Winter Daphne

About this plant

Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie' is a celebrated semi-evergreen shrub, cherished for its exquisite fragrance and distinctive foliage. Its narrow, oval leaves are edged with a creamy-yellow margin, providing year-round visual interest even when not in bloom. This compact shrub is an ideal choice for adding sofistication and scent to smaller gardens, foundation plantings, or mixed borders. In late winter to early spring, 'Carol Mackie' truly shines, producing an abundance of small, pale pink flowers that open from reddish buds. These blooms release a powerful, sweet perfume that can perfume an entire area, making it a garden standout during a time when most plants are still dormant. Its intoxicating fragrance is a welcome sign that spring is on its way. Performing best in well-drained soil and partial shade, this Daphne cultivar is relatively low-maintenance once established. Its refined growth habit and captivating scent make it a prized addition to any discerning garden, offering beauty and aroma through multiple seasons.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Avoid heavy clay. Mulch annually to maintain soil moisture and temperature. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape; avoid heavy pruning. Protect from harsh winter winds.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.