If you talk to your plants, it's nice to call them by name--particularly when they have human-sounding names like Daphne 'Carol Mackie.'
More formally referred to as Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie' this is a shrub for almost all seasons.
My Daphne's sweet-scented pink blossoms have come and gone, but the shrub remains sensational. The green and ivory-edged foliage of 'Carol Mackie' adds a light spot on my landscape. The dense, oval leaves add interesting texture--especially when juxtaposed with the river stones surrounding Daphne. And even though this shrub looks like it might need mollycoddlying, it does not. In fact, Daphne does not want heavy fertilization and is a carefree plant.
A member of the Plant Select palette compiled by Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado State University and Colorado's growers, this shrub at maturity measures about 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide. Fairly fast growing, Daphne needs only average water and will perform in sun or part shade. Mine is on a bank with a southern exposure, so it's hot. On a drip line, Daphne gets water, but not a lot. I added compost when I dug in this shrub last June. Daphne's doing well in her second growing season and has doubled in size.
In 1997, Plant Select added Daphne to their list of preferred plants for the Front Range, but this plant is hardy up to 9,000 feet and suitable for USDA zones 4a to 9.
Plant Select describes Daphne 'Carol Mackie' as "aristocratic," and mentions that the flowers often return in autumn. I'm hoping! And trusting that even if she does not present me with blossoms again this growing season, Daphne will remain almost evergreen.
If you're looking for an interesting shrub for your landscape, call on Daphne 'Carol Mackie': She won't disappoint.
••• "Cultivate your little corner of the world. You grow your garden; your garden grows you." •••
Colleen Smith gardens in and writes from central Denver, and Friday Jones Publishing will release her first novel, titled GLASS HALO.
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