How to Grow and Care for Daphnes

Daphnes require a well-draining soil and thrive in partial shade. Special care includes maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging and protecting from harsh winds. Pruning after flowering promotes better growth and bloom. Overall, daphnes entails a high level of care and attention.

Watering schedule: Every 2-3 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Toxic to Humans

In This Article

Planting and Growing Daphnes

Care Difficulty	Hard
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 2-3 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Partial sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	5.5-6.5
Hardiness Zones	7-9
Toxicity	Toxic to Humans

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

Types of Daphnes

Winter daphne

Winter daphne, or Daphne odora, is an evergreen shrub grown for its strongly fragrant flowers. This shrub is toxic to humans and animals. Winter daphne grows 91 to 122 cm tall and is highly susceptible to root rot from soggy soil.

February daphne

The Daphne mezereum is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 1.5 m tall. Its leaves are soft, spirally arranged on the stems. The february daphne produces a bright red berry as the fruit which is extremely poisonous for humans.

Spurge laurel

Spurge laurel (Daphne laureola) is a flowering plant native to Europe and Maghreb. Spurge laurel is poisonous and anyone handling the plant must wear gloves to avoid getting a rash from the caustic sap.

Garland flower

Garland flower, or Daphne cneorum, is a poisonous plant native to the mountains of Europe. This evergreen shrub produces fragrant pink flowers in the spring. It grows best in a sheltered location.

Flax-leaved daphne

Flax-leaved daphne (Daphne gnidium) is an attractive, evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers, but it is highly poisonous. Even the sap can irritate the skin. Coming from southern Europe, the Middle East, and north Africa, it can grow in poor soil and on inhospitable hillsides.