Henderson's Daphne Daphne × hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser'
ABOUT
The Daphne × hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser' is a captivating plant with a bushy, rounded form, renowned for its decorative qualities and fragrant flowers. Adorning this plant are clusters of blooms that exhibit a striking pinkish-purple hue, often with a paler or white interior, which delivers a delightful contrast and adds depth to the flower's appearance. These blossoms exude a powerful, sweet aroma that can enchant the senses, making this plant a favored choice for gardens where fragrance is a desired element. The leaves of Daphne × hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser' are equally attractive, composed of slender, elongated foliage that presents a glossy texture. The leaf color is typically a deep green, providing a lush backdrop for the vibrant floral displays. Moreover, the surface of the leaves often exhibits a leathery sheen, contributing to the plant's overall aesthetic charm. As the seasons change, this plant may also produce small, rounded fruit, which can be a point of visual interest. These fruits usually take on a reddish coloration, standing out against the greenery and adding further ornamental value to the plant. The visual appeal of Daphne × hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser' makes it a coveted specimen for gardeners and plant enthusiasts who wish to incorporate plants with multi-seasonal interest and sensory allure. Its flowers, leaves, and occasionally fruit synergize to create a display that is as visually striking as it is fragrant, ensuring it remains a delightful addition to a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae.
Synonyms
Henderson's Daphne, Hybrid Daphne.
Common names
Daphne × hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser'.
ToxicityTo humans
Daphne can be a highly toxic plant if ingested. All parts of the plant contain toxic substances, with the highest concentration typically found in the berries. If any part of the plant is consumed, symptoms can include burning sensations in the mouth and throat, increased salivation, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, and in severe cases, it can lead to convulsions, coma, and even death from organ failure.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, Daphne is toxic to pets. All parts of the plant, particularly the berries, contain toxins. If ingested by pets, symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, convulsions, and in extreme cases, can be fatal due to organ failure. Immediate veterinary care is required if a pet has ingested any part of a Daphne plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Garden origin
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Daphne × hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser', commonly known as winter daphne, provides ornamental value with its attractive flowers and foliage.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience in a garden or landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its blooms attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Compact Size: With its small stature, it fits well in urban gardens or limited spaces, making it ideal for container gardening or small beds.
- Seasonal Interest: Winter daphne offers visual interest throughout multiple seasons, with flowers in late winter to early spring and sometimes colorful berries in the fall.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerance: It can withstand periods of dryness once fully established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone regions.
- Part Shade Adaptability: This plant can thrive in part-shade conditions, where other sun-loving plants might not perform well.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Daphne × hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser', commonly known as the winter daphne, can be used as a natural dye for textiles, imparting subtle hues to fabrics when the bark or flowers are processed correctly.
- Its fragrant flowers can be placed in wardrobes or drawers as a natural freshener, providing a light scent to clothes and linens similar to sachets.
- The dense, evergreen foliage serves as an excellent privacy screen when grown in groups, making it suitable for use in residential garden design.
- Due to its compact size, it can be grown in containers and used to decorate balconies and patios, adding greenery and fragrance to urban outdoor spaces.
- The intricate blooms can be used in floral art and arrangements, as their unique appearance adds an exotic touch to bouquets and displays.
- Winter daphne can be incorporated into bonsai practices, its slow growth rate and manageable size make it an interesting specimen for this ancient art form.
- The plant is effective in butterfly gardens, as its flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, supporting local ecosystems.
- Dried branches of winter daphne can be used in craft projects, such as making wreaths or decorative displays, especially when the bark has interesting textures or patterns.
- Its berries, although poisonous if ingested, can be used with caution in outdoor educational programs to teach about plant safety and recognition of toxic species in the wild.
- Photographers may utilize the winter daphne as a natural backdrop during spring for portrait photography due to its aesthetic appeal and seasonality.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daphne is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daphne is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Passion: In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph associated with Apollo, the god of love, which is why Daphne plants often symbolize love and passion.
- Purity: Daphne plants, with their delicate flowers and often evergreen leaves, can represent purity and innocence.
- Immortality: Due to the association with gods and their divine qualities, Daphne can also symbolize immortality and eternal life.
- Protection: The plant has a strong scent and in some traditions, it is believed to have protective qualities, possibly warding off evil spirits or misfortune.
WaterDaphne 'Ernst Hauser', commonly known as Henderson's daphne, should be watered deeply to ensure that the root zone is adequately moistened but never oversaturated. Typically, watering once a week with about 0.25 gallons per square foot is sufficient—adjust the amount and frequency according to the soil's moisture level and the climatic conditions. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water Henderson's daphne twice a week, while in cooler, wetter conditions, watering can be reduced. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to ensure good drainage and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
LightHenderson's daphne thrives best in partial shade where it receives filtered sunlight or bright indirect light. An ideal spot is one that is shielded from the intense heat of the afternoon sun, such as on the east or north side of a building, to prevent leaf scorch. These plants can also tolerate morning sun with afternoon shade, which encourages healthy growth without overexposure to harsh sunlight.
TemperatureHenderson's daphne prefers moderate temperature conditions and can generally tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°F to 75°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 40°F and 60°F, ensuring active growth without the stress caused by extreme temperatures. It's important to protect the plant from severe cold winds and frost, which can damage the foliage and compromise its health.
PruningPrune Henderson's daphne to remove dead or diseased wood and to maintain its shape—this is typically done shortly after the plant has finished blooming in the spring. Periodic thinning of the plant may also encourage air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Pruning is not required annually; do so every 2 to 3 years or as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Daphne x hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser', also known as the Winter Daphne, thrives best in a well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix with some compost and leaf mold can be beneficial, ensuring both good drainage and moisture retention.
RepottingWinter Daphne should be repotted sparingly, about every 2 to 3 years, as they do not tolerate root disturbance well. It's best to repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingThe Winter Daphne prefers moderate humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity found in most homes without needing special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; protect from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleDaphne × hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser', commonly known as Henderson's Daphne, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which typically requires well-drained soil with some moisture retention. After sprouting, it enters a juvenile vegetative stage, growing slowly as it establishes a framework of roots and shoots. The plant then transitions to a mature vegetative stage, developing evergreen foliage and in time, the flower buds form. It reaches reproductive maturity within a few years, when fragrant flowers bloom in spring or early summer, providing both aesthetic appeal and the means for pollination. Following pollination, the plant produces berry-like fruits which contain seeds, completing the cycle as these seeds disperse, either by natural means or with human assistance. Daphne × hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser' tends to have a relatively short lifespan compared to many other woody perennials, often living for around 10 to 15 years under ideal conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Daphne × hendersonii 'Ernst Hauser', commonly known as Henderson's daphne, is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is the most popular and involves taking a cutting from the plant in summer when the current season's growth has started to mature but is not yet fully hardened. It's ideal to select a healthy stem that is about 4 to 6 inches long. The cutting should have several leaves, and the lower leaves are typically removed before the stem is dipped into a rooting hormone to enhance root development. Afterward, the cutting is placed into a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm environment with high humidity until roots have formed, which can typically take several weeks. Careful attention to moisture levels and avoiding direct sunlight helps ensure successful root growth.
