Daphne sericea is a pretty pink-flowered shrub. The flowers have a sweet, lemony fragrance. The plant is native to the Himalayan region and can be found in the mountains of Nepal, Bhutan, and India. It grows in the wild in rocky, mixed forest and scrub habitats at elevations of 3,000-4,500 meters.
Related plant:
Daphne Cneorum
About soil condition, Daphne sericea grow in well-drained soils, prefer sandy or gravelly soils, and avoid wet soils. They also prefer full sun to partial shade but can tolerate some shade, especially in hot summer areas.
Just like other flowers, daphne sericea needs sun to grow and blossom. The amount of sun this plant needs depends on the variety, but most prefer at least four hours of sunlight each day. If you live in an area with hot summers, it's best to plant daphne sericea in a spot that gets some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.
The temperature condition that is best for daphne sericea is cool to cold. This plant is native to alpine and subalpine regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Daphne sericea is tolerant of drought and salt. It will flower best if given a period of dormancy in winter.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 65%. The plant can survive in lower humidity levels but it will not thrive. If the humidity levels drop below 50%, the leaves will start to drop and the plant will become unhealthy.
About fertilizer, this plant requires little. A well-balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring. For best results, use a fertilizer that has been formulated for flowers. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions. This plant also benefits from a light application of compost in early spring. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow. Because of this, the plant benefits from a layer of mulch. This helps to keep the roots cool and moist. Apply a thin layer of mulch in early spring.
Pruning is a very important part of taking care of your Daphne sericea plant. Without proper pruning, your plant will become overgrown and sickly. Pruning also helps promote new growth and keep your plant looking its best. To prune your Daphne sericea plant, start by cutting back any dead or dying branches. Then, trim back any branches that are growing too long or out of control. Finally, cut away any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
Propagation is best carried out by seed, sown in spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in early summer of the following year.
Usually, the plant growth rate very quickly in ideal conditions. They prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, but they will tolerate some drought. Once they are established, they are quite drought tolerant. They are generally considered low-maintenance plants.
Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot. Leaf spots can be caused by various fungi, and they typically appear as small, dark spots on the leaves. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungus that can cover the leaves and stems of the plant. Root rot is caused by overwatering or waterlogged soils, and it can kill the plant.
Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Daphne sericea
Daphne odora - North Carolina State University
Daphne (plant) - snst-hu.lzu.edu.cn
