Genus Daphne can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with small, usually very fragrant tubular, 4-lobed flowers, often followed by colourful berries. Details D. cneorum is a trailing evergreen shrub to 20cm tall, with narrow leaves and fragrant rosy pink flowers in dense clusters in late spring.
In the first year of growth, water your shrub several times a week. Once established, Daphne shrubs still require a tricky balance between consistent moisture and good drainage. Make sure the mulch remains moist, and make sure the shrub gets at least 1 inch of water per week through rainfall, irrigation, or a combination.
While some varieties of Daphne do fine in full sun, most will bloom best in part shade conditions. Those varieties grown mostly for their variegated leaves will display well even in relatively shady conditions, though the flowering will be reduced. Group them together with other acid-loving plants that have similar sunlight needs (azaleas, for example).
Daphne shrubs should be fertilized twice a year using a granular balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10). February or March and July are good times to do this.
Daphnes prefer well-drained soil with plenty of compost and a slightly acidic soil pH. Daphne shrubs thrive in moist soil. To keep the soil around them moist in summer (and to keep the roots cool), apply a three-inch layer of mulch.
Daphne shrubs can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9, but in zones 4 and 5 they really should be considered semi-evergreen, or even deciduous, since they are likely to drop their leaves and grow new foliage in the early spring. These shrubs accept high humidity levels, though they may be susceptible to fungal leaf spots.
All parts of this plant contain compounds known to be highly toxic. Daphnin and mezerein are identified compounds; there may be others that are not yet known. The berries are particularly concentrated with toxins. Use these plants carefully in homes where there are small children or pets.
speciesgardeningoutdoor-growingMay 7 · 7 min readFull Guide on Lettuce Companion PlantsWhile your favorite salad bowl veggies are relatively fuss-free and easy to grow, they can do better, sharing the same space with other crops.
gardeningcare-guideApr 29 · 10 min readBest & Worst Tomato Companion PlantsTomato companion plants – to call them companions is an offensive understatement to them!
garden-plantstipsApr 25 · 7 min readFull Guide on Okra Companion PlantsSay OK with okra companion plants! Your exotic-looking vegetable, often called Lady's Finger, would love to be accompanied by the presence of friendly garden crops.
flowergiftsbloomingApr 1 · 7 min readComprehensive Guide to National Flowers DayNational Flowers Day celebrates the dawning of perhaps the most anticipated season of all – spring! The day marks the end of winter and a floral character of blooming beauty, positivity, and grace.
flowerflower-meaningsspeciesMar 13 · 10 min readFull Guide on Lotus Flower Meaning, Symbolism and Plant OverviewLotus is an abstract depiction of various religious entities. Because this knowledge may be limited only to where it is commonly cultivated and traded, we will try to shed light on the legends.