Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata', variegated winter daphne
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata'

variegated winter daphne

Thymelaeaceae

China and Japan (cultivar is garden selection)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m)
Width3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m)
Maturity6 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 9
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Fragrant (strong)
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' is an evergreen shrub reaching 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) tall with a spread of 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m). This cultivar of D. odora is distinguished by leaves that are glossy dark green with narrow cream to pale yellow margins. Leaves are oval to elliptic, 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long and 3/4–1 inch (19–25 mm) wide, leathery in texture, with entire margins arranged alternately. The plant forms a dense, rounded to mounding habit. In late winter (January through March in zones 7–9), clusters of 10–20 flowers appear at branch tips; buds are rosy-purple to deep pink on the outside, opening to reveal pinkish-white to white inner surfaces. Individual flowers are tubular with four spreading lobes, approximately 1/3–1/2 inch (8–13 mm) across, and produce an intense sweet fragrance that carries 20–30 feet (6–9 m) on still days. Growth rate is slow; plants approach mature dimensions in 5–8 years. All parts of the plant are highly toxic. D. odora 'Aureomarginata' is notably more cold-hardy than the plain green species, surviving zone 7 reliably and occasionally zone 6b with winter protection. Sudden dieback, a poorly understood syndrome affecting the genus, can occur without warning; plants may perform well for years before declining.

Native Range

The parent species Daphne odora is native to China and Japan, found in woodland margins and rocky hillsides in well-drained soils. The cultivar Aureomarginata originated in cultivation and does not occur in the wild.

Suggested Uses

Planted near paths, entryways, or seating areas where the intense late-winter fragrance is within range; fragrance carries 20–30 feet (6–9 m) on calm days. Used in foundation plantings where the variegated foliage provides year-round interest and the late-winter bloom fills the seasonal gap between winter structure and spring flowering. The Aureomarginata cultivar tolerates zone 7 conditions more reliably than plain green D. odora. Not suited to heavy clay, wet soils, or sites requiring frequent digging or root disturbance.

How to Identify

Identified by the combination of glossy dark green oval to elliptic evergreen leaves with narrow cream to pale yellow margins, and the intensely fragrant late-winter flowers with rosy-purple to deep pink buds opening to pinkish-white. The variegation — cream margins on dark green leaves — is present year-round and is the most reliable vegetative identification feature. Leaves are 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long, leathery, and arranged alternately. Flower clusters appear at branch tips in late winter. Distinguished from D. odora (plain green species) by the marginal variegation; distinguished from Daphne x transatlantica 'Summer Ice' by late-winter flowering only (not repeat-blooming) and by rosy-purple bud color (not white buds).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink
white

Foliage Colors

dark green
cream
yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~7 weeks
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Winter
Flowers January through March in USDA zones 7–9; peak display typically February. Clusters of 10–20 flowers at each branch tip; buds are rosy-purple to deep pink, opening to pinkish-white inner surfaces. Individual flowers approximately 1/3–1/2 inch (8–13 mm) across with four spreading lobes. Fragrance is intense and carries 20–30 feet (6–9 m) on mild still days. Total bloom period spans 6–8 weeks; individual flower clusters last 2–3 weeks. Late frosts below 28°F (−2°C) may damage open flowers but do not harm the plant.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rosy-purple buds opening to pinkish-white

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green with narrow cream to pale yellow margins; oval-elliptic, leathery

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Sun
Requires 3-6 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 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5–8 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Requires well-drained soil; plants in heavy clay or wet conditions develop root rot within 1–3 seasons. Plant in a permanent site and leave undisturbed — Daphne resents root disturbance and transplanting typically causes decline. Partial shade in hot climates reduces leaf scorch; in the Pacific Northwest, morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled light suits the plant well. Water weekly for the first two growing seasons; established plants prefer even soil moisture and decline during prolonged drought or waterlogging. Mulch with 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of organic matter, keeping mulch away from stems. Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer in early spring; do not over-fertilize. Sudden dieback can occur without obvious cause; well-sited plants in good soil health are most resistant. All parts are highly toxic — wear gloves when handling, as the sap causes skin irritation in some individuals.

Pruning

Minimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged stems at the base as needed. Do not prune into old leafless wood. Light shaping after spring bloom is permissible if needed; remove no more than one-quarter of growth in a single season. Hard rejuvenation pruning is not recommended and typically triggers decline.

Pruning Schedule

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spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Highly toxic to humans and pets — all plant parts