The Daphne genus includes quite 70 broadleaf evergreen shrubs native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Of these, a comparatively small number of species and hybrids are commonly grown for landscape cultivation, including D. odora, D. mezereum, D. transatlantica, and particularly the Daphne x burkwoodii hybrids, which include the favored ‘Carol Mackie’, ‘Briggs Moonlight’, and ‘Somerset’ cultivars.

Daphnes are quite attractive shrubs, producing white to light pink tubular flowers in May, followed by small red berries (drupes). the tiny oblong, light green leaves are evergreen in most climates, and therefore the shrub usually forms a really nice rounded mound. Varieties like ‘Carol Mackie’ are especially prized for his or her variegated foliage. Daphnes are relatively small shrubs that are good choices for little yards, where they create good foundation plants or specimens for shrub borders.

These are slow-growing shrubs that are generally planted from well-developed nursery plants in spring. It can take seven to 10 years for these plants to succeed in their relatively small mature size. Be advised, though, that each one parts of the Daphne are poisonous, especially the brilliant berries.

Daphne Care

Daphne isn’t the simplest of shrubs to grow. they are doing not transplant well, and therefore the grower is required to take care of a fragile balance between keeping the soil moist and keeping it well-drained. These plants are known to die suddenly and without a clear cause. To avoid disappointment, consider them as temporary and place them in a neighborhood that permits for straightforward removal if your plant does die.

If you manage to seek out the proper balance of conditions, then well-established Daphne shrubs are often relatively easy to worry for, since they are doing not require much maintenance, pruning, or special care. you’ll got to pick the sort of Daphne shrub you would like since there are many sorts .

When planting a nursery-grown specimen, it should be set slightly above it had been growing within the nursery pot, therefore the root crown is elevated about 1/2 inch. Preparing the soil by blending in some sphagnum can help create the marginally acidic pH level these shrubs like.

Light

While some sorts of Daphne do fine fully sun, most will bloom best partially shade conditions. Those varieties grown mostly for his or their variegated leaves will display well even in relatively shady conditions, though the flowering is going to be reduced. Group them alongside other acid-loving plants that have similar sunlight needs (azaleas, for example).

Soil

Daphnes prefer well-drained soil with much compost and a rather acidic soil pH. Daphne shrubs thrive in moist soil. to stay the soil around them moist in summer (and to stay the roots cool), apply a three-inch layer of mulch.

Water

In the first year of growth, water your shrub several times every week. Once established, Daphne shrubs still require a difficult balance between consistent moisture and good drainage. confirm the mulch remains moist, and confirm the shrub gets a minimum of 1 inch of water per week, through rainfall, irrigation, or a mixture.

Temperature and Humidity

Daphne shrubs are often grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9, but in zones 4 and 5 they really should be considered semi-evergreen, or maybe deciduous, since they’re likely to drop their leaves and grow new foliage within the early spring.

These shrubs accept high humidity levels, though they’ll be vulnerable to fungal leaf spots.

Fertilizer

Daphne shrubs should be fertilized twice a year employing a granular balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10). February/March and July are good times to try to do this.

Is Daphne Toxic?

All parts of this plant contain compounds known to be highly toxic. Daphnin and mezerein are identified compounds; there could also be others that aren’t yet known. The berries are particularly concentrated with toxins. Use these plants carefully in homes where there are young children or pets.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Consumption of Daphne berries, leaves, or maybe the bark can cause burning lesions within the mouth and throat, vomiting and diarrhea.1 Severe case can cause kidney damage, irregular heartbeat, coma, and death.

Daphne Varieties

There are several main categories of Daphne shrubs, including:

• Winter daphne (D. odora): This species and its cultivars have the foremost powerful fragrance. It grows to about 4 feet tall with narrow, glossy leaves. this sort is that the presumably to die without a clear cause. The flowers bloom in late winter and ‘Aureo-Marginata’ may be a popular winter Daphne shrub, distinguished by its variegated leaves.
• Garland daphne (D. cneorum): this is often a coffee grower, reaching but 1 foot tall when fully mature. It’s a well-liked choice for rock gardens and adding interest to the edging of pathways. Its trailing branches can spread to about 3 feet. This Daphne shrub is roofed with flowers within the spring. By covering the stems with mulch after the flowers fade, you’ll encourage new rooting. Some common varieties include ‘Eximia’, ‘Pgymaea Alba’, and ‘Variegata’.
• D. burkwoodii is that the very fashionable hybrid form, likely derived from crossing D. cneorum and D. caucasica. These shrubs are often evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous, counting on the climate zone. Burkwoodii hybrids generally grow 3 to 4 feet tall and bloom in late spring and sometimes again in late summer. ‘Carol Mackie’ may be a popular cultivar of this group. Another with variegated leaves and sweet-smelling flowers is ‘Briggs Moonlight’, which grows best in zones 5 to 9. The coloration of ‘Briggs Moonlight”s foliage is superior to ‘Carol Mackie’, but it’s otherwise very similar.

Pruning Daphne

These slow-growing shrubs don’t require much within the way of pruning, since they naturally mature into nicely rounded, mounded plants. Broken branches or the occasional misbehaving branch are often trimmed off. If you are doing prune, roll in the hay immediately after flowering is completed, as this may preserve the subsequent season’s blooms. Generally speaking, though, Daphnes doesn’t like pruning and should experience pronounced dieback if pruned heavily.

Propagating Daphne

Daphne shrubs aren’t hard to propagate from semi-green cuttings taken from July to September. However, the very slow rate of growth means most people like better to buy larger nursery-grown plants instead of spending years nursing a cutting into a mature plant.

If you are doing attempt propagation, cut an extended stem from healthy newish growth in late summer. search for relatively firm wood, taken from the world where green growth is emerging from old wood. Cut the severed branch into 4- to 6-inch segments, each containing many mature leaves, using sharp pruners.

Remove the leaves from the lower half each cutting, then plant all during a mixture of sand and sphagnum . Water the growing medium thoroughly, cover the pot in plastic, and place it during a place that receives bright indirect light. When roots develop (it may take a few of months), transplant them into an outsized pot crammed with sandy potting mix. When many new growth has begun to develop, the new shrub are often planted within the landscape. you’ll got to keep the plant growing in its container for a full year or more before it’s able to transplant.

Common Pests/Diseases

These shrubs are considerably more temperamental within the northern part of the hardiness range, zones 4 and 5, while are much steadier in warmer zones. Cold winter zones can cause winter damage, and injured shrubs are often vulnerable to leaf spots, canker, blight, crown rot, and viruses.2

Potential insect pests include aphids, mealybugs and scale.

More than one plant expert has commented on this shrub’s habit of dying for inexplicable reasons, so don’t feel regrettable if your Daphne surrenders suddenly in a mysterious way.