Daphne (Daphne × burkwoodii 'Somerset')
Daphne × burkwoodii 'Somerset' is a highly prized deciduous shrub famous for its intensely fragrant, creamy white to pale pink flowers in May.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ is a highly valued addition to the spring garden, renowned above all for the exceptionally sweet fragrance emanating from its May blooms. This slow-growing, densely-branched deciduous shrub presents a neat, rounded habit, making the Daphne cultivar particularly useful in refined garden settings. Gardeners prioritize this Daphne hybrid for its aesthetic beauty and powerful scent, though prospective owners must acknowledge that Daphne cultivation requires attention to detail due to its high maintenance needs.
As a hybrid derived from Daphne Cneorum and Daphne Caucasica, Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ combines desirable traits from its parentage into a compact form, typically reaching 2 to 3 feet tall but widening to 4 or 5 feet across. It offers reliable texture and structure, often retaining its bright green leaves well into the winter months, providing multi-season interest. Successful cultivation of this beautiful shrub ensures a reliable return of fragrant color when many other plants are just beginning their season.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Thymelaeaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 4-5 ft
- Bloom Time: May
- Bloom Description: Creamy white to pale pink
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: High
How to Grow
Optimal growth for Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ depends heavily on drainage and siting. Plant this Daphne hybrid in locations protected from harsh winter winds and direct, scorching afternoon sun. The ideal growing medium is moist, rich, sandy-humusy, and crucially, well-drained, maintaining a neutral soil pH.
If your native soil includes heavy clay, gardeners should seriously consider creating raised beds or planting mounds to ensure the critical drainage this plant demands. Once established, which can be a slow process for this Daphne, regular attention to moisture is necessary; never allow the soils around Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ to dry out completely. Applying a summer mulch or ground cover is highly beneficial, as this helps keep the root zone cool and conserves consistent moisture levels.
Because Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ is slow to establish and sensitive, minimize transplanting or root disturbance once sited. Pruning is generally minimal, focusing only on removing spent blooms if desired, as these shrubs typically maintain their natural, pleasing shape without heavy shaping. Treat this slow-growing shrub as a permanent resident once planted in its preferred location.
Landscape Uses
Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ excels as a specimen plant where its fragrance can be fully appreciated, such as near walkways or patios. Its relatively contained size, usually maxing out at three feet tall, makes it perfect for use in foundation plantings where larger shrubs would overwhelm the structure. While it performs well as a standout specimen, it is also intentionally used in shrub borders or integrated into woodland garden designs, provided the site replicates its need for dappled light.
Consider planting this Daphne amongst spring-flowering bulbs or ferns that appreciate similar light and moisture profiles, creating layers of texture beneath the canopy. Although categorized for use as a hedge, its naturally rounded habit means it works better as a low, informal border rather than a sharply clipped screen. Use its early, showy flowers to draw the eye toward architectural elements in the garden design.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Daphnes are well known for their intensely fragrant flowers. This daphne hybrid is a cross between D. Cneorum and D. Caucasica. The hybrid name burkwoodii honors the brothers Albert Burkwood (1890-?) and Arthur Burkwood (1888-1951), English nurserymen and plant hybridizers. ‘Somerset’ cultivar is a slow-growing, densely-branched, deciduous shrub which typically grows 2-3’ (less frequently to 4’) tall with a rounded, mounding habit. Features clusters of extremely fragrant, creamy white to pale blush-pink flowers in late spring which are followed by tiny red drupes (1/3” wide) in fall.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
The high maintenance level associated with Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ primarily stems from its intolerance for poor drainage and root disturbance. The single most common issue leading to failure is root rot caused by waterlogged soil. Prevention centers entirely on selecting or amending the site to ensure sharp drainage; standing water or perpetually soggy conditions will quickly spell disaster for this Daphne.
Furthermore, avoid digging or disturbing the soil near established plants, as Daphnes are notoriously sensitive to having their roots touched once they have begun to settle in. While specific pest or disease pressure is not detailed, general preventative care involves ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering that keeps foliage wet, which can invite fungal issues common to shrubs sited in overly dense conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ suitable for?
This specific Daphne hybrid is rated for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. Ensure your planting location falls within this range for best results.
How large does Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ grow?
It is a moderate-sized shrub, typically maturing to a height between 2 and 3 feet and spreading outwards to achieve a width of 4 to 5 feet.
What sun exposure does Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ need?
Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ thrives best when situated in part shade, requiring protection from intense, full sun exposure.
When does Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ bloom?
This plant bursts into bloom during May, offering masses of creamy white to pale pink, showy, and fragrant flowers.
Conclusion
Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ offers exceptional fragrance and elegant structure, making it a worthy inclusion in any discerning gardener’s collection despite its demanding care requirements. The reward for precise placement and diligent moisture management is the incredible perfume delivered by this exceptional Daphne hybrid each spring. Before planting, verify your soil structure is well-draining and that you can offer the protected, part-shade spot this beautiful shrub requires for long-term success.
Companion Planting
To create a beautiful, low-maintenance scene around your Daphne, prioritize companions that share similar needs for dappled light and consistent moisture without being overly competitive. Consider planting shade-tolerant perennials like Hosta or Astilbe near the base; their varied foliage textures contrast nicely with the fine leaves of the Daphne. Acid-loving evergreens, such as dwarf Rhododendrons or Camellias, can serve as excellent backdrop plantings, offering structure during winter when the Daphne is leafless.
Ensure that any companion planting avoids aggressive root systems that might compete vigorously with the Daphne’s sensitive roots. Also, avoid using dense ground covers immediately surrounding the base, as the cultural notes advise benefiting from summer mulch; any ground cover should be sparse or low-growing enough to allow for easy monitoring of soil conditions near the trunk of the Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Somerset’.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Early Spring (Pre-Bloom): This is the crucial time to ensure the summer mulch layer is fresh and adequately thick, helping keep the roots cool before temperatures rise. Perform a very light cleanup, removing any heavy debris but being cautious around the crown of the Daphne.
Late Spring/Early Summer (Post-Bloom): Water deeply and immediately if signs of drought appear, remembering that Daphne soils should never fully dry out. If necessary, this short window after flowering is the safest time for any corrective pruning, focusing only on aesthetic shaping, as heavy pruning later can remove next year’s flower buds.
Fall/Winter: Protect the shrub from harsh winter winds, which can desiccate the evergreen foliage. Do not allow soil moisture to drop too low before the ground freezes, and ensure deciduous leaves that fall around the base of the Daphne are gently removed to promote good air circulation around the crown during dormancy.
