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
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 |
