Daphne (Daphne × burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie')
Daphne × burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie' is a dense, slow-growing shrub noted for fragrant spring flowers and striking variegated foliage. A challenging but rewarding Daphne.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ is highly prized by discerning gardeners for its exceptionally beautiful variegated foliage, which features striking cream-edged margins on rich, grayish-green leaves. This dense, slow-growing deciduous shrub provides interest across multiple seasons, culminating in highly fragrant clusters of pale pink blossoms in late spring. While classified as a Daphne hybrid, success with this specimen often requires careful attention to site selection and soil conditions.
This award-winning cultivar, a cross involving D. Cneorum and D. Caucasica, forms a rounded mound typically reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and slightly wider. Its combination of visual appeal and intense floral perfume makes the commitment to its cultivation worthwhile for many. Gardeners seeking reliable fragrance and unique foliage must note the specific cultural needs of Daphne.
The value of Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ lies in its unique contribution to the woodland or foundation planting, offering year-round appeal despite its reputation for being temperamental. Successfully cultivating this variety means providing the perfect balance of moisture, drainage, and protection from harsh elements.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Thymelaeaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 3-4 ft
- Bloom Time: May
- Bloom Description: Pale pink
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: High
How to Grow
The primary concern when establishing Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ is drainage. This Daphne variety demands moist, rich, sandy-humusy soil with a near-neutral pH. In areas with heavy clay, gardeners should strongly consider planting in raised beds or mounded locations to prevent waterlogging at the roots, which can quickly lead to crown rot. Planting location should also afford protection from harsh winter winds and intense afternoon sun, favoring filtered light or bright part shade.
Maintain consistent moisture; do not allow the soil around your Daphne to dry out, especially during establishment or summer heat. A cooling summer mulch or ground cover is highly recommended to help keep the root zone cool and conserve humidity. Pruning is rarely necessary for this slow-growing, neat shrub; only remove damaged or dead wood lightly.
Be patient after planting, as Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ is often slow to establish and resents being moved. Once sited successfully, avoid disturbing the root system. In colder parts of its range, ensure foliage persists well into December by protecting it from desiccation caused by winter sun and wind exposure.
Landscape Uses
Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ excels as a specimen plant where its fine texture and variegated leaves can be fully appreciated. Its small, well-defined, rounded habit makes it perfectly effective in smaller ornamental gardens that cannot accommodate larger shrubs.
Consider featuring this Daphne in woodland garden settings where dappled light mimics its preferred natural environment, or use it as an elegant accent within a mixed foundation planting. Its strong visual appeal means it pairs beautifully with solid-colored evergreens or broadleaf perennials, allowing its unique foliage to pop. Planting it where its intensely fragrant flowers can be enjoyed near a walkway or seating area is highly recommended.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Daphnes are well known for their intensely fragrant flowers, and this hybrid is no exception, offering fragrant pink clusters in late spring. ‘Carol Mackie’ is most noted for its outstanding variegated foliage, displaying oblong, grayish-green leaves with striking, cream-edged margins, often persisting late into December. This dense, slow-growing deciduous shrub typically matures to 2-3 feet tall with a neat, rounded habit.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
While nurseries often list this variety as hardy to Zone 4, plants in areas like St. Louis frequently experience significant winter injury if exposed to cold, drying winter winds or too much unmitigated sunlight. Weakened plants are prime targets for various diseases, including crown rot, canker, and leaf spots. Common insect threats include scale, aphids, and mealybugs. Gardeners must understand that Daphne plants can be unpredictable, sometimes declining suddenly without an apparent cause. The best prevention relies on excellent drainage and sheltered placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ suitable for?
Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ is generally suited for USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Daphne grow?
This specific Daphne variety typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet and spreads 3-4 feet wide when mature.
What sun exposure does Daphne need?
This deciduous shrub thrives best when placed in part shade locations, requiring protection from intense full sun.
When does Daphne bloom?
The fragrant, pale pink flowers of this Daphne appear during the month of May.
Conclusion
Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ offers exceptional aesthetic value through its fragrant spring bloom and signature variegated foliage, making it a treasured specimen plant. Due to its high maintenance needs, particularly regarding drainage and winter protection, gardeners should thoroughly evaluate their microclimate before planting. Ensure proper soil preparation and site selection to give this beautiful Daphne the best chance for long-term success.
Companion Planting for Success
Companion planting for Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ should focus on plants that share similar needs for dappled light, moisture retention, and well-drained, humus-rich soil. Consider using woodland natives like Hellebores (Lenten Rose) or Astilbe, as they thrive in part shade and prefer cool, protected roots. Groundcovers, such as Pachysandra or Ajuga, function perfectly as summer mulch, helping to keep the Daphne’s roots cool and moist without retaining excess water directly against the crown. Avoid vigorous spreading perennials near the base, as competition can stress the slow-to-establish Daphne.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For Zone 4 gardeners, spring preparation is crucial. After the danger of hard frost passes, inspect the shrub for any winter-damaged or dead twigs and prune them out immediately. In late spring (May/June), apply a shallow layer of organic mulch to conserve soil moisture throughout the hotter months—ensure the mulch material does not touch the main stem. Throughout the summer, monitor water needs closely; medium watering is necessary, but never allow the soil to become soggy. During fall, resist the urge to heavily amend or disturb the soil around the plant, allowing the Daphne to settle in preparation for winter dormancy.
