Daphne
Daphne species (THYMELAEACEAE)
Planting and Growing Daphne
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow daphne in the accompanying table’s tabs:
-
- Flowers, foliage, and fruit of daphne
- Growing conditions for daphne
- When and where to plant daphne
- How to plant daphne
- How to shape, prune and control growth of daphne
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of daphne
- Landscape uses of daphne
- Pest and disease control for daphne
Growing Daphne
About 50 species of slow-growing, compact or spreading, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, to 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall, with shiny, dark green or variegated, thick, oval, pointed leaves, 1–3 in. (25–75 mm) long.
Daphne Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Small, very fragrant, funnel-shaped, pink, purple, white, single-petaled, waxy flowers in late winter, form clusters, to 4 in. (10 cm) long, with red fruit in spring.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 5–9, depending on species. Lilac daphne, Daphne genkwa, and winter daphne, Daphne odora, are ground hardy, zones 7–9; other species are ground hardy, zones 5–9.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained humus. Fertility: Rich. 6.5–7.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Partial shade. Space 3–5 ft. (90–150 cm) apart. Set plant 1 in. (25 mm) above surrounding soil.
Proper Care
Moderate–challenging. Keep moist; allow soil surface to dry between waterings until established. Fertilize annually in winter. Mulch. Prune after bloom. Protect from sun, wind in hot climates. Propagate by cuttings, grafting, layering, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for borders, containers, edgings, paths in cottage, small-space, woodland gardens. Good for corsages, cutting. Aphid susceptible. Disease resistant.
Warning:
All parts of Daphne species are fatally toxic if eaten. Avoid planting in gardens frequented by children or pets.