Daphne x transatlantica 'Summer Ice'

The foliage emerges in spring already edged in frosty white. Long, pointed, and gray-green, the leaves have a formal appearance, each neatly outlined. Mid-spring brings the arrival of the heaviest flush of blooms, each cluster offering many starry little flowers of white to palest pink. They look so delicate, but their sweet fragrance is powerful and pervasive, an absolute pleasure for the spring garden.

The variegation continues through summer even in warm climates, and the blooms reappear several times, then again more heavily in autumn. In some areas they are present from April through November! The foliage is similarly persistent -- though it drops for winter in northern climates, in mild and warm areas some or all of the leaves remain through winter.

'Summer Ice' is not a fast grower, and to succeed it needs excellent drainage and breathing room in the garden. Full sun is best for flowering. But it is quite adaptable to varying conditions. Once established, it is drought tolerant, and it is always unpalatable to deer. Reaching about 3 feet high and wide, it is the ideal size for the border, specimen use in a small space, or containers.

Combine 'Summer Ice' with other shrubs from Rhododendron to Hydrangea in the partly shaded garden. Zones 6-9.