Cheriton Daphne Daphne × susannae 'Cheriton'
ABOUT
Daphne × susannae 'Cheriton' is a highly valued garden plant known for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. This Daphne variety typically has a compact, neat growth habit with branches that gracefully spread. The leaves are glossy green, leathery in texture, and elongated with a slightly pointed tip, contributing to the plant's lush appearance throughout the year. Flowering occurs in clusters, with the blooms exuding an exquisite scent that can fill a garden space. The flowers themselves are usually a soft shade of pink, with a tubular structure that flares out into a quartet of spreading petals. In the center, the flowers reveal subtle, contrasting hues that highlight the intricate floral structure. After the flowering period, the plant may produce small, fleshy fruits. These fruits often start green and may ripen to a reddish or purplish tone, adding additional visual interest to the plant. Overall, Daphne × susannae 'Cheriton' presents an elegant and aromatic addition to any landscape, prized for its year-round beauty and intoxicating floral perfume.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae
Synonyms
Cheriton Daphne
Common names
Daphne × susannae 'Cheriton'
ToxicityTo humans
Daphne plants are toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to severe symptoms such as burning sensations in the mouth and throat, increased salivation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and weakness. In severe cases, ingesting Daphne can result in coma or even be fatal due to its cardiotoxic and gastrointestinal effects.
To pets
Daphne plants are also toxic to pets. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and seizures. In severe cases, ingestion of Daphne can lead to coma and even death, primarily due to its cardiotoxic compounds affecting the heart and its ability to circulate blood effectively.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Cultivar (no specific native area)
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its attractive foliage and flowers.
- Fragrance: Produces a pleasant scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Wildlife Attraction: Can attract butterflies and other pollinators, benefiting the local ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Generally requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Year-Round Interest: Offers visual interest throughout the seasons with flowers, berries, and evergreen leaves.
- Compact Size: Its small stature makes it ideal for use in smaller gardens or as part of a mixed border.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, has a level of resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Daphne Cheriton's vibrant blooms and lush foliage can inspire artists and photographers seeking natural beauty for their works.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture students can study the hybrid characteristics and growth habits of Daphne Cheriton as an example of plant breeding and hybrid vigor.
- Perfume Industry: Although not commonly used, the fragrance of Daphne Cheriton flowers has potential in the creation of perfumes or scented products.
- Winter Garden Focal Point: With its winter-blooming nature, Daphne Cheriton can serve as a centerpiece in gardens to provide interest during the colder months.
- Dye Production: The plant could potentially be used in the production of natural dyes for textiles or crafts, though this is not a well-documented use.
- Holiday Decorations: Cut branches with flowers can be used indoors for natural holiday decorations, offering a fresh scent and visual appeal.
- Landscape Design: Daphne Cheriton can be used in landscape architecture to create structured designs, as it can be pruned and shaped easily.
- Mood Enhancer: The presence of this flowering shrub in a living or work space could potentially enhance the mood of individuals with its aesthetic appeal and fragrance.
- Floral Arrangements: Despite their delicate nature, Daphne Cheriton’s flowers could be used in floral arrangements for special occasions.
- Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures or contexts, the plant can be used to symbolize qualities such as immortality or the onset of spring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Cheriton is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Cheriton is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The Daphne genus is often associated with beauty due to the plant's attractive flowers and sweet fragrance, creating a pleasing aesthetic.
- Love: Daphne has connections to love and desire in Greek mythology, where the nymph Daphne was pursued by Apollo, symbolizing the chasing nature of love.
- Protection: In some cultures, Daphne is thought to provide protection due to its evergreen nature, symbolizing endurance and lasting safety.
- Poison: Daphne plants are known to be toxic, and thus they have come to symbolize danger and the hidden hazards lurking beneath beauty and attraction.
WaterThe Daphne 'Cheriton' should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be about once a week, with about 1 gallon of water per session. In fall and winter, reduce the frequency to every 2 to 3 weeks, using less water to prevent root rot from overwatering. Always check the soil moisture level before watering, and adjust accordingly based on weather conditions and the plant's specific needs.
LightDaphne 'Cheriton' thrives best in a spot that receives partial sun to light shade. It should be sheltered from the intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. An ideal location would provide it with bright, filtered light in the morning with some shade during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureDaphne 'Cheriton' prefers cooler temperatures and may not thrive in regions with extremely hot summers. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit but grows best when the temperature ranges between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant should be protected from harsh winter winds and excessively hot temperatures.
PruningDaphne 'Cheriton' requires minimal pruning, primarily to shape the plant or remove any damaged or diseased wood. The best time for pruning is after flowering, usually in late spring or early summer. Avoid heavy pruning as the plant can be slow to recover; light trimming to maintain a desired shape or to encourage bushiness is sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWinter daphne "Cheriton" thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 7.0 (neutral). A mixture containing loam, peat or compost, and sharp sand or perlite promotes good drainage and aeration. Mulching helps maintain moisture balance.
RepottingWinter daphne "Cheriton" should be repotted infrequently as it prefers not to be disturbed. Repot only when the plant has outgrown its pot, typically every 2-3 years, using a container only slightly larger than the previous one.
Humidity & MistingWinter daphne "Cheriton" prefers moderate humidity and does not require high humidity levels. Avoid very dry air to prevent stress, but excessive humidity can encourage diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, sheltered from harsh conditions.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleDaphne × susannae 'Cheriton', commonly known as Cheriton Daphne, begins its life as a seed, which upon germinating, develops into a small seedling. The seedling then grows into a young plant through the vegetative stage, characterized by the development of roots, stems, and leaves. As it matures, Cheriton Daphne enters the flowering stage, where it produces fragrant blooms typically in the spring months. After pollination, which can be facilitated by insects attracted to the flowers, the plant produces berries that contain seeds, thus completing its reproductive cycle. As a perennial shrub, Cheriton Daphne may undergo this reproductive process annually, while continuing to grow and thicken over the years. The plant eventually reaches senescence, where growth and reproductive capacities decline until it dies, closing the life cycle loop.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Daphne × susannae 'Cheriton', commonly known as Cheriton Daphne, is typically propagated by semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer. The most popular method involves selecting healthy, non-flowering shoots and cutting segments about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. These cuttings should have a few leaves left at the top, and the lower leaves are removed. The cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings are kept under high humidity conditions, often with the aid of a plastic cover or in a propagator, and placed in indirect light. Rooting usually takes several weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before potting on.
