Daphne bholua Jacqueline Postill

Daphne Jacqueline Postill

'Jacqueline Postill' is an outstanding form of the species Daphne bholua and brings a splash of cheerful colour to the garden in winter.

It has an upright habit and should reach a mature height of up to 2.5m in the longer term, and a spread of up to 1m.

The highly-scented purple-pink flowers appear in late January or February - sometimes earlier in mild winters. They are long-lasting.

The leaves are evergreen or semi-evergreen, and are long, pointed and broadly lance-shaped.

Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill' was raised by Alan Postill from a seedling of Daphne bholua 'Gurkhal' from the famous Hillier Arboretum in Hampshire England, and named after his wife.

How to grow

Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill' will grow in most good quality soils.

Being relatively slow-growing it is useful for smaller gardens.

Although this species originates from the Himalayas and is cold hardy, it will do best planted in a sheltered position.

Keep pruning to a minimum.

Note that the small colourful black berries formed after the flowers are over are toxic to humans.

Jacqueline Postill characteristics

Using

  • Garden type: Woodland garden

Growing

  • Flowering time: Winter
  • Attractive features: Scented flowers Winter colour
  • Gardening skill: Experienced
  • Flowering duration: Long
  • Height after 10 years: 1.5m-2.5m / 5ft-8ft
  • Growth rate: Slow
  • Growth habit: Upright
  • Spread after 10 years: Less than 1m / 3ft
  • Soil tolerance: Sheltered site Free-draining site
  • Light requirement: Tolerates shade
  • Pruning: Do not prune
  • Sex of plant: Hermaphrodite

Problems

  • Disease resistance: Good

Climate

  • Cold-hardiness: Cold-hardy
  • Cold hardiness (RHS): H4 (to -10C)
  • Cold hardiness (USDA): Zone 9 (-7C)

Identification

  • Country of origin: United Kingdom
  • Period of origin: 1950 - 1999
  • Flower colour: Pink
  • Leaf colour: Green
  • Annual cycle: Evergreen
  • Awards: RHS AGM (current)