When discussing plants that not only provide us with food for the eyes, but also lovely scents, we must include the Daphne odora, or winter daphne. Originally from China, and named in 1784, by 1874 it was being grown in California-and moved on from there. Its highly aromatic flowers are dark pink to purple in clusters at the end of branches, and the sweet smell of them may last for many weeks, beginning mostly in February/March but as early as late January.
Initially named “Shui Hsiang,” or “Sleeping Scent,” the legend that surrounds the Daphne is that a Chinese monk of Lu Shan discovered the plant upon awakening from a nap to its spicy fragrance.
To best appreciate this evergreen’s intoxicating aroma, plant it towards the front of a sunny, sheltered border close to an entryway or a path. Use the flowers for sachets, and potpourri, or to perfume water. The leaves are long, oval, green, and often variegated.
It’s hardy from zone 7 to zone 10, prefers moist, extremely well-drained organic soil, morning sun with afternoon shade, and will grow to a height of 3 to 4 feet, with a width of 2 to 4 feet.