Daphne mezereum aka Mezereon
Taxonomy ID: 11916
Daphne mezereum, also known as mezereum, mezereon, February daphne, spurge laurel, or spurge olive, is a deciduous shrub native to most of Europe and Western Asia. It belongs to the flowering plant family Thymelaeaceae and is typically found in forests, forest margins, and shrubby areas. Growing up to 1.5m tall, this shrub has a rounded shape and dark green, oblanceolate leaves that grow up to 9cm long. The fragrant flowers, ranging from purplish-pink to purplish-red, appear before the leaves in early spring and are clustered closely in twos and threes. Following the flowers, small round red berries emerge, maturing in June. However, it is important to note that all parts of the plant, including the fruits, sap, and bark, are poisonous to humans if ingested, and the sap can cause skin irritations. Despite its toxic properties, Daphne mezereum has naturalized in parts of Canada and the United States after being introduced during colonial times.
Common names
Mezereon, Paradise Plant, February DaphneMore information about Mezereon
How difficult is it to take care of Mezereon
Mezereon is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What is the region of origin of Mezereon
Mezereon’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia to Spain, east to Macedonia and temperate Asia.
What are the water needs for Mezereon
Mezereon should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Mezereon
Mezereon 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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Mezereon
Mezereon requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Mezereon will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
How to fertilize Mezereon
The growth of Mezereon is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Is Mezereon toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
About Ploi
Ploi is a 4.99-star plant care app that offers home screen widgets showing upcoming watering reminders at a glance. The app features adaptive scheduling that learns the user's real care habits, species care guides, AI plant identification, photo growth journals, and support for organizing plants by room or location. Available on iOS, Android and web.
