Winter daphne (Daphne odora)

Also known as: Gold-edged winter daphne

The evergreen shrub you're looking for could be the Rhododendron. Known for its attractive blooms, this shrub is toxic to both humans and animals. Rhododendrons typically reach heights of 3 to 8 feet and are highly prone to root rot in poorly drained, soggy soil.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Winter daphne

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

91 cm to 1.2 m

Spread

60 cm to 1.2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Pink Purple Cream

Images of Winter daphne

Quickly Identify Winter daphne

Leaves are coriaceous, shiny dark green, alternately arranged, with elliptic-oblong shape and pointed tips.

Fragrant floral cymes with cream to purplish salverform flowers, 1 inch across.

Terminal, rosy purple buds opening to rose pink, creamy white to purplish salverform flowers.

Red, rounded fleshy drupe, 0.4 inches in diameter, in small clusters with single seed.

Few, erect stems with minimal branching, green to reddish-brown, 0.2-0.4 inches in diameter.

Scientific Classification of Winter daphne

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mallows, rock-roses, and allies

Family

Mezereum

Genus

Daphnes

Species

Winter daphne

Planting and Growing of Winter daphne

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

50-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Winter daphne?

For Daphne odora, aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly until the water begins to drain out of the bottom of the pot, indicating that the roots have received enough moisture.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Winter daphne? ›

What should I do if my Winter daphne is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Winter daphne? ›

How to save an overwatered Winter daphne? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Winter daphne?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 4 hours

Partial sun, ideally exposed to morning light and shielded from harsh afternoon rays, supports optimal growth, enhances blooming, and sustains healthy foliage in Daphne odora.

Where is the best location for Daphne odora? ›

How to provide ideal light indoors? ›

Why is partial sun essential? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Winter daphne?

Ideal Temperature: 50 ~ 77℉

For optimal growth, Daphne odora thrives best in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 77°F. Within this range, the plant can maintain healthy foliage and produce its characteristic aromatic blooms.

What Soil is Best for Winter daphne?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Acidic soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Daphne odora thrives in soil that allows excess water to drain away easily, preventing waterlogging. Proper drainage is crucial to avoid root rot, ensuring a healthier plant that can absorb nutrients more efficiently. It's important for Daphne odora to have access to rich organic matter in the soil, which provides essential nutrients that promote vigorous growth and enhance the aromatic qualities of the flowers. While Daphne odora prefers well-drained soil, it also benefits from maintaining consistent moisture levels, ensuring the roots have adequate water without being oversaturated, optimizing bloom production. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Winter daphne?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Daphne odora, use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. For liquid fertilizers, mix at half the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilization. Apply approximately 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water, ensuring even distribution over the root zone. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Winter daphne?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Avoid excessive pruning, as this can reduce blooming and affect the health of the plant. Over-pruning can also lead to a weak structure and diminished fragrance. Be cautious, as the sap of Daphne odora can be toxic and skin-irritating. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling and avoid touching your face. While pruning, inspect the plant for any signs of pest infestations or diseases. Early detection and removal of affected parts can prevent spreading and safeguard the plant's health. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Winter daphne plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late summer

Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the parent plant and cut 4 to 6-inch sections. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to aid root growth.

Insert the cuttings into a well-draining potting mix, making sure not to bury the leaves. Keep the soil moist, ensuring that excess water can drain freely to prevent rot.

For layering, bend a low-growing branch to the ground and slightly wound it. Cover the wounded section with soil or a growing medium, securing it with a pin or stake, to promote rooting while still attached to the parent plant.

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How to Repot Winter daphne plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Daphne odora needs repotting when you observe roots coming out of the drainage holes, a general decline in growth, or the plant is becoming top-heavy. These signs indicate the plant is outgrowing its current pot and requires more space to thrive.

Select a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. The pot should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which Daphne odora is sensitive to. A terra-cotta pot helps in moisture regulation, allowing the roots to breathe and reducing the risks of root rot.

Opt for well-draining, acidic soil mix rich in organic matter. This type of soil ensures that excess water can escape, reducing the chance of root rot while providing the right nutrients. It simulates the plant's natural habitat, supporting healthy growth.

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Toxicity of Winter daphne

Is Winter daphne toxic to humans?

Winter daphne is regarded as extremely toxic to humans, although the specific toxin responsible remains unidentified. It is thought that every part of the plant is harmful, with the fruit being especially dangerous. While information on winter daphne's toxicity is scarce, consuming other species within the same genus can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, heartburn, dizziness, decreased heart rate, and potentially death when substantial quantities are ingested. Additionally, skin contact with the sap of winter daphne has been reported to provoke dermatitis in certain individuals.

Is Winter daphne toxic to cat?

Winter daphne presents a significant toxicity threat to cats. Felines are at risk of poisoning if they consume any part of the plant, particularly the bark or fruits. Ingesting these components can lead to severe physical discomfort in cats, with gastrointestinal issues that may be evident through vomiting or diarrhea. Given its high level of toxicity, it is crucial for cat owners to restrict their pets' access to winter daphne and to vigilantly observe for any signs of illness. Should there be any suspicion of poisoning, prompt professional veterinary assistance is essential.

Is Winter daphne toxic to dog?

Winter daphne presents an acute toxicity threat to dogs. When dogs consume any parts of this plant, especially the bark or berries, they face a significant risk of poisoning. This poisoning usually occurs when these parts are ingested, which can take place during instinctive exploration or unintended consumption. Signs of poisoning in dogs may manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, excessive drooling, lethargy, and in more severe cases, symptoms like seizures or coma due to its high toxicity levels. It is essential for dog owners to remain alert and restrict their pets from accessing winter daphne. If there is any suspicion that a dog has ingested any portion of winter daphne, seeking immediate veterinary assistance is crucial to facilitate the best possible recovery for the affected animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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