Daphne transatlantica Eternal Fragrance Blafra

The Daphne x transatlantica 'Eternal Fragrance' is a recent creation that stands out for the duration and intensity of the fragrance of its flowering, which is blush white. This shrub, naturally compact and very bushy, blooms from the heart of spring until the beginning of summer, and then again from the end of summer until the first cold spells, that is to say for 5 to 6 months. Requiring little maintenance, leafy even in winter, compact and very floriferous, this daphne is a true gem for the garden or terrace, in non-limestone soil.

The Daphne x transatlantica is a horticultural hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding between the Daphne caucasica, a botanical species with white flowers and deciduous foliage native to the Caucasus, and the D. collina, evergreen, with pink flowers, native to rocky slopes and scrub vegetation in the Naples region of Italy. These shrubs, belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family, are resilient mountain plants that grow in acidic, well-drained but moist soil. It is a slow-growing bush that does not need to be pruned.

The cultivar 'Eternal Fragrance' was introduced in 2004 by the English daphne specialist Robin White. It slowly forms a spreading shrub with a rounded or slightly flattened habit, compact, measuring 80cm (31.5 in) to 1m (3 ft 4 in) in all directions. Exceptionally floriferous, this daphne is adorned with pink buds that open into delicate tubular flowers, white with yellow-orange anthers, measuring 2cm (0.8 in) wide, highly fragrant, arranged in small round clusters at the end of each stem. Its flowering is abundant, starting timidly in May and then intensifying, with the bush covered in flowers until July. The blooming slows down in August, then resumes in September and lasts until October. The leaves, lanceolate and dark green, with a leathery lamina, are grouped in tufts at the end of the branches and then spread along the entire length of the year's stems. They are evergreen in mild and temperate climates, semi-evergreen in cold climates.

The Daphne x transatlantica 'Eternal Fragrance' is a beautiful shrub for ornamenting an ericaceous bed in climates that are not too dry. It will look superb in a container on a terrace, planted in good horticultural soil and watered with non-limestone water. To fully enjoy its fragrance, it is wise to place it near the house or a pathway. You can plant it with Japanese azaleas, acid-loving heathers (Calluna, Daboetia, Erica). Being mountainous in origin, it will also appreciate a cool alpine rockery, always in acidic soil, such as Lithodora fruticosa, Roscoea, Liriope muscari...

This Daphne is also available in pink under the name 'Pink Fragrance'.

Note: Daphnes can be high-maintenance and difficult to cultivate. They are best suited for experienced gardeners.