Daphne odora
Evergreen shrub with highly scented pink flowers from China
Daphne odora is an evergreen shrub valued for its sweet-scented, tubular pink blossoms and glossy leaves. Native to China, it is now also grown in Japan and Korea, often enjoyed in gardens for its fragrance in late winter. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
- Native to China, now grown in Japan and Korea
- Strongly fragrant pink flowers bloom in winter
- All parts of the plant are poisonous
- Glossy evergreen leaves, sometimes edged in yellow
- Short-lived, usually 8–10 years
What does Daphne odora look like?
Daphne odora is a low, bushy evergreen shrub with shiny, dark green leaves. Its flowers are small, tubular, and cluster at the tips of the branches. The blooms are usually pale pink, sometimes white or deep pink, and are known for their intense, sweet scent. After flowering, the plant may produce small red berries, though this is uncommon. The leaves are leathery and sometimes edged in yellow in certain varieties.
Where does Daphne odora come from?
This species comes from China, with Guangdong as a noted region of origin. Over time, it was introduced to gardens in Japan and Korea, where it became popular for its winter fragrance. The plant's name, odora, highlights its scent. In Korea, it is called 'chullihyang', meaning 'thousand-mile fragrance', and in Japan, it is known as 'jinchōge'.
When and how Daphne odora blooms
Daphne odora blooms in late winter, preferring fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. It can grow in sun or partial shade and tolerates cold down to about −10°C. The shrub is not long-lived, lasting around eight to ten years. It is usually propagated from semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer, as it does not transplant well.
How Daphne odora is used
Gardeners grow Daphne odora mainly for its strong, pleasant scent during the colder months. It is often planted near paths or doorways so the fragrance can be enjoyed. In Korea and Japan, it is appreciated for its beauty and aroma, and sometimes features in poetry and local symbolism. All parts of the plant are poisonous and should not be ingested.
Kinds of Daphne odora
There are several forms and cultivars. One has pink and white flowers, while another has deeper pink blooms with less scent. The 'Aureomarginata' variety is known for its yellow-edged leaves and is considered more robust and easier to grow than the plain-leaved types.
What Daphne odora means
Daphne odora is admired for its winter flowers and strong scent, inspiring poetic names in East Asia. In Korea, its nickname refers to a fragrance that travels far. In Japan, it is a familiar garden plant. Its toxicity is well known, so it is grown for ornamental purposes only.
Questions people ask about Daphne odora
Where does Daphne odora come from?
Daphne odora is native to China, especially the Guangdong region, and has spread to gardens in Japan and Korea.
What does Daphne odora look and smell like?
It is a low evergreen shrub with shiny leaves and clusters of tubular pink or white flowers. The scent is very strong and sweet, especially in winter.
Is Daphne odora poisonous?
Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic to humans and many animals. Some people may also get skin irritation from its sap.
How long does Daphne odora live?
It usually lives for about eight to ten years, which is shorter than many other shrubs.
Are there different varieties of Daphne odora?
Yes, there are forms with pink and white flowers, deeper pink blooms with less scent, and a yellow-edged leaf type called 'Aureomarginata'.
Good reading and sources
- Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
- Poison Plant IllustrationsAustralian National Botanic Gardens, Article
- Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' (v) | gold-edged winter daphneRoyal Horticultural Society, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Daphne odora", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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