Daphne cneorum is a dense, rounded, evergreen shrub that typically matures to 3-4 tall and as wide. It is noted for its erect, terminal clusters (corymbs) of fragrant, pink flowers that appear in late spring. Each flower has 4 petals fused at the base and 4 stamens. The flowers are followed by black berries. Glossy, dark green leaves (to 1.5 long) are oblong to oval and emit a lemon fragrance when crushed.
Related plant:
Daphne Sericea
Related plant:
Daphne Transatlantica
About soil condition, daphne cneorum prefers well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay, sand, and loam, as long as the soil is not waterlogged. This plant is not particularly fussy about soil pH, although it prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It is also quite tolerant of drought once established.
Not too different with other plants, Daphne cneorum needs sunlight to grow. However, this plant is special in that it can grow in both full sun and partial shade. This makes it a great choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of beauty to their yard but don't have the perfect conditions for gardening.
The temperature condition for Daphne cneorum is cool to cold. It can tolerate some sun, but does best in partial shade. This plant is not drought tolerant and will require regular watering, especially during the summer months.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity drops too low, the leaves will begin to curl and the plant will eventually die. If the humidity is too high, the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.
Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does not need a lot of nutrients and actually does poorly with too much nitrogen. A light feeding in early spring is all that is required. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. As for the roots, they are quite shallow and spread out, so be careful not to damage them when working in the area.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your daphne cneorum healthy and happy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. You can also prune to encourage new growth, or to shape the plant. Be careful not to over prune, as this can damage the plant.
Propagation for daphne cneorum is typically achieved through stem cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be around 4-6 inches in length and taken from the tips of the stems. Cuttings can be placed directly into pots filled with a well-draining soil mix, or they can be rooted in water first and then transferred to soil. Once in soil, keep the cuttings moist but not wet and in a location that receives indirect light. It can take several weeks for the cuttings to develop roots. Once roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is fast during the spring and summer months, with some growth continuing into the fall. The average plant size is about 2 to 4 feet tall and wide, with some plants reaching up to 6 feet tall.
Common problems for this kind of plant are Aphids, Scale, and Mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with a strong stream of water from the hose, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. If you see any of these pests on your plant, be sure to act quickly and remove them before they cause too much damage.
Source:
Field Guide to Shrubs - Brandeis
Daphne cneorum information from the Global Compendium of
Daphne odora - North Carolina State University
