Daphne are one of the most impressive fragrant flowering plants, and with the right conditions daphne provide not only fragrance but masses of sweet smelling flowers in the winter months.
Mnay varieties can be grown both in the ground or in pots. If growing in pots it is essential to make sure that the pot remains cool and the potting mix moist, but well drained. Pots are great near doorways when flowering, however they will, need shade.
A few varieties actually prefer sun and some require extra lime in the soil. Despite what you may read, not all varieties are fragrant.
How To grow Daphne
Most species prefer a cool, shaded position and a moist well composted soil. Good drainage is essential, and although shade is important, deep shade should be avoided.
Mulch should be kept away from the base of the plant, yellow leaves are often a sign of poor drainage and or collar rot.
One of the major problems with all species is over watering, when grown in a protected shaded position in good soil they actually need very little water at all.
Most varieties like a cool shaded position with Daphne Eternal Fragrance being one exception.
You can grow Daphne in the garden or in pots, although as this is a plant that does resent being disturbed, repotting can be an issue.
Care and Growing Conditions
- Position
For most varieties including the popular D.odora, a positioning dappled shade is best. Avoid direct sun especially afternoon sun. - Soil
A humus rich well drained soil is essential.
Prepare the soil before planting, add compost, aged cow manure, and if you have it leaf mold. Leaf mold helps retain moisture. - Temperature.
Although thought to like cooler climates, this is a plant that will thrive in temperate climates in the right conditions. Daphne plants do not like frosts, they do not like hot dry winds and they do not like humidity. - Watering
In good soil, and the right position, most species require very little extra water. A wet /dry cycle works well. A deep watering during long dry spells and then allow the soil to dry before watering again.
Wet and soggy soils can cause root problems. - Fertiliser
In good soil and with mulch added each spring little extra fertiliser will be required. We use a slow release organic fertiliser in spring as we renew the much.
What are the Easiest daphnes to grow ?
- The easiest variety to grow depends on your climate and the position in the garden.. In cool to temperate climates, in shade, D.odora should present few problems.
- In a position with more sun then D Eternal Fragrance, which is a hybrid will be the best.
- In tropical climates try Phaleria clerodendron, instead, it is related to Daphnes, is commonly called the scented Daphne and comes from Northern Queensland.
- Varieties such as Genkwa and Cneorum need different conditions.
Propagating Daphne Plants From Cuttings
Daphne can be propagated from cuttings, from seed or by layering. Cuttings are fairly easy if you follow these 10 steps.
- The best time to take cuttings is in early to mid summer, you need to use new growth that has commenced to harden a little.
- Choose stems that have not flowered. Look for stems that will give you a 6 inch (15cm) cutting.
- Remove the foliage from the lower 1/2 to 2/3 of the stem with a sharp knife so as not to rip the bark from the stem.
- The lower part of the stem can them be dipped in honey to help promote root growth.
- A propagating mix of 50% sand and 50% peat moss is suitable. 50% perlite and 50% peat moss is also good.
- Use a pencil or stick to make the planting hole, insert the cutting at least 3 inches (7 cm) deep.
- Firm in and water with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- You will need to provide some humidity, so a propagating box, or plastic bottle over the top will help.
- The cutting needs to placed where it receives good filtered light, however not direct sun. – Check regularly for moisture and mist spray to maintain humidity.
- Daphne cuttings should have good root development after 3 months. – Do not be tempted to check for root development by pulling on the stem, wait for signs of new growth.
Daphne Plants – Species, Varieties and Cultivars
Small leaved daphne and large leaved varieties are available, evergreen and deciduous daphne are also available. Many are suitable for growing in the garden or in pots.
A number of dwarf species and cultivars are available including D. Cneorum. Recent releases include D. ‘Eternal Fragrance’ (Daphne x transatlantica) which is a little more tolerant of sun than others.
Varieties or species available for sale include the popular D. odora. However look for varieties such as Daphne x burkwoodii, D. cneorum, D. collina and Da. Genkwa.
D. oleoides is a lovely evergreen species from Turkey, slow growing like most species but covered with small slightly perfumed white star shaped flowers in late spring to early summer followed by orange berries. Will reach around 1m over time. Rarely offered in Australia
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Daphne plants are available for sale from the following nurseries and growers
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au