Tangut Daphne

daphne tangutica

Also known as: ["Tangut Daphne"]

Family: Thymelaeaceae Genus: Daphne Category: Shrubs

Overview

A deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub native to Asia, known for its fragrant flowers and toxic berries.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Thymelaeaceae
Genus: Daphne
Botanical Name: Daphne tangutica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: border plantings or as a specimen shrub in garden beds
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Fragrance Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • 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, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with brown tips indicate overwatering; sparse growth suggests poor light or nutrient deficiency.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use raised beds in heavy soil; amend with compost; avoid waterlogging.

Temperature

Hardy to USDA zones 4–8; prefers cool roots and moderate temperatures (60–75°F); tolerates winter cold but needs protection from extreme heat.

Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly after pruning; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop feeding in dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).

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 new pot after 3–4 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back to maintain form.

Pruning Plan

Shape the plant and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or crossing branches.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged wood; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out circling roots; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; may bloom better when slightly root-bound.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base, allowing moisture to penetrate the root zone; ensure excess drains away; water early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the root ball.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold or frost.

Cold Stress

Leaves may wilt or turn brown; growth slows; potential dieback of stems in severe cold.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from frost with burlap or frost cloth; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature flowering; reduced vigor in prolonged heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to keep roots cool.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid feeding in late autumn or winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Daphne tangutica may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Daphne tangutica is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced transpiration and nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Daphne tangutica may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and aesthetic damage to the foliage.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Daphne tangutica due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to plant decline and potential death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the toxins in Daphne tangutica, particularly daphnetoxin and mezerein, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects. The plant's toxicity can lead to significant health complications in felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite tremors
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Daphne tangutica can lead to gastrointestinal distress and systemic toxicity due to the presence of daphnetoxin and mezerein. These compounds can cause severe irritation and disrupt normal bodily functions.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Daphne tangutica contains toxic compounds, primarily daphnetoxin and mezerein, which can cause severe physiological effects upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with cellular processes, leading to significant irritation and potential systemic toxicity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep all parts of the plant out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. Seek immediate medical attention if accidental consumption occurs.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Daphne tangutica toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Daphne tangutica require full sun?

A: It prefers partial shade to full sun.

Q: How often should Daphne tangutica 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
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","fragrance lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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