Daphne gemmata Royal Crown- in 9 cm Pot

Daphne gemmate are native the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan in China . Daphne gemmata Royal Crown is a species of Daphne that is rare in production. A lovely compact shrub, it is not as hardy as the more common odora species and cultivars, but given a good sunny location, with protection from harsh winter weather and most importantly, a moist but free draining soil, it will thrive for many years. Abundant, attractive clusters of small, sweetly scented, tubular, rich yellow flowers are produced during May and June. The flowers are followed by attractive, small red fruits. Leaves are evergreen to semi evergreen in cold winters, dark green and elongated. A slightly more challenging plant that requires a fertile, moist soil that is free draining, in a sunny sheltered location. These plants will not survive in wet, waterlogged soils. Daphne gemmata Royal Crown makes an excellent pot subject as long as you ensure the pot is always moist, drains freely and can be taken into a cool greenhouse or similar over winter. Well crocked unglazed clay pots, raised a centimetre or so off the ground are best, as they allow moisture and air to pass through the pot, but any well drained pot will do the job. Use a good quality John Innes compost as this plant will be there a long time and peaty types of compost eventually degrade, become too packed and choke the roots. I would recommend adding an additional approximately 20 to 30% horticultural grit added to the compost for improved drainage. Ensure you feed regularly as a hungry plant is a poor performer. We recommend Osmoscote pro 8-9 month applied in the early spring. One application gives all the nutrients the plant requires for the whole year. A lovely plant that will reward a little extra care.