Daphne is a genus of between 50 and 95 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to Asia, Europe and north Africa. They are characterized by their olive-green to grey-green leaves, and their clusters of small, strongly scented flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. Many species are highly poisonous if ingested.
Popular name
- Daphne
- Daphne indica
- Daphne mezereum
- Daphne gnidium
- Daphne papyracea
Basic info
- Daphne is a genus of about 70 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to Asia, Europe, and north Africa.
- The leaves are opposite, simple, and often strongly scented.
- The flowers are borne in clusters, and are typically white or pale pink.
- The fruit is a drupe, and is often used in cosmetics and perfumes.
- Daphne is named after the Greek mythological figure Daphne, who was turned into a laurel tree.
- The genus is sometimes divided into two subgenera, Daphne and Ptelea, based on leaf shape and other characteristics.
- Some common species include D. japonica, D. mezereum, and D. oreodoxa.
- Daphne are popular garden plants, and are grown for their ornamental value.
- Some species are considered invasive in some parts of the world.
- Daphne are poisonous to some animals, and can cause skin irritation in humans.
Related plant:
Daphne Sericea
How to Grow
- For daphne , first step is to choose the right spot because daphne need full sun or part sun to grow.
- The second step is to prepare the soil because daphne need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- The third step is to plant the daphne in early spring or late fall.
- The fourth step is to water the daphne regularly, especially during the first growing season.
- The fifth step is to apply a layer of mulch around the daphne to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- The sixth step is to fertilize the daphne every year in early spring using a slow-release fertilizer.
- The seventh step is to prune the daphne in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
- The eighth step is to watch for pests and diseases, and take action immediately if any are found.
- The ninth step is to enjoy the beautiful flowers of the daphne !
- The tenth and final step is to propagate the daphne by stem cuttings or root division.
Considering the Soil
About soil condition, Daphne says "The soil is rich and crumbly, perfect for growing vegetables." Perfect is an opinion, but crumbly is a fact. This is the kind of soil that lets water drain through it easily, but also retains some moisture. It's ideal for growing vegetables because the roots have access to both water and air.
About light
Not too different with other plants, daphne need sun to grow but not too much. The perfect spot for daphne is one that gets sun for part of the day, but is protected from hot afternoon sun. Too much sun will scorch the leaves, and too little sun will cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Ideal Temperature
The temperature condition in Daphne is mild. The average high temperature is around 80 degrees, and the average low temperature is around 60 degrees. There is very little variation in temperature throughout the year. However, there is occasional rainfall throughout the year.
Ideal Humidity
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%-70%. The soil should be well-drained and kept moist, not soggy. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Protect from cold drafts and too much direct sun.
The Fertilizer
For the fertilizer, this plant requires 1/4 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer per gallon of water. The fertilizer should be applied every 2 weeks during the growing season. For the root, the plant prefers a light, sandy soil. It is also important to make sure the plant has good drainage.
Light requirement
Pruning is an important part of keeping your plants healthy and looking their best. It helps to encourage new growth and can also help to prevent problems such as disease and pests. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Doing so will help your plant to stay strong and avoid damage.
About Propagating
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a variety of sources including seeds, cuttings, and bulbs. Plants can be propagated from seed, but this is often a slow and unpredictable process. Cuttings are pieces of stem or leaf that are cut from a parent plant and then grown in water or soil until they develop roots and can be transplanted. Bulbs can be planted directly in the ground or started in water or soil.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the variety of plant, weather conditions, and the amount of sunlight and water the plant receives. However, if a daphne plant is grown in ideal conditions, it can grow up to 24 inches per year.
The Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant plants are root and stem rot, as well as infestations by slugs and aphids. The best way to combat these problems is to keep the plant healthy by watering it regularly and providing it with good drainage. If the plant does become infested, you can remove the pests by hand or with a pesticide.
Growing Tips
- Remember to water your daphne regularly, as it will not tolerate drought conditions.
- Place your daphne in an area of your garden that receives partial sun to full shade.
- Daphne does not like to be disturbed, so try to avoid moving it once it is planted.
- This plant is susceptible to root rot, so make sure the soil it is planted in is well-draining.
- Apply a layer of mulch around your daphne to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
- Fertilize your daphne every spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune your daphne after it blooms in late spring or early summer.
- This plant is susceptible to several pests and diseases, so be on the lookout for problems.
- Deer and rabbits love to eat daphne, so you may need to take measures to protect
Related Plants
- Daphne cneorum is a species of Daphne, native to the Alps and the Jura mountains, with the North American population considered to be introduced.
- Daphne alpina, the alpine mezereon, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Daphne, native to high elevation regions in Europe.
- Daphne bholua, sometimes known as the paper daphne, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Daphne, native to Nepal and Bhutan.
- Daphne gnidium is a flowering plant in the genus Daphne. It is distributed throughout the south and east of Europe, the Mediterranean countries, and North Africa.
- Daphne laureola is a flowering plant in the genus Daphne. It is native across much of Europe as far north as Iceland and Lapland, as well as southwest Asia from northern Iran to the
Source:
Daphne odora - UDBG
Daphne Der-Fen Liu | Cal State LA
Daphne Ippolito - University of Pennsylvania
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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