Daphne Oleoides

Daphne oleoides is a compact evergreen mountain shrub with short, leathery leaves resembling those of a miniature olive. Tight clusters of waxy white to pale pink, sweetly scented flowers appear among the foliage in late spring and early summer, followed by orange-red fruits. Native to rocky limestone slopes from the Mediterranean eastwards into the Himalayas, it develops a gnarled, sculptural framework and can live for many years in a crevice or alpine pot. Slow growing and difficult to transplant, it rewards a permanent site with lean soil, cool roots and excellent drainage.