Daphne

This is one of the less common daphnes, an eastern Mediterranean species which prefers sunny positions but will grow quite happily in the heavy shade of trees. The basic species makes a medium-size branching shrub, dense and richly coloured with its highly polished evergreen leaves, 8cm (3in) long and arranged in neat rosettes. The tubular flowers are small and fragrant, arranged in loose spidery pairs at the base of new shoots and appearing late in spring. Plants like a cool moist rootrun, but need perfect drainage.