Maintenance Landscaping Design

Variegated winter daphne is a beautiful, evergreen shrub that is perfect for adding some winter interest to your garden. It has dark green leaves with white margins, and its fragrant flowers appear in late winter or early spring.

Alternative name

• fringe tree
  
• old man's beard
  
• beautyberry bush
  
• sweetgum tree
  
• spider lily

Things to Know

• The variegated winter daphne is a flowering plant that is native to Japan.
  
• It is also known as the spotted daphne or the fragrant daphne.
  
• The plant can grow to be up to 5 meters tall.
  
• The leaves of the variegated winter daphne are dark green and have white spots on them.
  
• The flowers of the plant are white and have a strong fragrance.
  
• The variegated winter daphne blooms from December to February.
  
• The plant is poisonous if ingested.
  
• The plant prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
  
• It is not tolerant of frost.
  
• It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

Related plant:
Variegated Dogwood Tree

Growing Steps

1. For variegated winter daphne, first step is to purchase a healthy plant from a reputable nursery.
   
2. Choose a planting location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
   
3. Prepare the planting area by removing all weeds and loosening the soil.
   
4. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
   
5. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
   
6. Backfill the hole with soil and gently tamp down.
   
7. Water the plant deeply to settle the roots.
   
8. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant, but not touching the stem.
   
9. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
   
10. Prune as needed to shape the plant and remove any dead or diseased branches.

Related plant:
Variegated Fatsia Japonica

The Soil

About soil condition, the best way to ensure healthy growth for a variegated winter daphne is to use a well-draining potting mix. The plant does not tolerate wet or damp soil, so make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. The mix should also be slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. You can find special mixes for acid-loving plants at your local garden center.

Light condition

Not too different with other daphne species, the variegated winter daphne requires full sun to partial sun. The plant prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil and does not like to be waterlogged. It is best to plant the daphne in an area that is protected from strong winds.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for variegated winter daphne is cool to cold. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C. It is important to note that the plant is not tolerant of heat and should be protected from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the plant will suffer from dried leaves and stems. If the humidity is too high, the plant will suffer from fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a low-nitrogen food. Too much nitrogen will produce a lot of leaves at the expense of flowers. A good rule of thumb is to use one-half the amount of fertilizer recommended on the package. The root system of the variegated winter daphne is shallow and fibrous. It does not like to be disturbed, so it is best to transplant it in the spring when it is actively growing.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your variegated winter daphne is essential to keeping the plant healthy and looking its best. Prune off any dead or dying branches as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also prune the plant to encourage new growth and to keep it in a compact shape. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears.

The Propagation

Propagation of variegated winter daphne is best accomplished through softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long and taken from new growth that has not yet flowered. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet and provide bottom heat if possible. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered slow to medium. They typically achieve a height and width of 3 to 4 feet in 10 to 15 years. Some varieties of this plant grow a little faster or slower depending on the cultivar.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, and root rot. To control aphids, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil. For scale, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Root rot can be controlled with a fungicide.

Growing Tips

• If you live in an area with harsh winters, it's best to grow variegated winter daphne in pots so you can move them indoors when the weather gets cold.
  
• These plants prefer well-drained, humus-rich soil. If your soil is heavy, mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
  
• Variegated winter daphne need full sun to partial shade in order to produce the best flowers.
  
• Water regularly, but don't keep the soil too wet. These plants are drought tolerant once they are established.
  
• Feed with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
  
• To encourage bushier growth, prune back young plants by a third in late spring.
  
• These plants are relatively pest and disease resistant, but keep an eye out for aphids, scale, and mealybugs.
  
• Variegated winter daphne are semi-evergreen, meaning

Similar Plants

• Winter daphne, Winter daphne, fragrant daphne, common winter daphne, daphne odora ( scientific name )
  
• Evergreen winter daphne, garden daphne, fragrant daphne ( scientific name )
  
• ( scientific name )( scientific name )

Source:
Daphne, Winter
Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' (Variegated Winter Daphne)
Variegated Winter Daphne - Daphne odora 'Aureo-marginata'