How to Grow Daphne Mezereum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Daphne mezereum is a shrub that is native to Eurasia. It grows to be about 2-4 m tall and has dark green leaves. The plant has small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruit of the plant is a red berry.

How to Grow Daphne Mezereum - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

European Mezereum
Mezereon
Spurge Olive
Wild Potato Tree
Winter Daphne

Things to Know

Daphne mezereum is a deciduous shrub that is native to Europe and Asia.
It grows to be about 6-10 feet tall and has dark green leaves.
The flowers are small and white and grow in clusters.
The fruit is a red berry that is poisonous to humans.
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
It is hardy in zones 4-
Daphne mezereum is susceptible to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
It is also subject to attack by a number of pests, including aphids, scale, and caterpillars.
The plant can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or divisions.
Daphne mezereum is considered to be a somewhat difficult plant to grow.

Related plant:
Daphne Sericea

Growing Steps

For daphne mezereum, first step is to find a well-draining location. Second step is to dig a hole that is twice the size of the roots ball of the plant.
Third step is to mix in some organic matter such as compost or peat moss into the hole.
Fourth step is to place the plant in the hole and fill it in with the soil mixture.
Fifth step is to water the plant well.
Sixth step is to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
Seventh step is to fertilize the plant once a month using a balanced fertilizer.
Eighth step is to prune the plant in late winter or early spring.
Ninth step is to watch for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
Tenth step is to enjoy your daphne mezereum plant!

Related plant:
Daphne Flower

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Daphne mezereum can grow in both moist and dry soils, but prefer well-drained soils that are not too rich. If the soil is too rich, the plant will produce too much foliage and not enough flowers. If the soil is too dry, the plant will produce fewer flowers.

Light requirement

Not too different with other flowers, daphne mezereum needs sunlight to grow. The plant can grow in partial sun, but it will need at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. If the plant does not get enough sunlight, it will become leggy and its flowers will be smaller.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of daphne mezereum is a cool, moist climate. The plant does not tolerate heat or drought well. It prefers a shady, protected location in the garden.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. This plant cannot tolerate soggy condition and will root rot if the condition is too humid. This plant is native to Europe and North America. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4 m tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate with serrated margins. The flowers are white or pink and borne in clusters. The fruit is a drupe.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant is not very demanding. Daphne mezereum will do just fine in average soils that are not too dry. It actually prefers a little bit of limestone in the ground. When it comes to the roots, they are rather thin and spread out close to the surface. This is why you need to be careful not to plant it too deep. Just lightly cover the roots with soil and they will be fine.

About light

Pruning daphne mezereum is essential to its health and vigor. Plants that are not pruned properly can become overgrown and leggy, with fewer flowers and fruits. Pruning also encourages new growth, which is important for keeping the plant looking its best. The best time to prune daphne mezereum is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done by seed, sown in a cool, shady position in spring. The seed should be sown on the surface of a well-drained, humus-rich seed compost and gently pressed down. Water the seed compost well and place in a propagator or seal in a polythene bag until after germination. Alternatively, place the seed tray in a cold frame. Germination usually takes 21-60 days. When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots filled with a peat-based potting compost. Grow on the seedlings in cool, partial shade until large enough to plant out in the garden. Transplant daphnes outdoors in early spring into a moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the amount of light they receive. The more light they receive, the more they will grow. However, they will not grow as much if they do not receive enough light.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot. Leaf spots can be caused by several different fungi, including Colletotrichum, Cercospora, and Phoma. Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Sphaerotheca pannosa, and root rot is caused by the fungi Phytophthora, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia.

Basics of Growing

Make sure to plant daphne mezereum in an area with full sun to partial shade.
The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Daphne mezereum does not tolerate drought conditions, so make sure to water regularly.
Fertilize the plant every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
To encourage blooming, pinch back the tips of the shoots in late spring.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming.
Protect the plant from severe cold in winter by mulching around the base.
Propagate daphne mezereum by root cuttings taken in winter.
This plant is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale, and fungal diseases.
Watch for slugs and snails, which can damage the leaves.