Winter Daphne, Fragrant Daphne
Daphne odora

Family: Thymelaeaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink, Purple. Main Bloom Time: Early winter, Late winter, Mid winter. Form: Rounded.

Daphne odora is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

In the shade of upland trees around 1000 metres.

E. Asia - W. China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The flowers and the stems are anodyne, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, depurative and ophthalmic. A decoction is used in the treatment of backache, myalgia, skin diseases, poor vision etc. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of laryngitis and sore throats. A decoction of the roots and leaves is used in the treatment of sore throat and caked breast.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating:

The flowers are very fragrant, they are put in sachets and used for pot-pourri. They are also used to perfume water. The cultivar 'Aureo-marginata' can be used as a ground cover when planted about 1 metre apart each way.

Pot-pourri: Aromatic plants used to impart a pleasant smell to an area. Can this be grouped with incense or essential oil?

Ground cover: Ground Cover

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Ground cover, Massing, Rock garden, Specimen. Prefers a cool, lime-free well-drained friable soil and some shelter from cold winds. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade. This species is not generally hardy in Britain but succeeds outdoors in Devon and Cornwall, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. The cultivar 'Aureo-marginata' is hardy to about -13°c when grown in a very well-drained soil and it succeeds outdoors at Wisley. Plants can be difficult to establish. A very ornamental plant, a number of named forms have been developed for their ornamental value. The flowers are powerfully fragrant with a spicy undertone. Plants seldom set fruit in British gardens. Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible. This species is often affected by virus diseases. Some virus-free clones have been produced, their name is normally followed by the letters FKV (free of all known virus). Special Features: Not North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe with the pot sealed in a polythene bag to hold in the moisture. Remove this bag as soon as germination takes place. The seed usually germinates better if it is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it dries on the plant) and sown immediately. Germination should normally take place by spring, though it sometimes takes a further year. Stored seed is more problematic. It should be warm stratified for 8 - 12 weeks at 20°c followed by 12 - 14 weeks at 3°c. Germination may still take another 12 months or more at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm long at a node or with a heel, July/August in a frame. Layering

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-9

Growth: Slow

Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

All parts of the plant are poisonous. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in some people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

D. indica. Hort. D. japonica. Paxton. D. sinensis.