Alpine Daphne
daphne alpina
Also known as: ["Alpine Spurgeflower"]
Overview
A small, deciduous shrub native to the mountains of Europe, known for its fragrant flowers and toxic berries.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Genus: | Daphne |
| Botanical Name: | Daphne alpina |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or borders in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates slightly alkaline conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Lightly prune annually after flowering; remove dead or damaged stems as needed year-round.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning as it may reduce flowering.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates morning sun but prefers protection from harsh afternoon rays, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to increased light; protect from direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; place in a spot with dappled light or filtered shade, especially in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, alkaline to neutral loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C); tolerates cold down to 20°F (-6°C) but thrives in cooler conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain cool conditions for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; use a balanced formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer; layering is also effective for this species.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem.
- Cut just below a node.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light for rooting.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or sand; can also root in pure sand or a cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of crowded stems; tip pruning to encourage branching; remove any crossing or weak growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood; minimal pruning is needed as the plant naturally forms a compact habit.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead wood; shape lightly; 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 excessive space to prevent overwatering.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound or every 2–3 years to refresh soil; prefers slightly crowded roots.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; trim roots if necessary; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
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 but avoid pooling; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or browning edges in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf yellowing in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes, causing reduced growth and potential dormancy; extreme cold can damage roots and lead to dieback.
Solution: Insulate roots with mulch; protect from frost with a frost cloth; move potted plants to a sheltered location or cold frame.
Hot Stress
Causes leaf scorch, wilting, and dehydration; may lead to premature flowering or bud drop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; ensure consistent watering to prevent drought stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicDaphne alpina is toxic to cats, with the toxic compounds daphnin and daphnetin causing severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. Cats are particularly sensitive to these toxins, which can lead to serious health complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe toxic principles in Daphne alpina, such as daphnin and daphnetin, are harmful to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological symptoms. These compounds can lead to significant physiological distress in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDaphne alpina contains toxic compounds, primarily daphnin and daphnetin, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with normal cellular processes, leading to systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Daphne alpina toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Daphne alpina require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, depending on climate.
Q: How often should Daphne alpina 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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