I believe these are possibly Daphne Odora and have been grown by micropropagation and imported from Holland. If you have somewhere that you can overwinter them, then I would chance it and buy one as they won't be on offer too often. I think that they are best treated as a woodland plant growing in a dappled shade, and a moist, peaty but free-draining soil. They don't like being moved or too wet and not the easiest to grow but the scent is superb.

I recently planted one in a new garden bed, but of course we don't have the cold winters in my part of NZ, that you will have in England. Mine appears to be doing very well, with lots of new growth on it, & it is planted where it gets only morning sun & I water it daily. I have read that daphne can get sulky if not given the conditions it requires & that they do not like to be disturbed. When I first got mine from the GC, it was in full bloom & the fragrance was wonderful. Good luck with yours. It will be well worth the effort.

Hanging round garden centres, what are you like Meadow?
One of the nicest smelling plants ever, so I would plant as close to the door as I could so that you get to enjoy it.

I agree totally Pimpernel. We have planted ours right next to where our new deck will be built next year.

I would say yes but protection would be needed if it is a bad winter. Free draining soil.

I planted one in a shady border last autumn and it came through last winter unscathed. and we had 3ft of snow for months and -25 for a few days. I do have it in humus rich soil with some 'protection from neighburing shrubs.
it is beautiful. decide where you want it to go as they resent disturbance.

Yes I to have bought and is growing fantasic its shaded part of the time then in full sun in summer if we get it.

But one thing they do not like getting moved.

As found that out 1 year and lost 1 .

I may try to try to take a tip cutting.

Enjoy the perfume.

I have had one in a pot for the last 3 years - between our bungalow and the cottage wall next door and it does really well - no special treatment but it is sheltered in the winter. Expensive to buy but the perfume in February when it flowers is amazing.

Hi j!! just found your post..(I think I hibernate like some mammals in winter and everything passes me by!!)
I planted a (variegated) daphne in a newly cleared bed in early summer..and was so disappointed; seemed like it lost all of its lower leaves and didn't grow at all...but several months on, it seems to be acclimatising..its grown taller, and several buds have appeared - not sure yet if they are flowers - but still signs of life!! best of luck with yours! j :-D