Daphne gnidium aka Flax Leaved Daphne

Daphne gnidium has the common name flax-leaved daphne. It belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family. This shrub keeps its leaves all year. It comes from the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. Its range spans southern Europe, North Africa and Turkey. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows among other evergreen shrubs. It often grows on hillsides with shallow, stony soil.

The shrub grows at a slow pace and stands strongly upright. Garden plants reach about 3.3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall and wide. They take about five to ten years to mature. The narrow, oval leaves have a grey-green hue. These leaves give borders a lasting point of interest. Small white flowers grow in groups. They bloom from late spring into early autumn. Their scent adds interest through this long bloom season. Small red berries may follow the flowers. The plant does not always bear fruit after bloom.

Choose a site with shelter, in sun or part shade. Sandy loam with a near-neutral pH suits this species best. The RHS also lists chalk, loam and sand as suitable soils. Water must drain well, even where the soil stays moist. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H4. Plants for a Future lists USDA zones 7–10. In some gardens, it may need shelter from winter cold. It needs good drainage in gardens despite its wild hillside home.

This shrub suits gravel gardens, borders and Mediterranean-style planting. It also fits cottage gardens, courtyards and city gardens. Plants for a Future suggests woodland edges and patches of shade. Its scent gives gardeners one more reason to grow it. Keep pruning to a minimum. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, or graft in winter. Aphids may attack the plant. It may get phytophthora root rot or fungal leaf spot. Viruses may also cause disease, while honey fungus is rare.

All parts are poisonous, with no known uses as food. The RHS warns that it is toxic to people and pets. Sap can cause skin irritation in some people. Wear gloves and clothes that protect your skin when handling it. Do not eat the red berries. Plants for a Future notes research on toxic compounds for anti-leukaemia effects. This research does not make the plant safe for home treatment. That source lists no other practical uses.