Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Daphne pontica L.

Evergreen shrub with glossy obovate leaves, to 8cm long, and paired, spidery, fragrant, yellowish-green flowers arising from the base of young shoots.  To 1.5m.  [RHSD, Hilliers’].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Although the flowers of Daphne pontica are not shewy, nor in fragrance nearly equal to that of several other species of this genus; yet the beauty of its foliage renders it well worthy of cultivation.  It was first discovered by Tournefort near the coast of the Black-Sea on hills and in woods.  It is sufficiently hardy to bear the ordinary cold of our winters; but being disposed to put forth young shoots, from which the flowers grow, early in the spring if the weather is mild, these are apt to be destroyed and the plant disfigured by the recurrence of later frosts; an inconvenience which probably might be avoided by planting it in thickets and under the shelter of trees.  [BM t.1282/1810].  Introduced to Britain in 1759.  [JD].

History at Camden Park

Macarthur requested Daphne pontica from J. Abbott of Hobart on 16th June 1846 [MP A2933-2, p.159].  This is the only record I have found and it may not have been grown in the gardens.

Notes

Published Mar 06, 2010 - 04:57 PM | Last updated Mar 06, 2010 - 05:01 PM

Figured are glossy obovate leaves and spidery yellow-green flowers.  Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.1282, 1810.

Daphne pontica L. | BM t.1282/1810 | BHL

Family Thymelaeaceae
Category
Region of origin

South eastern Europe to Asia

Synonyms
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Daphne pontica 

Confidence level high