Daphne Shrubs

Daphne Shrubs Care

Daphne

What is the plant

The Daphne shrub is a genus of 75 to 90 species of shrubs. They are noted for their scented flowers and brightly colored berries. Flowering takes place in late winter to early spring. All parts of the Daphne are poisonous, especially the bright berries. Two of the Burkwood cultivars (Carol Mackie and Briggs Moonlight) are more common and could be excellent choices for your yard.Carol Mackie plants are compact, rounded shrubs that mature to about 3 feet tall, with a slightly greater spread. They bear fragrant, white to light pink, tubular flowers in clusters and their blooming time is generally in early May. The flowers are followed by small red berries (drupes) if pollination occurs. Perhaps the outstanding feature of Carol Mackie plants is their variegated foliage.Despite being classified as deciduous, some refer to Carol Mackie as "semi-evergreen." The Daphne shrubs in a zone 5 garden will usually keep their leaves throughout the winter; the leaves do not become unattractive until late winter.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Part Sun

Hardiness zone

4 - 9

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
A layer of mulch will help keep the roots cool and moist. While the mulch will cover the soil, make sure it does not dry out. Water the shrub when there is not a lot of rainfall.
Fertilizer
The Daphne shrub only needs to be fertilized twice a year. February and July are good times to do this (if it helps you remember, do it on Valentine's Day and the Fourth of July). Do not use an acid fertilizer.
Sunlight
Partial sun to partial shade is usually the recommended growing location for these plants. At the partial-sun end of this spectrum, you may experience superior blooming. Many people seeking shrubs for shade will gladly sacrifice some flowers in order to enjoy the bicolored leaves of these bushes. Group them together with other acid-loving plants that have similar sunlight needs.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Daphne shrubs can be grown in USDA planting zones 4 to 9. They prefer well-drained soil with plenty of compost and a neutral to 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.
Temperature
Daphne grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 or 5 to 9. The Daphne shrub is extremely frost hardy. They have survived temperatures of -3 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additional
All parts of the Daphne shrub are poisonous to both humans and animals. They are so toxic that chewing on the flowers, foliage, bark, or red berries can be fatal.