Some Perennials, like Daphne, Should be Called Decadennials

Q: I have enjoyed and looked forward to my daphne blooming in the spring. It has such a sweet fragrance. This winter it lost all its leaves, but I thought it would rejuvenate. So far no sign of growth. Should I replace it? I loved it for over 10 years.

A: Despite following all of the recommendations for care, I only got 10 years out of my daphne, too. In my experience, that seems about average for most people. Still, you enjoyed yours for over 10 years.

I think we should have a name for plants that are not exactly annuals and not exactly perennials. I nominate daphne to be a “decadennial.” I think black-eyed Susan could also be a candidate. Landscaper Bruce Holiday nominates lavender; he usually replaces it after a few years. Garden designer Erica Glasener says that coneflower doesn’t does not persist more than five years in her garden.

If you like, replace your daphne with another daphne, but I replaced my daphne planting three times with no success. Consider planting one of the smaller Hamamelis (witch hazel). If you temper your dreams with reality, you can have a great looking garden that will naturally change over time.

The sweet fragrance of a daphne cannot be ignored but the plant can be finicky.

black-eyed Susan

witchhazel

Audrey Gilmore

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