Daphne bholua Jacqueline Postill
Daphne
Position
- Full sun or partial shade
- Sheltered from cold, drying winds
- South or West-facing aspects ideal
Hardiness
- Hardy through most of UK (-10°C to -5°C / 14°F to 23°F)
- Needs winter protection in exposed areas
Soil Type
- Fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Suitable for chalk, clay, loam, or sand
Soil PH
- Alkaline or neutral
Height
- Height: 2-4 metres (6-12 feet)
- Spread: 1-1.5 metres (3-5 feet)
- Takes 10-20 years to reach ultimate height
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering period: Late winter (January-February)
- Evergreen foliage year-round
- Purple-pink and white flowers
- Black berries follow flowering
Additional Notes
- Highly fragrant flowers
- Slow-growing shrub
- Difficult to propagate
- Resents transplanting
- Toxic if eaten and can be a skin irritant – wear gloves when handling
- Ideal for small gardens due to compact growth
- Perfect for cottage gardens and flower borders
- Requires minimal pruning
- May be susceptible to aphids and various fungal diseases
- Beautiful winter-flowering specimen when most other plants are dormant
- Best planted in spring or early autumn
- Mulch annually with well-rotted organic matter
Daphne ‘Jacqueline Postill’: The Winter-Flowering Wonder
Daphne bholua Jacqueline Postill brings intensely fragrant flowers to your garden during late winter. This comprehensive guide helps you grow this special semi-evergreen shrub successfully.
What is Daphne ‘Jacqueline Postill’?
This medium-sized shrub produces clusters of sweetly scented tubular flowers. The blooms appear pink on the outside and white within.
Bred by Alan Postill, this slow-growing shrub makes an ideal choice for small gardens.
How Do I Plant Daphne bholua?
Choose a sheltered position in moist but well-drained soil. Daphnes resent disturbance, so choose your planting spot carefully.
Add organic mulch to maintain moisture and provide a cooler root run.
When Does It Flower?
Expect flowers during late winter when most other plants remain dormant. The intensely fragrant blooms appear in terminal clusters.
Each cluster brings deep pink buds opening to reveal tubular flowers.
What Growing Conditions Does It Need?
This shrub thrives in partial shade with shelter from cold, drying winds. The soil should be fertile and well-drained.
Protect from harsh weather, as the shrub is semi-evergreen and may lose leaves in winter.
How Big Will It Grow?
‘Jacqueline Postill’ typically reaches 2-4 metres in height. The upright habit suits smaller gardens.
The slow-growing nature makes it easy to maintain at your desired size.
What About Maintenance?
Keep pruning to a minimum – only remove dead or damaged branches. These plants dislike root disturbance.
Apply mulch annually but avoid disturbing the roots.
Will It Grow In My Garden?
This hardy shrub suits most UK gardens with the right conditions. It looks wonderful under-planted with cyclamen.
Provide shelter from cold winds for best results.
Any Safety Considerations?
All parts of the plant contain irritant sap. Wear gloves when handling and keep away from children.
The purple-black berries that follow the flowers can be toxic.
How Do I Buy A Healthy Plant?
Visit reputable nurseries or garden centres. Look for plants with healthy, leathery green leaves.
Avoid specimens with yellowing foliage or signs of damage.
Key Points to Remember:
- Flowers in late winter
- Intensely fragrant pink and white blooms
- Needs sheltered position
- Moist but well-drained soil essential
- Minimal pruning required
- Slow-growing to 2-4 metres
- Contains irritant sap
- Perfect for small gardens
- Attracts bees in winter
- Under-plant with cyclamen
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Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on Shrubs for your garden please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Daphne ‘Jacqueline Postill’?
A: Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ is a semi-evergreen shrub known for its stunning fragrance and beautiful clusters of pink flowers that bloom during late winter. It’s a popular choice for gardens and can also be used in containers!
Q: What type of soil does Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ prefer?
A: This lovely shrub thrives in moist but well-drained soil. It enjoys fertile ground, so ensure your garden or container has the right conditions for it to flourish!
Q: How do I propagate Daphne ‘Jacqueline Postill’?
A: You can propagate this fragrant shrub by taking cuttings when the plants are dormant. Just follow proper horticultural guidelines to increase your chances of success!
Q: Is Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ suitable for small gardens?
A: Absolutely! This shrub makes an ideal choice for small gardens. Its slow-growing nature means you won’t have to worry about it taking over your space!
Q: When can I expect flowers from this shrub?
A: Get ready for a treat! Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ typically flowers in terminal clusters during late winter, adding a splash of colour and fragrance to your garden when you need it most!
Q: How do I care for my Daphne ‘Jacqueline Postill’?
A: To keep your shrub happy, ensure it’s in a sunny spot and water it regularly, especially during dry spells. Just remember, it prefers well-drained soil, so avoid waterlogging!
Q: Can I buy Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ online?
A: Yes, you can buy Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ online at Swiftplants.com and from various garden centres.
Q: Why is my Daphne ‘Jacqueline Postill’ susceptible to issues?
A: Like all plants, this shrub can be susceptible to pests and diseases, especially if not planted in the right conditions. Ensure it has well-drained soil and is not overwatered to keep it healthy!
Q: What makes Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ special?
A: This shrub is loved for its evergreen foliage and the delightful fragrance of its tubular flowers. It’s a perfect addition to any winter border and attracts butterflies to your garden!
Q: What are the dimensions of a mature Daphne ‘Jacqueline Postill’?
A: A mature Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ typically reaches a height and spread of about 2-4 m, making it a manageable size for most gardens.