Rosy Barberry
daphne cneorum
Also known as: ["Spring Daphne","Garland Flower"]
Overview
A deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with fragrant pink flowers and toxic berries.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Genus: | Daphne |
| Botanical Name: | Daphne cneorum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, slopes, or raised beds with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, acidic to neutral soil with organic matter (e.g., peat, compost).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, immediately after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching. In hot regions, provide dappled shade during peak afternoon hours. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, alkaline to neutral soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; maintain slightly acidic pH; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C). Tolerates mild frosts but avoids extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid hot afternoon sun; maintain moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; stop in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood stem cuttings taken in late spring or 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: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings; maintain humidity; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; avoid shearing to maintain natural form.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead/damaged growth. Best done after flowering to avoid cutting off next year’s blooms.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Prune after flowering; sterilize tools; remove dead wood; shape gently.
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 cneorum prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check root boundness; use fresh soil; improve drainage; minimal root disturbance.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water until it drains from the bottom, then allow excess to drain away. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate peat moss for acidity; use compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (yellow/brown edges) in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop or dieback if prolonged below freezing.
Solution: Protect from frost with mulch or frost cloth. Move potted plants indoors during hard freezes.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase humidity, and water deeply to cool roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid feeds; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicDaphne cneorum is toxic to cats, with daphnetoxin and daphnin causing severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds, and ingestion can lead to serious health issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDaphne cneorum is highly toxic to dogs due to the presence of daphnetoxin and daphnin. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, neurological disturbances, and potentially fatal complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDaphne cneorum contains toxic compounds, primarily daphnetoxin and daphnin, which can cause severe physiological effects upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with the nervous system and can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and other systemic symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Daphne cneorum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Daphne cneorum require full sun?
A: It prefers full sun to partial shade.
Q: How often should Daphne cneorum be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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