Silky Daphne

daphne sericea

Also known as: ["Silky Daphne"]

Family: Thymelaeaceae Genus: Daphne Category: Shrubs

Overview

A deciduous shrub with 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 sericea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: sheltered garden bed with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Fragrance Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–8"}
  • 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.
  • 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); adjust for intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; place in dappled shade during peak summer.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with brown tips indicate overwatering; wilting despite moist soil suggests root rot.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

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

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

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

Soil

well-drained, slightly acidic loam

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

Ensure soil dries between waterings; use a mix with good structure; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent cool conditions.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly; apply before new growth emerges; discontinue in late summer.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in early summer; layering can also be successful.

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

Best Time: Early summer when new growth is flexible but mature.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%); warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C); indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within a season.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, plastic bag or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the plant; heading back to control size.

Pruning Plan

Shape plant to maintain form; remove dead or diseased wood; encourage airflow.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood; shape evenly; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); avoid excessive size increase.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out circling roots; place in slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; avoid frequent repotting as Daphne dislikes disturbance.

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; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the root zone.
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 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 browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide winter protection; mulch around roots; move container plants to a sheltered location.

Hot Stress

Wilting; leaf scorch; reduced flowering in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; 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 over-fertilizing to prevent root burn.

Common Problems & Solutions

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

Wilting in Daphne sericea is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Daphne sericea may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency, premature leaf drop, and potential spread to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Daphne sericea due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay, loss of structural integrity, and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Daphne sericea berries are toxic to cats, containing substances that can induce severe gastrointestinal and neurological reactions. Cats are particularly sensitive to these toxins, which can result in serious health issues.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors seizures loss of coordination
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

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

The berries of Daphne sericea are toxic to dogs, containing compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms. Ingestion can lead to significant health complications requiring veterinary intervention.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors seizures difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

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

Daphne sericea contains toxic compounds, primarily daphnin and daphnetin, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with normal cellular processes, leading to systemic toxicity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness tremors seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep all parts of the plant, especially the berries, 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 sericea toxic to pets?

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

Q: Does Daphne sericea require full sun?

A: It prefers partial shade to full sun.

Q: How often should Daphne sericea be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Quick Reference
Family: Thymelaeaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","fragrance lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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