Fragrant Daphne Daphne acutiloba 'Fragrant Cloud'
ABOUT
Daphne acutiloba 'Fragrant Cloud' is a striking ornamental shrub known for its appealing fragrance and attractive foliage. While the size of the plant is not the focal point of our description, its overall shape is typically rounded and it forms a dense bush with numerous branches. The leaves are lance-shaped, presenting with a glossy texture and often showing a deep green hue that provides a visual contrast with its flowers. The most remarkable features are the blooms which appear in clusters. Each flower is small, with a pale color that can range from white to light pink, and has a delicate appearance. These blossoms are particularly cherished for their exquisite, sweet aroma that is capable of perfuming the surrounding air, inviting passersby to pause and enjoy the scent. Additionally, after the flowering period, the shrub may produce small, round fruits that are generally not a focal point when considering the plant's ornamental value. It is the combination of the plant's elegant green leaves, the profusion of fragrant flowers, and its overall lush form that makes Daphne acutiloba 'Fragrant Cloud' a favorite among garden enthusiasts who wish to add both visual and olfactory appeal to their garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae
Synonyms
Fragrant Daphne, Sweet Daphne
Common names
Daphne acutiloba 'Fragrant Cloud'
ToxicityTo humans
Daphne plants are known for their toxicity to humans. Ingesting any part of the Daphne plant can cause severe symptoms, which may include burning sensations in the mouth and throat, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and weakness. Additionally, larger quantities could result in more serious effects, such as convulsions, coma, and even death due to cardiorespiratory collapse.
To pets
Similar to their effects on humans, Daphne plants are toxic to pets. Consumption of any part of the plant can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and lethargy in pets. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to convulsions, paralysis, and potentially fatal respiratory or cardiac failure. It is important to keep pets away from Daphne plants to prevent accidental poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Daphne acutiloba 'Fragrant Cloud' adds beauty to gardens with its lovely flowers and attractive foliage.
- Fragrance: It emits a delightful scent that can enhance the sensory experience in a garden or landscape.
- Habitat Support: It provides shelter and food for various insects, which can help support local biodiversity.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round visual interest with its evergreen leaves and seasonal blooms.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care compared to other garden plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect Repellent: The strong fragrance of Daphne may deter certain insects and pests, making it a natural choice for gardeners looking to protect other plants without using chemicals.
- Bookshelf Freshener: Cuttings from the Daphne plant can be placed on bookshelves to impart a pleasant scent to the surrounding area, potentially reducing musty odors.
- Drawer Sachets: Dried Daphne flowers can be used in sachets to freshen drawers and closets, keeping clothes smelling nice.
- Crafting: The stems and flowers of Daphne can be used in floral crafts, such as wreath-making or dried flower arrangements, due to their attractive appearance and scent.
- Natural Potpourri: Dries Daphne flowers and leaves can contribute to a natural potpourri mixture, offering a long-lasting fragrance for home use.
- Specialty Papermaking: The inclusion of Daphne flowers or leaves can add a unique visual and aromatic element to handmade papers.
- Photography: As a photogenic plant, Daphne can be used in botanical photography, both for personal and commercial projects.
- Moth Deterrent: Similar to insect repellence, the strong scent can keep moths away from stored clothing and textiles when used in natural repellent pouches.
- Perfumery: The extract from Daphne flowers can be used in creating boutique or handmade perfumes with a unique scent profile.
- Special Occasion Decorations: Due to its fragrance and beauty, Daphne can be used to decorate weddings or other special events for a natural, perfumed ambiance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Daphne is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Daphne is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love - Daphne plants are often associated with love and romance, as in the Greek myth of Apollo and the nymph Daphne. The 'Fragrant Cloud' variety, with its intoxicating aroma, may especially evoke a sense of romantic allure.
- Purity - The delicate, white blossoms of some Daphne varieties symbolize purity and innocence.
- Protection - Daphne plants can also represent protection due to another version of the Apollo and Daphne myth where Daphne is transformed into a laurel tree to protect her from Apollo's pursuits.
- Immortality - Following the myth where Daphne turns into a laurel tree, the evergreen nature of many Daphne species may also symbolize immortality or eternal life.
WaterFor best results, water the Fragrant Cloud Daphne evenly to maintain moist, but not soggy, soil. During the growing season, this might equate to applying about 1 inch of water weekly, paying close attention during hot or dry spells when additional water may be needed. Over the winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil completely dry out. It is better to water this plant deeply and less frequently, instead of shallow waterings, to encourage deep root growth. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation and ensure the water reaches the roots.
LightFragrant Cloud Daphne thrives in partial sun to light shade, making it well-suited for an east-facing garden where it can get gentle morning sunlight but is protected from the intense heat of the afternoon. An ideal location would also shield it from strong, drying winds which could harm the foliage, particularly during the summer months.
TemperatureFragrant Cloud Daphne prefers a cool to temperate climate and generally does well in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimal frosts, but sustained temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can be harmful. During hot summer days, it's best to provide some protection from temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent stress to the plant.
PruningPruning Fragrant Cloud Daphne is mainly needed to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain the plant's shape. Light pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It is not necessary to prune this plant annually; however, if the plant becomes overgrown, it can be lightly shaped to encourage denser growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daphne odora 'Fragrant Cloud' is a well-draining, loamy mix with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Incorporate organic matter like compost or pine bark to improve drainage and aeration. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and temperature.
RepottingDaphne odora 'Fragrant Cloud' should be repotted every 2-3 years. It prefers to be root-bound, so repotting too frequently can stress the plant.
Humidity & MistingDaphne odora 'Fragrant Cloud' thrives in moderate humidity levels; aim for around 40-50%. Avoid excessively dry or damp air, which can lead to stress and diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place it near bright windows; avoid direct intense sunlight.
Outdoor
Partial shade, protect from harsh sun and wind.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleDaphne acutiloba 'Fragrant Cloud', also known as Fragrant Daphne, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed, which, when subjected to the proper conditions of temperature and moisture, germinates to sprout a root system and a shoot that grows upwards. After germination, the seedling develops into a young plant with a set of true leaves, establishing a root system that allows it to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. In its vegetative stage, Fragrant Daphne grows and matures, developing a woody stem and foliage, preparing the plant for flowering. This plant reaches maturity when it starts to produce clusters of fragrant, tubular flowers, commonly during late winter to early spring, which can be pollinated by insects, leading to fruit and seed formation. The fruit contains seeds that, once dispersed, can give rise to new plants, thus completing the life cycle. Although evergreen, Fragrant Daphne may experience a period of dormancy or reduced growth, particularly in colder climates during the winter months.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Daphne acutiloba 'Fragrant Cloud', commonly known as Fragrant Daphne, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically takes place in late summer to early autumn. The selected cutting should be around 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) in length with several leaves. The bottom end of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance root development and then planted in a mixture of peat and perlite. It is essential to maintain high humidity around the cutting, often achieved by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and keeping it in bright, indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks to a couple of months. Once rooted, the new Fragrant Daphne plant can be transferred to a pot with regular potting soil to continue growing.
