March, 2012 ~ Daphne Odora at Kenmore

Daphne odora is among the earliest of the spring-blooming shrubs at Kenmore and is a favorite of guests, not as much for the appearance of its flowers as for its delightful aroma. There are several daphnes in the garden at the rear of the Visitor Center and many guests are curious to know what smells so wonderful as they walk by on their way to tour the mansion in early spring.

Daphne odora (also known as Winter daphne) is not a Virginia native. It was first documented in China over 1,000 years ago and was introduced to England in the late1700s.