The Daphne: A Finicky But Fragrant Shrub for Utah Gardens

The KSL Greenhouse Show hosts share tips on growing the Carol Macknie Daphne in Utah's climate.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Carol Macknie Daphne is a popular but finicky shrub known for its beautiful variegated foliage and intoxicating fragrance. On a recent episode of The KSL Greenhouse Show, hosts Taun Beddes and Maria Shilaos discussed the care requirements for growing this plant successfully in Utah, including the need for afternoon shade, well-drained soil, and careful pruning to maintain its shape.

Why it matters

Daphnes have a reputation for being challenging to grow, but their stunning appearance and lovely scent make them a desirable addition to many Utah gardens. By sharing expert advice on their cultivation, the KSL Greenhouse Show is helping local gardeners overcome the obstacles and enjoy the rewards of growing this finicky yet rewarding shrub.

The details

The Carol Macknie Daphne, a hybrid of the Burkwood Daphne, requires specific growing conditions to thrive in Utah's climate. It needs afternoon shade, especially in the winter, and well-drained soil that is protected from freezing. Proper pruning is also essential, with gardeners advised to remove 20-25% of the oldest, leggiest branches each year through a technique called "renewal pruning." Over-fertilization can reduce the plant's flowering, so light spring feedings are recommended once it is established.

  • The Carol Macknie Daphne blooms for an extended period in the spring, filling the air with its intoxicating fragrance.

The players

Taun Beddes

Co-host of The KSL Greenhouse Show and expert on growing plants in Utah's climate.

Maria Shilaos

Co-host of The KSL Greenhouse Show and avid gardener who grows the Carol Macknie Daphne in her own yard.

Carol Macknie

The gardener who discovered the chance branch sport that led to the creation of the Carol Macknie Daphne cultivar.

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What they’re saying

“The fragrance is something you need to experience, because it is so pleasant. If you have three or four of them, it can actually make your whole yard in the spring smell really nice.”

— Taun Beddes, Co-host, The KSL Greenhouse Show (KSL NewsRadio)

“If you don't do that, it can kind of take over the area. Then you think, oh, I'm going to prune it back severely. And it does not like that ... I let it get out of control, and then I tried to cut it back, and it was a terrible plan.”

— Maria Shilaos, Co-host, The KSL Greenhouse Show (KSL NewsRadio)

What’s next

The KSL Greenhouse Show hosts recommend that gardeners interested in growing the Carol Macknie Daphne should plan to plant it once they have settled into a permanent home, as the shrub does not like to be transplanted.

The takeaway

While the Carol Macknie Daphne can be a challenging plant to grow, its stunning appearance and heavenly fragrance make it a worthwhile addition to many Utah gardens. By following the expert advice shared on The KSL Greenhouse Show, local gardeners can overcome the shrub's finicky nature and enjoy its rewards for years to come.