Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie'
Carol Mackie Daphne
- Family
- Thymelaeaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet
- Width
- 3 to 4 feet
- Flower color
- Pale pink to white and fragrant
- Foliage color
- Green with creamy white margins
- Bloom time
- Late spring with sporadic rebloom in summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; avoid heavy pruning as it resents disturbance
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 7
- Wildlife
- Butterflies and pollinators
About this plant
Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie' is a semi-evergreen shrub cherished for its variegated foliage and sweetly fragrant blooms. Its slender, lance-shaped leaves are edged in creamy white, creating a soft, luminous effect throughout the growing season. In late spring, clusters of pale pink flowers emerge, filling the air with a delightful fragrance and providing a delicate contrast against the variegated foliage. The blooms may sporadically reappear in summer, extending the season of interest.
A hybrid cultivar, 'Carol Mackie' was introduced for its exceptional combination of beauty and resilience. It is well-suited for garden borders, foundation plantings, or as an accent in smaller spaces, where its foliage and fragrance can be appreciated up close. With its graceful appearance and enchanting scent, this Daphne variety adds elegance and sensory appeal to any garden setting.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Paths & Walkways
Companion plants
Sweet box · Bleeding heart · Pieris · Foam flower · Lungwort · Ajuga
Design tip
Creamy white leaf margins give this daphne a softly illuminated appearance that lasts well beyond its spring bloom. Position it where the foliage can contrast with deeper greens, allowing the variegation to define its rounded form while the fragrant flowers provide a seasonal highlight.
