Daphne gemmata Royal Crown: A Stunning Addition to Your Garden
Daphne Royal Crown, Spurge Laurel

Position
- Full sun to partial shade
- Sheltered position
- Ideal for well-drained areas
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -5°C (23°F)
- Needs winter protection in exposed sites
- More reliable in southern UK
Soil Type
- Well-drained soil essential
- Humus-rich soil preferred
- Best in neutral to slightly alkaline pH
- Cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions
Soil PH
- Best in neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Height
- Height: 60-75cm
- Spread: 60-75cm
- Compact, mounded habit
Seasons of Interest
- Deciduous shrub with smooth, bright green oval leaves
- Fragrant, butter-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers appear from May to June
- Bright red berries follow the flowers in autumn
- Year-round interest from foliage and fruit
Additional Notes
- Compact and bushy growth makes it suitable for small gardens or borders
- Toxic if ingested; can cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when handling
- Good for planting near paths to enjoy the fragrance of the flowers
- Best planted in spring
- Drought tolerant once established
- Avoid waterlogged conditions
- May need pruning to maintain shape after flowering
- Good companion plant for other sun-loving perennials
- Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent disease
Daphne gemmata Royal Crown
The Daphne gemmata Royal Crown is a captivating, compact shrub, perfect for adding a touch of winter interest to your garden. This guide will help you understand this beautiful plant, from planting and care to delivery and even how to leave a review. It’s worth reading because it covers everything you need to know to successfully cultivate this unique shrub.
What is Daphne gemmata Royal Crown?
The Daphne Royal Crown is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. These fragrant blooms are followed by bright red berries in autumn, adding a beautiful contrast of colour to your garden throughout the year. This slow-growing flowering period makes it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or containers. The compact habit of the Daphne gemmata Royal Crown makes it perfect for a patio or entrance, allowing you to take full advantage of its flowers’ rich perfume. The shrub is borderline hardy, thriving in a temperature range between -5°C and 15°C (23°F and 59°F).
Where Can I Buy Daphne gemmata Royal Crown?
You can buy spurge laurel Daphne gemmata Royal Crown at some garden centres or online. Many online retailers offer this beautiful plant including Amazon but fewer garden centres stock it.
How Do I Care for My Daphne gemmata Royal Crown?
This rounded shrub prefers sun or part shade and well-drained, moderately fertile soil rich in humus. While it’s relatively hardy, it’s susceptible to die-back, so ensure you provide sufficient shelter. Watering is necessary after flowering to encourage healthy growth. The bright green, oval leaves are attractive, providing lovely foliage throughout the year, even turning colour in autumn. The unusual shape of this plant makes it an excellent addition to any garden setting.
What Soil and Sunlight Conditions Does Daphne gemmata Royal Crown Need?
The Daphne Royal Crown thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It does particularly well in humus-rich soil, ensuring the plant has the nutrients it needs to produce its abundant fragrant flowers and bright red berries. The plant prefers a position in sun or part shade, offering protection from harsh midday sun. Planting in a sheltered location will also help to protect it during the colder months.
How Tall Does Daphne gemmata Royal Crown Grow?
The Daphne Royal Crown is a compact shrub, typically reaching a height of around 75cm. Its compact habit and relatively slow-growing nature makes it suitable for smaller gardens or containers, adding a colourful touch without overwhelming the space.
What are the Flowers and Berries Like?
The Daphne gemmata Royal Crown produces clusters of fragrant, tubular yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. These are followed by bright red berries in autumn. These bright red berries add a striking contrast to the garden’s autumnal colours. Remember, the plant produces fragrant flowers which provide a lovely scent for the garden.
When Should I Prune My Daphne gemmata Royal Crown?
Pruning is generally not necessary unless you want to maintain a specific shape or remove any dead or damaged branches. Ideally, do this after flowering.
Is Daphne gemmata Royal Crown Susceptible to Any Diseases or Pests?
While the Daphne Royal Crown is generally hardy, it can be susceptible to die-back, especially in poorly drained soil or during harsh winters. Ensure your soil is well-drained and that the plant receives adequate shelter. Keep an eye out for pests and treat any infestations promptly. Good garden care will help prevent this problem.
Key Points to Remember:
- Prefers sun or part shade
- Needs well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Produces fragrant yellow flowers and bright red berries
- Generally compact in size
- Borderline hardy, thriving in moderate temperatures
Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on Shrubs for your garden please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Spurge Laurel Daphne gemmata ‘Royal Crown’?
A: Spurge Laurel Daphne ‘Royal Crown’ is a stunning shrub renowned for its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers. It truly stands out in any garden!
Q: Does the Spurge Laurel need special care?
A: Not particularly! It’s quite hardy and easy to care for. Just ensure you plant it in well-drained soil, and it will thrive!
Q: Where can I find more information about cultivation?
A: You can visit the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) website for the latest tips on cultivating and caring for your Spurge Laurel. It’s an excellent resource!
Q: Is the Spurge Laurel deciduous?
A: Yes, the shrub is deciduous, meaning it will lose its leaves in autumn, but it will return beautifully in spring!