Daphne 'Carol Mackie'

Daphne ‘Carol Mackie’ (Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’). Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ is an elegant and highly sought-after ornamental shrub known for its luminous variegated foliage and intensely fragrant spring blooms. It forms a rounded, dense, and well-structured habit, ideal for refined beds, borders, and plantings near pathways where its fragrance can be fully appreciated. Its evergreen to semi-evergreen gray-green foliage with creamy yellow margins brightens the garden year-round. In spring, it is covered with clusters of pale pink to deep pink flowers, delicately scented, providing an exceptional sensory touch.

To plant Daphne ‘Carol Mackie’, choose a suitable exposure: full sun to partial shade. The recommended soil is well-drained, light, and slightly alkaline to neutral. Water the root ball before planting and ensure that water can drain after planting. During establishment, check the soil moisture by hand before watering again. Spread mulch around the base, leaving the collar clear. Avoid systematic fertilizer applications without considering the soil's richness. In Quebec, choose a period when the ground is thawed and easy to work with.

Allow for a width of 1–1.2 m (3–4 ft) when planning this plant's placement in the garden. The indicated height of 1–1.2 m (3–4 ft) helps determine its position relative to neighboring plants. Maintain access to the base for weeding, checking moisture, and removing damaged parts. Pair this variety with plants that have compatible light and water needs. If considering a container, first check that its volume and drainage are suitable for root development. Roots in pots are more exposed to cold than those planted in the ground.