Carol Mackie Daphne

Create a scentual oasis in the back yard

Even today, my garden has an original peony taken from my parents’ home more than 40 years ago. Peonies can last forever, as evidenced by the peony growing in my family’s garden when they purchased their home in 1941 and still growing today. And, after all these years, the lilac still grows in the corner of the front yard, which now is enjoyed by my niece and her young family.

When contemplating a new addition to the garden, give some thought to whether the plant will appeal to the sense of smell. If fragrance is a goal, there are some guidelines to be considered. With some careful planning, the home gardener can provide pleasant aromas in the garden from the last frost in early spring to the first frost of autumn.

Some perennials, like hyacinths, will appear in early spring; some, such as lily of the valley a bit later and still others, like Hosta Plantaginea, will bloom in summer. Since they bloom at different times of the year, they’ll never compete with each other.

With fragrant plants that bloom during the same period, it’s a good idea to spread them throughout the garden. For the strongest impact, include a grouping of the same plant in a large clump.

CHECK FOR SCENT

If you are purchasing from a local nursery, check for fragrance on the label, or take a “smell test” if the plant already is in bloom. If purchasing from a catalog, read carefully to determine whether the particular variety you’re considering is noted for its fragrance.

In my garden I anxiously awaith the fragrant blossoms of my Daphne cneorum “Eximia,” a small shrub with bright pink flowers, as a welcome sign of the new season in early spring. Daphne burkwoodii “Carol Mackie” is another great, sweet-smelling shrub, only this variety has pale pink blossoms and small green leaves with yellow margins.

Phlox divaricata, or woodland phlox, a lover of partial shade, is another wonderful, sweet-smelling spring perennial, one I would always want to include in my garden. When it comes to fragrance, the summer perennial phlox is in a class by itself. As long as it is deadheaded, fed and watered, this reliable plant will bloom all summer and into the fall.

A Moodscapes Favorite: Daphne Carol Mackie Shrub

This popular semievergreen shrub ranges in size from 3-5 ft wide and tall and very easy to grow in marginally fertile soils. Ideal for beds, borders and foundation plantings.

Its a great plant to monitor and watch as it changes with the seasons.

For detailed information on plant care (water, light, soil, etc) for the Daphne Carol Mackie Shrub visit BackyardGardener.

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