Carol Mackie Daphne

In spring, the plants will develop pink buds and small white flowers with a pink hue. These flowers are known for their highly fragrant aroma. In some plants, the scent can be overpowering, especially with the larger shrubs. During the late summer or early fall, your plant could experience a smaller flush of flowers that is followed by tiny red drupes in the autumn.

These shrubs are perfect as a foundation bed where you can enjoy the fragrance near windows and entryways. The Carol Mackie daphne is an excellent choice if you want to add a bright accent to a border. These daphnes will thrive in small city gardens. They can also adapt to those areas with partially sunny gardens or near the edge of large canopy trees. The Carol Mackie daphne will make a great addition to a Victorian or Southern garden.

These shrubs can be propagated from a stem cutting, but the cuttings may not root. In some cases, it can take up to a year for the cuttings to show signs of rooting.

The Carol Mackie daphne will grow to three to four feet tall, and they are at least the same size in width. The shrub will form a rounded and dense form. Its small, oblong leaves are edged in a creamy white color that will look fresh throughout the season. In some variations, the edges can turn from white to a golden hue.

In mild climates, the leaves will remain evergreen. However, in those cold conditions, you may see the leaves drop. In some cases, the Carol Mackie daphne is slow to produce leaves in the spring. Some plants growing in adjacent areas will have varying leaf development times. This shrub is rated as hardy in zones 5 to 9.

These daphnes will do well when planted in partial shade to full sun. They also can tolerate any well-draining soil. Once the plant has established, it is almost impossible to move it without any damage. Many daphnes are finicky, and they can die without proper care. These shrubs are susceptible to root rot. For that reason, you will need to place them in areas with good drainage. The Carol Mackie daphne loves consistent moisture, but they will tolerate drought conditions once it is established. However, during arid conditions, the daphne will drop its leaves.

The Carol Mackie daphnes are resistant to deer, but you may see pests under the stems in the winter. Minor pruning is beneficial for this shrub. During the winter, you should make sure that heavy snow does not split open the plant or break off branches. The Carol Mackie is prone to this type of damage in the winter. If you are looking to limit the damage during winter storms, then you will need to prune the shrub. For many years, experts suggested never to prune daphnes, but it is now recommended to prune these plants, especially the Carol Mackie variety. Regular pruning will help to keep the daphne in great shape. You will want to remove up to one-fourth of the old-growth after this daphne has matured. Since the bark is susceptible to tears, you must be careful when pruning. Heavy fertilization can also promote soft growth that can cause damage to the shrub.

The Carol Mackie daphne will produce fragrant pale pink blossoms in the spring. These shrubs are easy to grow in many different soils. They make an ideal plant for foundation plantings, beds, and borders. When you need an evergreen shrub for your landscape, make the Carol Mackie your top choice.

At Arbor Valley Nursery, we have a large selection of shrubs, plants, and trees, such as the Carol Mackie daphne. If you would like to learn more about this variety, please fill out the contact form.