How to Grow Winter Daphne Plant - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Winter daphne is a plant. The scientific name is Daphne odora. It is native to China, Japan, and Vietnam. The leaves are evergreen and the flowers are white or pale pink.

How to Grow Winter Daphne Plant - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Daphne mezereum
  • Mezereon
  • Spurge olive
  • February daphne
  • Common mezereum

Things to Know

  • The winter daphne is a flowering shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region.
  • It is also known as the Christmas daphne or the winter rose.
  • The winter daphne blooms in winter, hence its name.
  • The flowers are white or pink and have a strong, sweet fragrance.
  • The shrub can grow to a height of 3-4 meters.
  • The winter daphne is an evergreen shrub and can live for up to 20 years.
  • It is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in landscaping.
  • The winter daphne is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.
  • The plant contains a chemical called daphnin which can cause skin irritation.
  • The winter daphne is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world.

Related plant:
Winter Shrubs

Planting Process

  1. For winter daphne , first step is to plant in spring in a location with part sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
  2. Choose a location that has good drainage and is not prone to flooding.
  3. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage and moisture retention.
  4. Plant the winter daphne in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and of similar depth.
  5. Backfill the hole with the amended soil and water deeply.
  6. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, being sure to keep it several inches away from the trunk.
  7. Water the winter daphne deeply once a week during the growing season.
  8. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
  9. Prune the plant in late winter to early spring to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
  10. Enjoy the fragrant flowers that appear in late winter to early spring!

Related plant:
Berry Poppins Winterberry

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, winter daphne grow well in well-drained soils, and they prefer soil that is on the acidic side. If your soil is too alkaline, they may experience leaf yellowing and stunted growth.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, winter daphne need sun to produce food for themselves. They will do best if they are grown in a sunny spot, with at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, they can also tolerate some shade, especially in the heat of the summer. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to give your winter daphne a little extra protection from the sun by planting them in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for winter daphne is cool to cold. They will not tolerate heat and need a period of dormancy in order to bloom. If you live in an area with warm winters, you can try growing them in a pot so that you can move them indoors when the temperatures start to rise.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or above. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Winter daphne does not tolerate drought well. Use a peat moss-based potting mix or add peat moss to your garden soil. Water the plant deeply and regularly during the growing season. Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this type of plant grow best when given a light application of a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Winter daphne also benefits from being mulched with a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the base of the plant. This type of plant is also quite tolerant of root disturbance, so it can be transplanted with little problem.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of winter daphne care. This shrub responds well to pruning and can be shaped to fit almost any space. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches first. Then, cut back the remaining branches by one-third to one-half their length. This will encourage new growth in the spring.

About Propagating

Propagation is easy from semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer. Cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be around 10cm (4in) long. Use a sharp knife or secateurs to take the cuttings just below a leaf joint. Remove the lower leaves and any flower buds, then dip the cuttings into rooting hormone powder. Place the cuttings into pots or trays of moistenedseed compost and cover with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place in a propagator or seal the bag and tray inside a clear plastic bag and place on a warm windowsill. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged and the cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, pot up the cuttings into 7.5-10cm (3-4in) pots and grow on in cool, light conditions. Overwinter the plants in a cool, sunny position and keep just moist.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the amount of sunlight and water the plant receives. If a plant is in a shady spot, it will grow more slowly than if it is in a sunny spot. If a plant is in a dry spot, it will also grow more slowly than if it is in a moist spot.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant include leaf spot, crown and root rots, and stem canker. These problems are caused by different fungi, and they can be difficult to control. Preventative measures include using clean, sharp pruning tools and keeping the plant well-watered. If you do see any of these problems, you should remove affected leaves and stems, and dispose of them properly.

Tips on Growing

  • If you want to grow winter daphne, plant it in well-drained, humus-rich soil in a sunny or semi-shaded spot.
  • Water your winter daphne plant regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer to the plant every spring.
  • Prune winter daphne after it blooms, to keep it looking neat and tidy.
  • Protect the plant from harsh winds, as this can damage the fragile flowers.
  • If you live in an area with severe winters, you may need to cover winter daphne with a frost-proof cloth to prevent the flowers from being damaged by the cold.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if you spot any.
  • Winter daphne is relatively low-maintenance, but it will benefit from being deadheaded regularly.
  • You can propagate

Similar Plants

  • WINTER daphne
  • WINTER duckweed
  • WINTER eelgrass
  • WINTER gillyflower
  • Winter Lilly
  • WINTER melon
  • WINTER aconite
  • WINTER squash
  • WINTER-CYPRESS
  • WINTER-GREEN

Source:
Daphne, Winter
winter daphne | UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
Q: I would like to grow Daphne odora here, what can you tell me …

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