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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs
Daphne laureola
spurge daphne
Thymelaeaceae
Southern and central Europe, Mediterranean, North Africa; naturalized Pacific Northwest
At a Glance
TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m)
Width3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m)
Maturity8 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (light)
Maintenancelow
Overview
Daphne laureola is an evergreen shrub reaching 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) tall with a spread of 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m). Stems are upright and largely unbranched, bearing leaves clustered predominantly near the tips in whorled or sub-whorled arrangements. Leaves are oblong to narrowly oblanceolate, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, with a glossy dark green upper surface and a paler underside; margins are entire. The clustered leaves near stem tips give the plant a distinctive architectural, somewhat palm-like appearance. In late winter to early spring (February–March), clusters of 5–10 small tubular greenish-yellow flowers appear in the leaf axils at branch tips; flowers are not conspicuous but produce a subtle sweet fragrance that is most noticeable in the evening or on warm still days. Small oval black berries, approximately 1/4–3/8 inch (6–9 mm) long, develop in late spring to summer if pollinated; these are highly toxic to humans and animals. The plant is notably tolerant of dry shade — a characteristic that distinguishes it from most other broadleaf evergreen shrubs. Growth rate is slow; plants approach mature dimensions in 6–10 years. D. laureola has naturalized and become invasive in parts of western Washington, western Oregon, and British Columbia; gardeners in the Pacific Northwest should be aware of its potential to spread via bird-dispersed seeds in woodland environments.
Native Range
Native to southern and central Europe (Mediterranean region, Atlantic Europe), including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and extending east to Turkey and the Caucasus. Also native to North Africa. Found in shaded woodland understories, forest margins, and rocky slopes, often on calcareous to neutral soils. Introduced to the Pacific Northwest and UK, where it has naturalized in disturbed woodland and forest edges.Suggested Uses
Planted in dry shade gardens beneath mature deciduous or coniferous trees where most broadleaf evergreens fail. Used for structural winter interest where its upright form and whorled glossy foliage provide contrast with lower groundcovers. The subtle late-winter fragrance makes it worth planting near paths or garden edges in woodland gardens. Pacific Northwest gardeners are advised to consider the naturalization potential before planting near woodland or wild areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Colors
Flower Colors
yellow
green
Foliage Colors
dark green
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~4 weeksJ
F
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Winter
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish-yellowFoliage Description
Glossy dark green above, paler beneath; oblong-oblanceolate, clustered near stem tipsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Tolerates up to 3 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaychalk
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Low
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
6–10 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
One of the most shade-tolerant broadleaf evergreen shrubs suitable for dry shade beneath mature tree canopies. Established plants tolerate 4–6 weeks without irrigation in summer, making them among the more drought-tolerant Daphne species once established (2–3 years). Plant in well-drained soil; root rot develops in wet soils or during prolonged wet winters in heavy clay. Avoid root disturbance after planting — Daphne generally resents transplanting and may decline if moved. Minimal fertilization required; excess nitrogen promotes lush growth susceptible to disease. All parts of the plant are highly toxic; wear gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation from plant sap. Pacific Northwest gardeners should monitor for self-seeding seedlings at garden edges and remove them to prevent spread into adjacent woodland.Pruning
Minimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged stems at the base as needed. Do not shear or shape aggressively; the whorled leaf arrangement near stem tips is the plant's primary ornamental character and is lost with heavy pruning. Remove self-seeded seedlings in the garden as they appear to manage spread.Pruning Schedule
J
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early spring