- Botanical name: Daphne mezereum
- Common name: Daphne
- Family: Thymelaeaceae
- Plant Type: Shrub, Deciduous
Pink
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Fruits
- Scented flowers
Sometimes called the February Daphne because of its welcome early flowering habit, Daphne mezereum is a shade-loving woodland plant that will also tolerate full sun provided its roots never dry out. It bears dense clusters of pink, lilac and violet flowers on bare stems in late winter, which begin to fade as the young foliage appears. It’s perfect for growing near paths and doorways where the sweet fragrance of its blooms can be fully enjoyed early in the year, and it makes a delightful cut flower.
Grow Daphne mezereum in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but especially the vivid scarlet berries.
How to grow Daphne mezereum
-
Plant size
1.5m height
1.5m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, south facing, east facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Take cuttings | ||||||||||||
| Take cuttings |
J
Do not Take cuttings in January |
F
Do not Take cuttings in February |
M
Do not Take cuttings in March |
A
Do not Take cuttings in April |
M
Do not Take cuttings in May |
J
Do Take cuttings in June |
J
Do Take cuttings in July |
A
Do not Take cuttings in August |
S
Do not Take cuttings in September |
O
Do not Take cuttings in October |
N
Do not Take cuttings in November |
D
Do not Take cuttings in December |
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
J
Do not Prune in January |
F
Do not Prune in February |
M
Do not Prune in March |
A
Do not Prune in April |
M
Do Prune in May |
J
Do Prune in June |
J
Do not Prune in July |
A
Do not Prune in August |
S
Do not Prune in September |
O
Do not Prune in October |
N
Do not Prune in November |
D
Do not Prune in December |
Daphne mezereum and wildlife
Daphne mezereum is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Daphne mezereum poisonous?
Daphne mezereum is harmful if ingested, irritates skin and causes an upset stomach.
Toxic to Cats
Toxic to Dogs
Toxic to Horses
Toxic to Livestock
Toxic to People
No reported toxicity to Birds
Plants that go well with Daphne mezereum
