Is Burkwood daphne good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Burkwood daphne is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Burkwood daphne?

Space Burkwood daphne about 5 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Burkwood daphne hardy on the Front Range?

Burkwood daphne is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Burkwood daphne need?

It needs medium water once established.

How fast does Burkwood daphne grow?

Burkwood daphne is a slow-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

Is Burkwood daphne native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

How long does Burkwood daphne bloom?

Burkwood daphne blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Burkwood daphne

Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie'

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Burkwood daphne (Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie') is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide, slow-growing, needs medium water, and prefers partial shade. Very particular about drainage and protected siting, fails in heavy clay or exposed locations. Daphnes are also famously short-lived (5 to 8 years) and can die suddenly without obvious cause. Worth the effort where conditions suit.

On the CSU listmedium water3 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide

Photos

Photo 1: "Daphne x burkwoodii Carol Mackie 3zz" by Photo by David J. Stang is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
Photo 2: "Daphne x burkwoodii 'Astrid'" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 3: "Daphne x burkwoodii Carol Mackie 1zz" by Photo by David J. Stang is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
Photo 4: (c) Meneerke bloem, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Photo 5: "Daphne x burkwoodii Carol Mackie 0zz" by Photo by David J. Stang is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
Photo 6: "Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie'" by nordique is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 8
Water needs: medium water
Sun: Best in partial shade.
Soil: loam, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Hail tolerance: low
Wind tolerance: low
Salt tolerance: low
Site uses: Cool north foundations

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 3 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~5 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Slow

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring
Bloom color: pink, white
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: moderate
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Frequently asked questions

Is Burkwood daphne good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Burkwood daphne is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Burkwood daphne get?: It matures to about 3 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Burkwood daphne?: Space Burkwood daphne about 5 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Burkwood daphne hardy on the Front Range?: Burkwood daphne is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Burkwood daphne need?: It needs medium water once established.
How fast does Burkwood daphne grow?: Burkwood daphne is a slow-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Burkwood daphne native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
How long does Burkwood daphne bloom?: Burkwood daphne blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.