Daphne tangutica comes from western China and is widely regarded as the most tractable member of a genus notorious for its capriciousness. The shrub stays compact at 2 to 3 feet, with simple, leathery, lustrous dark green leaves that hold well through the year. In spring, dense 3-inch terminal clusters carry flowers that are purple-pink on the outside and white with a pink blush inside — the contrast is striking up close, and the fragrance carries the characteristic daphne intensity. Bright red drupes follow and draw birds.

Given sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, it performs across a wide range of conditions from zones 5 through 9, making it the most geographically versatile of the group. Deer tend to leave it alone. For gardeners who have been burned by more temperamental daphnes, this is the honest starting point — the one that demonstrates what the genus actually offers when it is not busy testing your resolve.