Daphne × transatlantica 'Summer Ice' – A Striking Shrub with Year-Round Appeal and Fragrance
Daphne × transatlantica 'Summer Ice' is a remarkable evergreen shrub that combines beauty, fragrance, and resilience. Known for its unique variegated foliage and extended flowering period, 'Summer Ice' brings a touch of elegance to any garden. With its compact growth habit, creamy white to soft pink blooms, and glossy foliage, this plant is ideal for adding year-round interest, fragrance, and structure to borders, containers, or foundation plantings.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring to Summer: 'Summer Ice' begins its blooming season in late spring, producing clusters of fragrant, pale pink to white flowers that continue into the summer months. The flowers, which have a sweet citrus-like fragrance, are a delight to the senses, filling the garden with their scent during the warmer months.
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Autumn: The flowers may linger into autumn, providing a secondary burst of fragrance and color before the plant settles into its quieter winter months.
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Winter: The plant's glossy, variegated green and cream foliage provides a lively backdrop throughout the winter, ensuring the garden maintains structure and interest even during colder months.
Structure & Form
Daphne × transatlantica 'Summer Ice' grows to a compact size, typically reaching 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) in height and spread. Its upright, bushy form creates a neat, tidy appearance, and the striking variegated foliage adds a unique visual contrast to other plants. The sweet-scented flowers emerge from the dense foliage, making them all the more striking and aromatic.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Fragrance Gardens: 'Summer Ice' is an excellent choice for fragrance-focused gardens, where its aromatic flowers can fill the air with their sweet perfume. It can be planted near patios, walkways, or entrances to maximize the fragrance.
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Foundation Plantings: This compact shrub works well in foundation plantings, adding a refined, evergreen element next to homes and buildings. Its variegated leaves bring color and texture, while its fragrance creates a welcoming atmosphere.
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Mixed Borders: In mixed borders, 'Summer Ice' can be paired with other shrubs, perennials, or grasses to provide year-round interest. The variegated foliage contrasts beautifully with other plants, and the flowers bring a soft pop of color.
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Containers & Small Gardens: Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for containers, allowing gardeners with limited space to enjoy its fragrance and ornamental appeal. It’s also well-suited for smaller gardens, where it can act as a standout focal point.
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Wildlife Gardens: The fragrant flowers of 'Summer Ice' attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Daphne 'Summer Ice' thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best flowering performance and fragrance, plant it in a location where it receives plenty of sunlight during the growing season. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help protect it from the intense sun.
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Soil: This plant prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soil. It dislikes heavy, waterlogged soils, so ensure good drainage, particularly during wet periods.
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Hardiness: Hardy, 'Summer Ice' can tolerate cold temperatures but should be protected from freezing winds and frost in colder climates. It also performs well in milder climates, where it remains evergreen and provides year-round appeal.
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Maintenance: Daphne × transatlantica 'Summer Ice' is a low-maintenance shrub. It benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as it may reduce the number of flowers in the following season.
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Watering: This plant prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate some drought once established. During dry spells, ensure the soil stays moderately moist but never waterlogged.
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Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and flowering. Over-fertilizing should be avoided, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
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Winter Care: Daphne 'Summer Ice' is evergreen in mild climates, providing visual interest through the winter months. In colder climates, it can benefit from a layer of mulch around the base to protect its roots from extreme temperatures.
Why Choose Daphne × transatlantica 'Summer Ice'?
Daphne × transatlantica 'Summer Ice' is a beautiful and versatile shrub that brings fragrance, color, and structure to the garden. Its compact size, variegated foliage, and long-lasting blooms make it perfect for small gardens, container plantings, or borders. The extended blooming period and intoxicating fragrance offer year-round appeal, while its evergreen foliage provides valuable texture throughout the year. Whether you are looking to enhance a fragrance garden or add a unique, aromatic plant to your landscape, 'Summer Ice' is a fantastic choice.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Fragrant Plants: Combine with other fragrant plants such as Lavender, Roses, or Clematis for a garden filled with delightful scents.
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Perennials: Pair with perennials like Geraniums, Heuchera, or Echinacea for a balanced display of contrasting textures and colors.
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Evergreens: Plant alongside evergreen shrubs like Boxwood or Yew to add structure to the garden year-round.
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Small Trees: Pair with small ornamental trees like Japanese Maples for a layered look with seasonal interest.
Conclusion
Daphne × transatlantica 'Summer Ice' is a striking, fragrant shrub that enhances gardens with its extended blooming season and elegant variegated foliage. Compact in size but bold in fragrance, it is a standout plant that fits perfectly in a variety of garden settings. Whether planted in a border, container, or as a focal point, 'Summer Ice' offers beauty, fragrance, and year-round interest, making it a must-have for any garden looking to incorporate fragrance and visual appeal throughout the year.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
