In Australia, in mid-February, a very special daphne was given this title by the NGIA. Daphne Perfume Princess was its pick for 2016 because it was considered to be extraordinary, both in looks, scent and performance.

Seeing Perfume Princess for the first time may be a shock, albeit of the very best kind. Its flowers are huge – six centimetres across – but it’s the intense perfume, with its citrus undertone, which those who have experienced the plant found it to be inspirational.

Mark Jury, the renowned New Zealand plant breeder, didn’t give up on his particular cross between Daphne odora, with its compact bush and lovely little flowers, and Daphne bhoulua, known for its foliage and powerful scent.

The worldwide reaction since the Perfume Princess’ release has been said to be phenomenal, but perhaps not surprising given this is easily the earliest and longest flowering of all daphnes that’s easy to grow with the sweetest of fragrances from those astonishingly large blush pink flowers.