Some call it The Double Pheasant’s Eye — N. Daphne!

Wild poetici are always dropping seeds, which is how they spread. Most of the time, the resulting plants look like the parents. But occasionally, variations happen (Barr 349). And sometimes — a double pops up (De Mol 41, Moncure 73)! Double poets are collectively named N. poeticus ‘Plenus’, and there have been several selections over the years, including Albus Plenus Odoratus and Tamar Double White. Daphne is another, and might be the best found to date — more than a century ago! The seed dropped from N. poeticus var. “Ornatus”.

The first flower was noticed in 1908, by Mr. F. Culpin, of Spalding, England. It was discovered among bunches of forced ornatus blossoms in preparation for the London market. Mr. Culpin instantly recognized its value, but there was a problem — the flowers had already been cut!

Incessant in his quest, he planted the entirety of the forced stock back into the field. After two years of waiting, this fair beauty was located at last, and a new cultivar was born (Bowles 188).

Daphne is a must-have for historic collectors. The plant is similar to ornatus, but does not reproduce as quickly.

It’s one of the best white doubles… with a spectacular history!