How to Grow Daphne Transatlantica - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Daphne transatlantica is plant that is native to the western Mediterranean region. The plant is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height. The plant has dark green leaves and white or pink flowers. The plant is used in the landscapes of the Mediterranean region and is also grown as a houseplant in other parts of the world.

How to Grow Daphne Transatlantica - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • American daphne
  • Fragrant daphne
  • Summersweet
  • Sweet daphne
  • Winter daphne

Things to Know

  • Daphne transatlantica is a species of flowering plant in the family Thymelaeaceae.
  • It is native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores.
  • It is a shrub or small tree growing to 5 m (16 ft) tall.
  • The leaves are obovate, 2–5 cm (0.8–0 in) long and 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) broad.
  • The flowers are yellow, with four petals, and borne in axillary clusters.
  • The fruit is a drupe, ripening black, 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) diameter.
  • The specific epithet transatlantica refers to the fact that the species is found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Daphne transatlantica is the only member of the genus Daphne that occurs in the Canary Islands.
  • It is a symbol of the island of Tenerife, where it is known as the 'tree of eternal life'.
  • Daphne transatlantica is cultivated as an ornamental plant, and is used in traditional medicine.

Related plant:
Daphne Sericea

Planting Process

  1. For daphne transatlantica, first step is to find a spot in full sun to partial shade.
  2. The second step is to prepare the soil by loosening it with a spade or tiller.
  3. Next, add some organic matter to the soil such as compost or manure.
  4. Once the soil is loose and amended, it is time to plant the daphne transatlantica.
  5. Water the daphne transatlantica deeply at planting time.
  6. After planting, mulch around the base of the plant to help protect it from the sun and conserve moisture.
  7. Once the daphne transatlantica is established, water it regularly during dry spells.
  8. In late winter or early spring, fertilize the daphne transatlantica with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. To keep the plant looking its best, prune it annually after it blooms.
  10. Finally, keep an eye out for pests and diseases.

Related plant:
Daphne Tangutica

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Daphne transatlantica prefers evenly moist, well-drained soils, but it is somewhat drought tolerant once established. It also prefers full sun to partial shade but can tolerate more shade than most other sun-loving shrubs. This evergreen shrub has a low-growing, spreading habit and can reach a height of 2.5'. It produces small, pink flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.

Light condition

Like the other plants, daphne transatlantica needs sun to grow. It should be placed in an area where it will receive full sun for at least six hours each day. The plant will also do well in partial sun, but it will not produce as many flowers.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for Daphne transatlantica is cool to cold. They can tolerate short periods of warmth, but prefer cooler temperatures. They need a minimum temperature of 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit) to survive and do best in temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70%. The plant should be kept in a well-ventilated room to prevent the leaves from yellowing. It is best to water the plant in the morning so that the leaves can dry before nightfall. Water the plant only when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Do not over-water as this can lead to root rot.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is very responsive to high nitrogen levels in the soil. This is due to the deep and extensive root system which allows them to access and utilise more nutrients from the soil. For this reason, it is important to use a good quality fertilizer when growing daphne transatlantica. As for the roots, they are very important in helping the plant to anchor itself in the soil. They also play a role in absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. Without strong and healthy roots, the plant would not be able to survive.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your daphne transatlantica healthy and looking its best. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You can prune to shape the plant, remove any damaged or diseased branches, or to thin out the plant to allow more light and air to reach the center. When pruning, be sure to make clean, sharp cuts.

About Propagating

Propagation of daphne transatlantica is best accomplished by rooting softwood cuttings taken in spring or summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is just beginning to harden off, and they should be about 6 inches long. Cuttings can be rooted in a well-drained rooting medium, such as perlite or vermiculite, and placed under high humidity. Rooting will typically occur in four to six weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots filled with a moist, well-drained potting mix.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer months, with some tapering off in early fall. Some dormancy may occur during winter in colder climates. The average daphne transatlantica grows to be about 2.5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are wilting, yellowing, and leaves falling off. These problems are usually caused by too much or too little water, pests, or disease. To fix these problems, make sure you are watering your daphne transatlantica regularly and not over or under watering it. If you think pests or disease might be the problem, take a sample of the affected plant to your local nursery or garden center to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

List to Know

  • Remember to plant daphne transatlantica in well-draining soil, as the plant does not tolerate having its roots sitting in water.
  • Position your plant in an area of full sun to partial shade.
  • Water daphne transatlantica regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not wet.
  • Fertilize your plant once a month using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune daphne transatlantica back after flowering to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly if needed.
  • Overwinter daphne transatlantica indoors in a cool, bright location.
  • Bring your plant back outdoors in the spring once all danger of frost has passed.
  • Resume regular watering and fertilizing at this time.
  • Enjoy your beautiful daphne transatlantica all season

Substitution

  • The common daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus bears many similarities with the yellow daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus, including its bulbous shape and bright colouration. However, the common daffodil also has a sweet fragrance, while the yellow daffodil does not.
  • The white daffodil Narcissus poeticus is very similar to the common daffodil, although it has a paler colouration and a more slender shape.
  • The golden daffodil Narcissus maximus is the largest member of the daffodil family, and shares many similarities with the common daffodil, including its bright colouration and bulbous shape.
  • The jonquil daffodil Narcissus jonquilla is a small daffodil with a sweet fragrance, and shares many similarities with the common daffodil,

Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Daphne × transatlantica …
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Daphne × transatlantica …
Daphne x transatlantica - calphotos.berkeley.edu

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category