Daphne laureola aka Spurge Laurel

Taxonomy

Daphne laureola, also known as spurge-laurel, is a compact, evergreen shrub that belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family. It is native to Europe, Algeria, Morocco, and the Azores and is known for its clusters of greenish-yellow flowers that emit a lovely honey scent in late winter and early spring. Although it is not a spurge or a laurel, it is a great addition to shrub borders and woodland gardens, particularly when planted with yellow winter aconites. However, it is important to note that it is considered invasive in Eurasia and Northern Africa. Spurge-laurel is also a rare houseplant that requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers direct light and should be placed less than a foot away from a window. Additionally, it needs well-draining soil, and repotting is necessary each time it doubles in size. Despite its less showy appearance compared to pink-flowered varieties, its divine scent and ability to adapt to different settings make it a great addition to any garden or indoor space.

Common names

Spurge Laurel, Wood Laurel, February Daphne

How to care for Spurge Laurel

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Spurge Laurel due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Spurge Laurel should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Spurge Laurel loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Spurge Laurel to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Spurge Laurel is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Spurge Laurel’s native range is Western and southern Europe, from Britain and Belgium to Spain and Macedonia, N. Africa, W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia