Daphne shrub is a genus of approximately 3060 species of flowering plants in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Many species are cultivated as ornamental plants for their fragrant and/or attractive flowers, and some are used in traditional medicine.
Related plant:
Daphne Sericea
Related plant:
Daphne Odora Aureomarginata
About soil condition, the daphne shrub prefers well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not soggy, and it should be allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings. A pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal. If the soil is too alkaline, the leaves may turn yellow.
Not too different with other plants, daphne shrubs need sunlight to grow. They usually do best in full sun to partial shade, meaning they need at least six hours of sunlight each day. However, too much sun can damage the leaves, so its important to find a balance. If youre not sure how much sun your shrub will get in its location, its best to err on the side of too little rather than too much.
The temperature condition that is best for a daphne shrub is one where the temperature is cool, but not too cold. The ideal temperature for a daphne shrub is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the shrub, and anything above 60 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the shrub to go into shock.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-50%. This plant grows best in partial sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of salt and brackish water. It can tolerate some drought once established. It can also tolerate heavy shade, but will not flower as well in these conditions.
Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't require a lot. In fact, too much can burn the roots of a Daphne shrub. When applying, use a light hand and focus on the soil around the drip line of the plant. The roots of a Daphne shrub are very shallow, so be careful not to disturb them when watering or applying fertilizer.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your daphne shrub healthy and looking its best. When and how you prune will depend on the variety of daphne you have and the look you are trying to achieve. Some varieties can be pruned quite heavily, while others require only light pruning. Generally, it is best to prune in early spring, before new growth begins. This will give the plant time to recover and produce new growth before the hot summer months. If you prune in late spring or summer, you run the risk of the plant not having enough time to recover and produce new growth before winter.
Propagation is best done in late spring or early summer. Take 6-8 inch softwood cuttings from the tips of new growth and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained media such as perlite or vermiculite. Water well and keep the media moist but not soggy. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once they have rooted, transplant to individual pots and grow on until large enough to plant out in the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is dependent on the plant species and the growing conditions. However, in general, daphne shrubs grow relatively slowly. This is especially true when compared to other types of plants. When grown in optimal conditions, daphne shrubs can reach a maximum height of 6 feet. However, under suboptimal conditions, daphne shrubs may only grow to a height of 3 feet.
Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot and stem canker. Root rot is caused by too much water and is the most common problem for daphne shrub. Stem canker is caused by a fungus and can kill the plant.
Source:
Daphne odora 'Marginata' - North Carolina State University
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: DaphneUC IPM - ucanr.edu
Daphne laureola | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
