Daphne odora aka Winter Daphne

Taxonomy ID: 2794

Daphne odora, also known as winter daphne, is an evergreen shrub from the Thymelaeaceae family that is native to China, but has since spread to Japan and Korea. The plant is grown for its fragrant, fleshy, pale-pink, tubular flowers with four spreading lobes and glossy foliage. It rarely produces red berries after flowering, and the Latin specific epithet odora means "fragrant". Winter daphne prefers fertile, slightly acidic, peaty, and well-drained soils and can grow in full sun or partial shade. It is hardy to −10 °C (14 °F), possibly lower. In Korea, the plant is called "chullihyang" or "a thousand-mile scent," referring to the fragrance of the foliage, while in Japan, it is commonly known as "jinchoge". However, winter daphne is not long-lived and usually lasts eight to ten years. It is also susceptible to virus infection, which causes leaf mottling. All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and a range of domestic animals, and some people experience dermatitis from contact with the sap. Daphne odora is propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. To encourage fragrant blooms, growing winter daphne requires the right care and growing spots. Pink buds emerge in February to March, becoming clusters of fragrant, tubular blooms. The shrub reaches no more than 4 feet (1 m.) in height and usually grows to just 3 feet (1 m.) high and the same in width. The Salverform is another evergreen shrub that grows to 6 and 1/2 feet tall, producing rose-purple or white, extremely fragrant flowers in mid-to-late winter. It is moderately salt-tolerant and easy to propagate from stem cuttings.

Common names

Winter Daphne

More information about Winter Daphne

How difficult is it to take care of Winter Daphne

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Winter Daphne, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

What is the region of origin of Winter Daphne

Winter Daphne’s native range is E. Asia - W. China, Japan.

What are the water needs for Winter Daphne

Winter Daphne should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Winter Daphne

Winter Daphne 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 Winter Daphne

To ensure optimal growth, the Winter Daphne prefers bright indirect 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.

How to fertilize Winter Daphne

The Winter Daphne grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Is Winter Daphne toxic to humans/pets?

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

What's the dormancy for Winter Daphne

During the wintertime, it is common for Winter Daphne plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

More info:
Wikipedia