Winter daphne - Daphne odora (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Winter daphne

Also known as: Gold-edged 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.

Scientific classification

Species

Winter daphne (Daphne odora)

Mallows, rock-roses, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Spring

Harvest Time

91 cm to 1.2 m

Plant Height

White, Pink, Purple, Cream

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Winter

Growth Season

Images of Winter daphne

Distribution of Winter daphne

Distribution Map

Winter daphne, renowned for its fragrant blooms, is native to major regions in East Asia. This plant has expanded its range, now also introduced and thriving in parts of Northeast Asia. Additionally, winter daphne has become a favored plant beyond its native and naturalized areas, widely cultivated for its alluring characteristics.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Shade of upland trees

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Winter daphne is a versatile plant with many possible uses. It fits in well within cottage, informal, and city gardens. With its leathery leaves, shrubby growth, and showy, fragrant flower clusters, it can be an exotic addition to mid and back positions in flower borders and beds. Also, it can be utilized to create attractive wall-side borders.

Symbolism

Immortality

Interesting Facts

Daphne shrubs aren't easy to grow, but they're still among gardeners' favorite ornamental shrubs. A winter daphne variety 'Aureo-Marginata' is extremely prized, mostly for its beautiful variegated foliage - dark green glossy leaves and creamy edges.

Name Story

Winter daphne: During the wintertime of the year, when most of our plants are dormant, there are some plants that surprise us with their blooms. Winter daphne is one of those winter beauties. It blooms in the late winter or early spring, hence the name winter daphne. As an extra, its flowers are extremely fragrant, so it's sometimes called fragrant daphne, as well.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Winter daphne, including the following common varieties :

Winter daphne 'Sweet Amethyst'Winter daphne 'Aureomarginata'Winter daphne 'Perfume Princess'

Toxicity

Winter daphne is highly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. All plant parts, especially the fruit, pose severe poisoning risks. Ingestion leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and more severe symptoms. Contact with sap can cause dermatitis in humans. Immediate veterinary care is essential if pets ingest winter daphne due to risks like seizures and coma. Prevent access to protect pets' health. Winter daphne information limited, toxin unknown.

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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.

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Care Guide for Winter daphne

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Winter daphne thrives in East Asian forests with moderate moisture and well-drained soil. Preferring consistent humidity without waterlogging, it tolerates moderate drought. Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to partially dry. As an ornamental evergreen shrub, it needs careful watering during the growing season for lush foliage and blooms.

Fertilize: Fertilize winter daphne with balanced, slow-release fertilizers in spring for growth, applying quarterly at the root zone. Use high-nitrogen types if growth is slow. Reduce feeding in winter dormancy, and ensure safe application by diluting and watering soil before and after fertilization.

Pruning: Winter daphne thrives with light pruning after flowering in late spring. Focus on removing dead or damaged branches, then trim overgrown shoots to maintain shape and airflow. Avoid heavy pruning to preserve blooms. Regular light pruning enhances vigor and flowering.

Propagation: Winter daphne is an evergreen shrub known for fragrant blooms, typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. Sterilize tools, use a rooting hormone, and place cuttings in a well-draining soil mix with humidity and indirect light. Rooting may take several weeks.

Repotting: Repot winter daphne every 2-3 years in spring, selecting a slightly larger container with good drainage. Post-repotting, keep soil evenly moist and provide indirect light. Avoid overpotting to prevent root rot, ensuring gentle care for optimal growth and fragrance.

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Images of Winter daphne

Distribution of Winter daphne

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Winter daphne

Care Guide for Winter daphne

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