This 30-year-old daphne shrub is a fragrant addition to Genie Lehmann's garden. CHRIS THELEN/STAFF

Patience key for some plants

Fragrant shrub brings big rewards for gardeners who take the time to care properly for the plant

Web posted January 7, 2000

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By Lisa M. Lohr
Staff Writer

Daphne odora, also called winter daphne, has long been a part of Southern gardens. And its reputation for being fickle and somewhat difficult is as well known as the fragrant shrub itself.

But Genie Lehmann has been able to satisfy the needs of this temperamental plant, and it has flourished in her yard for more than 30 years.

The shrub was grown from a cutting by her late husband, Albert, and transferred from her previous home on Walton Way.

``I left a garden that I really loved, and I swore I wouldn't put anything else in the dirt. But there was nothing here, and I had to have flowers,'' Mrs. Lehmann said.

Jenny Addie, of Green Thumb West Nursery in Martinez, said location is the key to growing daphne, which needs morning sun and well-drained soil.

Daphne, a compact evergreen shrub with bright-green leaves, grows 3 to 4 feet tall and gives early color.

A native of China, daphne sprouts tightly clustered masses of pink or white buds in late January and blooms until early March. The trumpet-shaped flowers are intensely fragrant and will perfume a courtyard.

``It smells better than anything that grows, except maybe the gardenias,'' Mrs. Lehmann said.

Mrs. Lehmann has planted a second daphne to continue the scent across her yard. The 2-year-old Daphne odora Aureo-marginata pink has a prominent pale-yellow margin around the edge of each leaf.

Highly susceptible to root rot, daphne cannot tolerate poor drainage and often benefits from an elevated mound. Avoid areas with full sunlight or extended periods of afternoon sun.

Daphnes need to dry out before re-watering. With this shrub, it is better to err on the dry side than to overwater. Once daphne is well established, don't pamper it. Daphnes are hardy plants once they get settled.

Mrs. Lehmann, 92, who still does most of her own gardening, enjoys daphne because it is relatively no-maintenance, unlike her hellebores, which she plans to divide and replant next year.

Her 25-year-old garden keeps her busy. Even when temperatures drop as low as 48 degrees, she takes the time to refill bird feeders and pick up fallen branches.

``I work a little bit each day,'' she said. ``I never walk into the garden without the pruners or trowel in hand.

``So many things have rooted themselves over the years, you never know what kind of surprises you are going to have.''

Reach Lisa Lohr at (706) 823-3351.