Daphne 'Rosy Wave'

[valleylynn]

I am trying to create a semblance of bonsai with this daphne so it will not overtake the area it is planted in. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Photos are from 12/2023 and 10/2025. It grew quickly into a lush bush that was taking over the area it was planted in. As you can see, I left all the upward facing trunk and cleaned all growth from them.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

I know nothing about this species, just wanted to say what you've done so far looks good, maybe lose the spiderwebs. Are you able to get branching?

 

[valleylynn]

I know nothing about this species, just wanted to say what you've done so far looks good, maybe lose the spiderwebs. Are you able to get branching?

This is the genetics on 'Rosy Wave'. Daphne burkwoodii 'Somerset' (known for fragrance and semi-evergreen nature) with Daphne sericea 'Collina' (a Mediterranean species providing hardiness and reblooming traits). I think it would have been better to choose one that had much smaller leaves, but this one is definitely proving to be tough and easy to grow.
From what I see after pruning this, it would be very easy to get branching. I have to often remove new growth for the trunks and the branches that are up in the canopy.