sun to partial shade, but it fares better with afternoon shade in hot climates.
When planting, choose a location in full sun to partial shade, depending on the specific requirements of the variety. Amend the soil with compost to create slightly acidic soil, which is the preferred pH level for Daphne shrubs. Water as needed to keep the soil moist but with good drainage.
In the first year of growth, water your shrub at least once a week, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Once established, the shrub will still require consistent moisture, but with continued good drainage. Make sure the shrub gets at least 1 inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation. Fertilize twice a year, once in spring and once in summer.
Daphne Perfume Princess will grow into a dense upright bush, taking up roughly 3ft x 3ft of space. It is slow-growing and can take seven to ten years to reach its mature size.
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Pests and disease: good resistance, treat aphids and scale
The Daphne Perfume Princess is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring no pruning, fungicides, or pesticides. However, it may occasionally suffer from aphid or scale infestations.
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that attack tender branches and flower clusters on shrubs. They suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing the foliage to curl, pucker, and turn yellow, while reducing the plant's vigour. To check for aphids, look for small groups of insects under the leaves. Light infestations can be dislodged by spraying the undersides of the leaves vigorously with water three times, once every other day, in the early morning. Heavier infestations can be treated with insecticidal soap, sprayed every 2-3 days. In severe cases, use a pyrethrum-based insecticide as a last resort.
Scale insects are another potential pest for the Daphne Perfume Princess. They weaken the plant by sucking sap from the leaves and stems, leading to leaf drop and poor growth. To treat scale, start by pruning heavily infested branches and scraping off visible scales with a soft brush or fingernail. For small infestations, apply rubbing alcohol directly to individual scales. Horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, and neem oil are also effective treatments, especially for ongoing control. In severe cases, systemic insecticides may be necessary.
Regular inspection and early treatment are key to keeping your Daphne Perfume Princess healthy. Proper care, including maintaining good soil drainage and avoiding overwatering, can also help reduce the risk of pest and disease issues.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal soil for growing Daphne Perfume Princess is moist, fertile, and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should also be slightly acidic, with a pH level of 5 to 6.
Daphne Perfume Princess prefers full sun to partial shade, depending on the climate. In hot climates, afternoon shade is ideal.
Daphne Perfume Princess has a light to moderate thirst, so infrequent watering is best. In the first year of growth, water at least once a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Once established, ensure the plant receives at least 1 inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation.
Daphne Perfume Princess is a hardy shrub that can withstand temperatures as low as 15°C to 18°C. However, it is sensitive to strong late frosts, which can damage its foliage and flowers. It grows well in USDA Hardiness zones 6 to 9 or 7 to 10, depending on the source.
Pruning is not necessary for Daphne Perfume Princess. However, if you wish to shape the plant, it is recommended to do so just after flowering to promote new growth. Remove any damaged stems and lightly trim those that spoil the shape of the plant during the summer after flowering.
