February Daphne
daphne mezereum
Also known as: ["Spurge Laurel","Mezerein"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with fragrant pink or purple flowers in early spring, followed by bright red berries that are highly toxic.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Genus: | Daphne |
| Botanical Name: | Daphne mezereum |
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":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade; 4–6 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light. Avoid intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to new light conditions; protect from harsh direct sun; place in filtered light outdoors or near an east-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid full sun; provide shade in summer; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; adjust frequency with seasons.
Soil
well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil
pH: Slightly acidic, 5.5–6.5.
Ensure good drainage; maintain slightly acidic pH; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C). Tolerates cold but dislikes heat above 75°F (24°C).
Keep cool in summer; protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; use a balanced formula; stop feeding in autumn.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for better success.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic cover.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings; maintain humidity; provide warmth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; cut just above a bud or lateral branch.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and encourage flowering on new growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up; increase pot diameter by 2–3 inches.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out circling roots; place in a pot 1–2 inches larger.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Daphne prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check root health; ensure good drainage; minimal root disturbance.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturation. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate peat moss for acidity.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or yellowing in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf drop or dieback if prolonged below freezing.
Solution: Protect from frost; provide winter mulch; move indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat leads to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid feeding in late summer or fall to prevent new growth vulnerable to winter damage.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxins in Daphne mezereum, which can cause severe gastrointestinal, cardiac, and neurological effects. Ingestion can lead to rapid deterioration in health, with potential for fatal outcomes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDogs are highly susceptible to the toxins in Daphne mezereum, which can cause severe gastrointestinal, cardiac, and neurological effects. Even small amounts can lead to significant health issues, including potential organ damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDaphne mezereum contains daphnetoxin and mezerein, which are potent irritants and toxins affecting the gastrointestinal tract, heart, and nervous system. Ingestion can lead to severe poisoning, with effects ranging from mild gastrointestinal distress to life-threatening cardiac and neurological complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Daphne mezereum safe for pets?
A: No, all parts of the plant are highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the typical uses of Daphne mezereum?
A: It is primarily grown for its ornamental value and fragrant flowers, though its berries are highly poisonous.
Q: How should Daphne mezereum be cared for?
A: It prefers partial shade, well-drained soil, and protection from strong winds; it should be watered moderately.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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