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Key characteristics

Family: Thymelaeaceae
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Width: 3 to 4 feet
Flower color: Soft pink buds opening to pale pink to nearly white tubular flowers
Foliage color: Narrow lance shaped glossy deep green leaves
Bloom time: Early to mid spring, often March to April
Light: Partial shade to light full sun
Water: Average moist well drained soil
Maintenance: Moderate; avoid heavy pruning and trim lightly after flowering while protecting roots from disturbance
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects

Shrubs

Daphne wolongensis

Wolong Daphne

Daphne wolongensis produces clusters of soft pink to pale rose flowers in spring, each bloom opening with narrow petals and releasing a light fragrance along the stems. The blossoms appear among slender, lance-shaped leaves that form a neat covering of fresh green foliage through the growing season. The narrow leaves create a fine texture along the branches, giving the plant a refined appearance.

Native to mountainous regions of western China, particularly Sichuan Province, Daphne wolongensis grows in woodland habitats.

Light

Partial shade to light full sun

Water

Average moist well drained soil

Bloom time

Early to mid spring, often March to April

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Fragrant Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Paths & Walkways

Companion plants

Mahonia · Rodgersia · Primrose · Japanese aralia · Bergenia · Maidenhair fern

Design tip

Slender foliage gives this daphne a finer, more delicate texture than broader-leaved woodland shrubs. Pairing it with plants that have rounded or deeply divided leaves creates an appealing contrast, while its softly colored spring flowers add a gentle transition into the new growing season.