Daphne Cneorum Care

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.

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.

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).

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.

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