Daphne

Other things are starting to bloom outside in addition to the early bulbs. This is Daphne mezereum 'Alba'. Also called Winter Daphne or February Daphne. It is a small to medium sized shrub and starts blooming in late February or early March. The flowers are pure white (the species has smaller purple ones) and are highly and deliciously scented. This is our second attempt at it. We had both forms in another part of the garden, but they got some sort of virus and died, so we've put one of each at Lake Amanda and they have done quite well there. This picture was taken as the blooms were just starting. It is much more covered with bloom now.

This is a daphne that we have been growing in the greenhouse for the last 2 years. It is theoretically hardy here, but we wanted it to get a little bigger here before we subjected it to our winter weather. It is very hardy in zone 7 as are a lot of things we grow here, but we always like to give them some special attention in the beginning and put them in sheltered spots once they do go outside. The one's name, almost forgot to add it, is Daphne odora 'Zuiko Nishiki'. It also has a heavenly scent and does seem to cover itself in bloom several times a year.

This last one is Daphne burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie' and is readily available through catalogs and garden centers, much moreso than the others. It makes a small shrub and is showy all season with the variegated leaves. The flowers are like the ones in the first picture, small and white and highly scented. We need to replace this bush since it was, unfortunately, done in by an ice storm - just weighed the branches down so much that they broke. It never recovered from the trauma though we though it might.
The sun is shining so I'm off to the garden. First time we've seen more than a peek of sun for many days. It is a welcome sight.
Jane