Saturday, September 10, 2011

DAPHNE

This genus includes 50 or so evergreen and deciduous shrubs indigenous to Europe, North Africa, and temperate and subtropical Asia. They vary in habit and may be erect, rounded, or spreading. The leaves are mostly simple, smooth-edged, oval-shaped, and often a dull green or slightly glossy color. Small scented flowers, usually in delicate shades of white, cream, yellow, or pink, grow singly or in rounded clusters. The fruit that follows the flowers can also be very colorful, ranging from white and pink to red and purple. Famed for their fragrance, daphnes are at home in rock gardens, as well as in mixed borders alongside plants such as camellias and rhododendrons.


CULTIVATION


Daphne generally prefer moist, cool, humusrich, and well-drained soil. Once established, the plant needs to be mulched well and the roots should not be disturbed. Small-leafed species prefer light conditions, while those with larger leaves need some shade. Propagate from seed, cuttings, or by layering.


Top Tip


Grow one of the smaller species of Daphne in a window box or container placed near a doorway; on a warm day the delightful fragrance of the flowers will be carried indoors.

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