Plant Database

Description:

One of the most exciting finds to come along in quite a while, the foliage of this eyecatching shrub has some of the most pronounced variegation of any shrub, with narrow green margins around creamy centers; early spring flowers are potently fragrant

Ornamental Features

Briggs Moonlight Daphne features showy clusters of fragrant white tubular flowers at the ends of the branches in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive pink flower buds. It has attractive green-variegated creamy white foliage which emerges buttery yellow in spring. The narrow leaves are highly ornamental and remain creamy white throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Briggs Moonlight Daphne is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should never be pruned except to remove any dieback, as it tends not to take pruning well. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Disease

Briggs Moonlight Daphne is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Briggs Moonlight Daphne will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub should be grown in a location with partial shade or which is shaded from the hot afternoon sun. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in clay soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.