Plants - Daphne odora

Daphne odora

I wish I could describe the smell of winter daphne (Daphne odora).  It has the most intoxicating smell of any plant I know. It's an early bloomer and is such a welcome harbinger of spring. Especially after a long,  cold, gray winter.  When it's in full bloom, the entire yard is filled with a spicy fragrance that's indescribable.  We originally planted two Daphne on each side of a small seating area where people can sit and enjoy its amazing fragrance.  

Daphne odora

I had heard that Daphne is hard to grow. However up until a year ago, we've had no problems.  Then one of the Daphne mysteriously died so I'm thinking there may be some truth to that now.