Most folks only know daphnes that retain evergreen foliage, but one of our favorite exceptions is the Chinese native, Daphne genkwa, which happens to be in full flower at JLBG this week. This floriferous species needs moist, but well-drained soils, unlike so many of its European counterparts. Unlike the commonly grown, Daphne odora, it has no floral fragrance. Plants mature at 4′ tall x 8′ wide, resembling a miniature redbud tree. It seems that warm summer temperatures are the key to success. Hardiness Zone 4a-8b.
This gives the wow that a southern lilac never does. However, it is incredibly hard to source. It is a component of many Chinese medicines.
Wow!
MANY years ago (1980-81) I worked in a pharmacognosy research lab at the UNC-CH School of Pharmacy for a Dr. Lee, who would have me grind and extract chemicals from plants. The two I remember were Euphorbia splendens and Daphne genkwa. Once there was a power failure in the building from Kudzu vines shorting out the transformer out back. We took a sprig of Kudzu and wrapped it around his doorknob. He was aghast that we had a specimen of an ancient Chinese medicine here in NC.
Great story…thanks for sharing
Might be called ‘Daphne IN-odora’, perhaps…?
Holy flower-power Batman!
With it’s extraordinary blooms, imagine if Daphne genkwa had the fragrance punch of Daphne odora? Perhaps the more adventurous plant breeders out there should attempt a little ‘cross-pollinating’? The resulting Daphne genkwa x odora cross could give new meaning to the term ‘hybrid vigor’, and Michael Druse might have to add a whole new chapter to his book ‘The Scentual Garden’. (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43908935-the-scentual-garden)
*Ken Druse, must have had Michael Dirr on the brain.