Daphne gemmata Royal Crown

Daphne gemmata 'Royal Crown' is a variety derived from a fairly rare Chinese species, preferring limestone cliffs and sunny soils to humus-bearing and acidic soils of the undergrowth. This small bush has a delightfully fragrant spring flowering. It often blooms again in late summer. Its small, waxy-looking, pale-yellow star-shaped flowers, gathered in small clusters, adorn bright green foliage that will fall in autumn. It can be grown in a pot or in open ground, in a location sheltered from cold winds and severe frosts.

Daphne gemmata belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family. The species from which this variety comes from is native to the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan, where it is always found on sandy or limestone soil, at the edge of forests, in dry meadows or anchored in rocks, up to an altitude of 1500m (4921ft). 'Royal Crown' has slow growth and will not exceed 50cm (20in) in all directions. This deciduous bush shows a rounded habit and branches that, by its architecture, somewhat resemble a highly branched broom. Its brownish-yellow or purplish stems bear generally deciduous, entire, ovate leaves of a beautiful bright green, finely bordered with a lighter tone, with a glossy finish. Flowering takes place in May-June, and again in September-October. The small yellow tubular flowers with 5 petals somewhat resemble those of jasmine. They are gathered in small clusters at the end of the branches and emit a sweet fragrance that attracts many pollinating insects. They are followed by the formation of small bright red berries in late summer and autumn.

Whether in open ground or in a container, place Daphne gemmata 'Royal Crown' near a walkway, or not far from the house, to enjoy its intoxicating fragrance. It requires little maintenance and only needs well-drained soil and a rather sunny exposure to flourish. You can plant it with small flowering bushes in spring, such as Abelia 'Confetti', Berberis 'Atropurpurea Nana', Ceanothus thyrsifolius 'Repens', or Cytisus purpureus.

Note: Daphnes are sometimes capricious plants, whose cultivation can be delicate if the conditions are not suitable. They are reserved for gardeners with good experience.