Carol Mackie Daphne | Variegated Fragrant Spring Shrub

Carol Mackie Daphne

6 Gallon

$159.90

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Carol Mackie Daphne

Daphne burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie'

A cold-hardy, compact daphne with intensely fragrant spring blooms and creamy-edged foliage.

$159.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Carol Mackie Daphne is a beloved, award-winning hybrid shrub cherished for its intensely fragrant spring flowers and beautiful, variegated foliage. This compact, rounded shrub produces an abundance of small, star-shaped, pale pink to white blossoms in late spring, each emitting a powerful, sweet, citrusy fragrance that perfumes the garden . The small, narrow leaves are a handsome blue-green with a distinctive, creamy-yellow to white margin, providing bright, year-round interest. One of the hardier and more reliable daphnes, 'Carol Mackie' is a popular choice for adding fragrance, color, and refined structure to sunny borders, foundation plantings, and mixed beds.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Small, narrow, oval leaves in blue-green with a distinct, creamy-yellow to white margin (semi-evergreen); clusters of small, star-shaped, pale pink to white flowers in late spring; intensely sweet, citrus-like fragrance .
Mature Height: 3 ft
Mature Spread: 4 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-8
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial sun (best flowering and foliage color in sun)
Core Benefits: Intensely fragrant spring blooms, attractive variegated foliage, compact rounded form, cold hardy, deer resistant, attracts pollinators .
Best Uses: Foundation plantings, shrub borders, mixed beds, rock gardens, near entryways and patios, containers .

Q: How strong is the fragrance, and when does it bloom?
A: The fragrance is intensely sweet and powerful, often described as citrus-like. It can perfume a large area of the garden . The main bloom period is in late spring (typically May), providing a spectacular sensory display .

Q: What are the keys to keeping Carol Mackie Daphne healthy?
A: Daphnes are known for being particular. The three most critical requirements are: 1) Excellent drainage – they absolutely cannot tolerate wet feet or heavy clay soils. 2) Cool roots – mulch to keep roots cool and moist. 3) Minimal disturbance – daphnes resent being transplanted or having their roots disturbed . Once established, leave them be.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best foliage color?
A: The creamy-yellow leaf margins are most pronounced in full sun to partial sun. In too much shade, the variegation may fade, and the plant may become leggy. However, in very hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial .

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, daphnes are generally not favored by deer due to the toxicity of all parts of the plant . This makes them a reliable choice in gardens with deer pressure.

Q: Is it toxic to pets or humans?
A: Yes, all parts of the daphne plant are highly toxic if ingested . The sap can also be a skin irritant. This toxicity is a key reason it is deer-resistant but also requires caution around pets and children .