Pacific Northwest Gardening: Daphne "Summer Ice", 1 by TroyY

TroyY wrote:
Brier- the Daphne 'Summer Ice' is a very long blooming and beautiful plant with a moderate growth rate. It is also very cold hardy (for your area) and will usually bloom occasially throughout the winter in the PNW! If the plants you are interested in purchasing have been in a heated greenhouse it would be good to wait untill any hard freezes are over. It they our acclimated to the outside temps then planting now shouldn't pose a problem.

This Daphne is a deep rooting variety and can't handle being dried out, especially in summer. For this reason, I would recommend getting planted in the ground as early in the year as safely possible so that roots have a chance to establish themselves before summer. Also, be sure to provide well drained but MOIST soil throughout the year with some light but frequent waterings in summer and as needed.

The 'Summer Ice' will also grow more rounded shaped in higher amounts of sun with slower growth and possible heavier flowering. With more shade, it will probably grow more upright in a vase shape with slightly less flowering and deeper green color to the foliage. I have some growing in both locations and they have done very well in each condition and look great.

I would also recommend planting the plants you purchase right away instead of keeping in containers as the watering can be tricky to get right on containers over a long period of time. If left in containers, don't overwater or let dry out. Good luck with your planting and enjoy!