Daphne mezereum aka Mezereon
Taxonomy
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 DaphneHow to care for Mezereon
Difficulty
Mezereon is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Mezereon should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
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.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Mezereon prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
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.
Fertilizer
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.
Region of origin
Mezereon’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia to Spain, east to Macedonia and temperate Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
