Daphne alpina aka Alpine Daphne

Daphne alpina, or alpine daphne, is a small, deciduous shrub. It belongs to the family Thymelaeaceae. Its native range lies in south-central Europe. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew classes its growth form as a subshrub. In gardens, it forms an upright, bushy plant. Its small size suits sites with little room to spare.

The RHS describes a shrub about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. Its listed garden range reaches 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] in height and spread. Plants take about five to ten years to reach full size. Soft hairs cover the young shoots and grey-green leaves. The leaves grow to about 1.6 inches long. The plant sheds its leaves rather than keeping them through winter.

White flowers open in late spring and early summer. They grow in clusters at the ends of stems. Their scent adds to the plant's value near paths or patios. Round, fleshy fruit follows the flowers. The fruit turns orange-red, adding another season of colour. These fruits are not food: the plant is toxic when eaten. The RHS also warns that it is toxic to pets. Contact can irritate skin, so wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it.

Choose a sheltered spot with full sun. The soil should hold moisture but let excess water drain away. Add humus, and mulch each spring with well-rotted organic matter. This helps keep the roots cool. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam and sand as suitable soils. It also accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soil conditions. Its H6 rating indicates hardiness across the UK and northern Europe. That rating covers minimum temperatures of about −20 to −15°C. Keep pruning to a minimum rather than cutting the shrub back hard.

Alpine daphne suits rock gardens, beds and borders. It can also grow in containers on patios or in courtyards. Its compact form fits small city gardens. The RHS includes it among plants for low-maintenance gardens. Aphids may attack it. Possible diseases include Phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and viral diseases. Honey fungus is another risk, though the RHS calls it rare. Propagation options include seed and semi-ripe heel cuttings. Sow ripe seed promptly in containers kept in a cold frame.