Daphne (Daphne × transatlantica 'Blafra' ETERNAL FRAGRANCE)
The Daphne × transatlantica 'Blafra' ETERNAL FRAGRANCE is a showy, fragrant broadleaf evergreen perfect for borders. Grow Daphne carefully in Zones 5-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Daphne × transatlantica ‘Blafra’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE is celebrated by gardeners for its intensely fragrant, long-blooming nature, offering white flowers from spring well into fall. This specific Daphne hybrid provides continuous aesthetic interest across the growing season, making it a highly sought-after specimen plant. As a rounded, open-branched shrub, it maintains dense, dark green foliage, though the leaves can become deciduous in colder regions.
This particular cultivar belongs to the Daphne genus, famous worldwide for its intoxicating scents. Successful cultivation of Daphne requires attention to specific soil and site conditions, marking it as a plant for the dedicated enthusiast. When sited correctly, Daphne × transatlantica ‘Blafra’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE enhances entryways or patio areas with continuous fragrance.
The value of this plant lies in its reliable seasonal rebloom and the powerful, sweet aroma emanating from its blooms. While requiring high maintenance, the reward is a compact, visually appealing shrub offering exceptional aromatic impact throughout the warmer months when most Daphnes have finished flowering.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Thymelaeaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: White with orange-yellow anthers
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: High
How to Grow
Planting Daphne × transatlantica ‘BLAFRA’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE should occur when the plant is ready, as Daphnes are often slow to establish and should not be disturbed once in place. The critical requirement for this Daphne is its soil; it absolutely demands moist, rich, sandy-humusy, well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Sharp soil drainage is essential; in areas with heavy clay, consider planting on a raised mound or bed to prevent root saturation. Site locations should be protected from harsh, cold winter winds, which can cause significant injury.
Watering management is crucial: do not allow the soil to dry out, even for established plants, as dry soil severely reduces summer bloom performance. While the Daphne has some inherent drought tolerance once established, consistent medium moisture is best. Avoid relying on heavy fertilization, as this genus generally prefers leaner conditions, and focus your care efforts primarily on soil perfection and root protection.
For winter protection, applying a generous layer of winter root mulch is highly advisable, especially in the colder reaches of its hardiness range. Once planted, leave the Daphne × transatlantica ‘BLAFRA’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE alone to acclimate; frequent transplanting or disturbance stresses the root system and can lead to decline.
Landscape Uses
The naturally compact, rounded habit of Daphne × transatlantica ‘BLAFRA’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE makes it perfectly suited for smaller garden vignettes, such as rock gardens where sharp drainage can be easily achieved. It functions excellently as an edging plant, clearly defining paths or beds, or incorporated into a small, informal hedge structure.
Because of its powerful, continuous fragrance from May through September, strategically place this Daphne near high-traffic areas. Planting near doors, decks, or patios ensures maximum sensory enjoyment of the flowers. This placement allows gardeners to fully appreciate why this specific Daphne is so highly regarded.
They perform well in the foreground of mixed perennial or shrub borders, providing textural contrast with their narrow, dark green leaves against broader foliage plants. Foundation plantings benefit from its consistent, mild evergreen structure, provided the sun exposure remains part shade.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Daphnes are renowned globally for their intensely fragrant blooms, and this hybrid is no exception. The Daphne × transatlantica ‘Blafra’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE, often marketed as ETERNAL FRAGRANCE, results from a cross between D. Caucasica and D. Collina, combining traits from both parents. This rounded shrub features richly scented white flowers starting in spring, followed by irregular, sporadic blooming on new growth throughout the summer into fall, supported by semi-glossy, narrow, dark green leaves.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Daphne × transatlantica ‘BLAFRA’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE can be unpredictable, and gardeners must be vigilant about site conditions to prevent decline. The primary concern in cooler zones is significant winter injury, especially if the plant is exposed to strong winter winds or full sun, rather than the recommended part shade. Plants stressed by winter damage become highly vulnerable to various bacterial and fungal diseases, including botrytis, leaf spots, canker, and potentially fatal crown rot.
Keep an eye out for common sucking pests such as aphids, mealy bugs, and scale, as they can weaken the plant and transmit viruses. Cultural problems are often related to drainage; any condition leading to perpetually wet feet can rapidly cause root death. Michael Dirr notes that Daphnes sometimes succumb quickly for reasons that are not immediately apparent, emphasizing the need for stable, ideal growing environments for this Daphne.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Daphne × transatlantica ‘BLAFRA’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE suitable for?
This variety is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Daphne × transatlantica ‘BLAFRA’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE grow?
This compact cultivar typically reaches a height and spread of 2 to 3 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Daphne × transatlantica ‘BLAFRA’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE need?
Daphne prefers a location offering part shade for optimal growth and protection from harsh afternoon light, particularly in warmer climates.
When does Daphne × transatlantica ‘BLAFRA’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE bloom?
It offers its signature blooms beginning in May and continuing intermittently through September, producing white flowers with orange-yellow anthers.
Conclusion
Daphne × transatlantica ‘BLAFRA’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE offers an exceptional combination of persistent fragrance and extended bloom time, providing significant value for the dedicated gardener willing to meet its high cultural standards. Successfully growing this Daphne hinges entirely on providing perfect soil structure and excellent winter protection. Before planting, rigorously assess your site conditions to ensure sharp drainage and suitable sun exposure, optimizing your chances for fragrant success.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for your Daphne, prioritize plants that share the need for sharp drainage and lean toward neutral soil pH, while also thriving in part shade settings. Avoid aggressive competitors that might disrupt the slow establishment of the Daphne. Good neighbors include low-growing, shade-tolerant perennials like Hellebores (Lenten Rose) or groundcovers such as Pachysandra, which can help maintain consistent soil moisture around the root zone without becoming water-logged.
Avoid herbaceous perennials that require heavy summer watering or deep mulch layers that might smother the Daphne’s shallow root system. Consider small, acid-neutral shrubs with contrasting foliage textures, ensuring they stay several feet away to prevent root competition and maintain air circulation around the highly prized Daphne × transatlantica ‘BLAFRA’ ETERNAL FRAGRANCE.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent error when planting this Daphne cultivar is improper soil drainage. Because it requires medium water, gardeners often mistake this for tolerance of heavy, wet soil, which inevitably leads to crown rot or root death. A second common mistake relates to sourcing and placement; placing Daphne near foundations where reflected summer heat or harsh winter wind funnels in severely increases the risk of foliage scorch or dieback.
Finally, treat any new planting lightly; disturbing the roots of Daphne after establishment is notorious for sending the plant into irreversible shock. Resist the urge to heavily prune or amend the soil immediately surrounding the base of the plant once it is established, especially in the first three years, to encourage slow, stress-free establishment.
