Spurge Laurel
daphne laureola
Also known as: ["Spurge Laurel","Evergreen Daphne"]
Overview
A small evergreen shrub with dark green, leathery leaves and small, greenish-yellow flowers followed by red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Genus: | Daphne |
| Botanical Name: | Daphne laureola |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: sheltered garden bed or container in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates slightly alkaline conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to remove damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates bright indirect light but prefers protection from harsh afternoon sun. Adjust for seasonal light changes.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; place in dappled shade or filtered light, especially in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; provide shade during peak hours; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged exposure to extreme cold or heat.
Protect from frost; shield from intense heat; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply in spring only; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or layering; seeds can also be used but require stratification.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Peaty, well-draining soil mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining soil mix, plastic wrap (for humidity).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; remove crossing or crowded stems; shape the plant gently.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth; minimal pruning is often sufficient.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood; shape the plant; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound or soil is depleted; typically every 2–3 years for potted plants.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check root health; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply (6–8 inches); allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration; severe cold may lead to dieback or frost damage.
Solution: Protect from frost with mulch or frost cloth; move potted plants indoors during freezes; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or premature flowering; may lead to dehydration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization; follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxins in Daphne laureola, with ingestion leading to severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. The toxic compounds can cause significant distress and potential organ damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Daphne laureola can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms due to the presence of daphnin and daphnetin. These toxins disrupt normal physiological processes, causing significant health risks.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDaphne laureola contains toxic compounds, primarily daphnin and daphnetin, which are irritants and can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with normal cellular functions, leading to systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Daphne laureola toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is highly toxic to both dogs and cats.
Q: Does Daphne laureola require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full shade and can tolerate some sun.
Q: How often should Daphne laureola be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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