Nepalese Paper Plant Daphne bholua 'Hazel Edwards'
ABOUT
Daphne bholua 'Hazel Edwards' is a striking plant known for its beautiful and fragrant flowers. The blooms are characterized by their pink to white color and are often praised for their intense, sweet scent that can perfume the air around them. These flowers are clustered in dense bunches, providing a splendid display during their blooming season, which typically lies in the winter to early spring period. The foliage of 'Hazel Edwards' consists of lance-shaped, evergreen leaves that maintain their vibrancy throughout the year. The leaves are a glossy, deep green and offer a lush backdrop for the contrasting blossoms. The plant has a bushy, upright habit and is clothed in its dark green leaves up to the flower clusters, creating an attractive and dense silhouette. Moreover, the bark and branches of this specimen present a sturdy structure to support the foliage and blossoms. The overall appearance of this Daphne cultivar exudes elegance and can add both visual interest and aromatic delight to a garden setting. Its charm lies in the combination of its showy flowers, evergreen leaves, and its contribution to the sensory appeal of any landscape in which it is placed.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Nepal Paper Plant, Himalayan Daphne
Common names
Daphne bholua 'Hazel Edwards'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Daphne bholua 'Hazel Edwards' is Daphne. All parts of the Daphne plant are toxic to humans if ingested. The primary toxic compounds are daphnetoxin and mezerein, which can cause symptoms such as burning sensations in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to headache, weakness, convulsions, and even coma. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals.
To pets
The common name for Daphne bholua 'Hazel Edwards' is Daphne. This plant is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Symptoms of Daphne poisoning in pets are similar to those in humans and can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and depression. Severe poisoning can lead to more serious neurological symptoms, such as seizures and potentially coma. It is important to keep pets away from this plant and to consult a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Himalaya
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Himalayan Daphne, with its attractive evergreen foliage and clusters of fragrant, pale pink flowers, enhances the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, contributing to biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in late winter to early spring, it provides color and interest during a time when few other plants are flowering.
- Compact Growth: Typically reaching around 1.5-2.5 meters, it is suitable for small gardens or spaces with limited room.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care apart from occasional watering and pruning.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it shows some level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: Capable of growing in partial shade, it offers flexibility in garden design and plant placement.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting natural dyes: The flowers and bark of the Daphne plant can be used to extract pigments for natural fabric dyes, providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Insect repellent: The strong fragrance of the Daphne flowers can sometimes deter certain insects, potentially serving as a natural form of pest control in gardens.
- Perfumery: Daphne flowers have a potent scent which can be used as a base for creating perfumes and scented oils.
- Decorative displays: Branches of Daphne, with their attractive flowers and foliage, can be used in floral arrangements and decorative centerpieces.
- Educational resource: The plant can be incorporated into botanical studies and educational programs to illustrate plant life cycles or horticultural practices.
- Culinary garnish: Although not edible, the flowers of Daphne can be used to garnish dishes for ornamental purposes in high-end culinary presentations.
- Art supplies: Daphne flowers and leaves can be pressed and used in art projects, such as making botanical prints or for inclusion in resin jewelry.
- Fragrance sachets: Dried Daphne flowers can be enclosed in small sachets to impart their fragrance to linens and clothing when placed in drawers or closets.
- Photography subject: Owing to their aesthetic appeal, Daphne plants can be a subject for botanical photographers and nature enthusiasts.
- Cultural symbolism: In some traditions, various species of Daphne are symbolic and can be used in festive or cultural ceremonies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe paper daphne is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe paper daphne is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Daphne bholua, commonly known as the Himalayan Daphne, is revered for its exquisite flowers, symbolizing natural beauty and grace.
- Poetic Inspiration: In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph associated with the god Apollo, often representing the muse of poets and the inspiration for lyrical poetry.
- Love: The intoxicating fragrance of the Himalayan Daphne blooms can symbolize the allure and intensity of romantic love, drawing in the senses.
- Eternal Life: Daphne plants are evergreen, which often signifies immortality or the wish for a long and healthy life.
- Protection: In some cultures, Daphne is believed to have protective properties, symbolizing a safeguard against negative energies or misfortune.
WaterThe Himalayan Daphne, commonly known as 'Himalayan Daphne', prefers consistent moisture but does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. It should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once or twice a week during active growth in the spring and summer. In the cooler months, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly more between waterings. Depending on the size of the plant and the weather, a rough guide is to provide about 1-2 gallons of water per week during the growing season. Adjust the amount of water and frequency to prevent the soil from becoming either too dry or too soggy.
LightThe Himalayan Daphne thrives in a location that offers partial shade to full sun. This means it will do well in a spot that receives several hours of sunlight each day, but is protected from the intense midday sun, which can scorch the leaves. An eastern or northern exposure that receives gentle morning light or dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal for this plant.
TemperatureThe Himalayan Daphne prefers a cool to moderate temperature range and is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and enjoys summer temperatures that do not exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit to promote healthy growth and flowering.
PruningThe Himalayan Daphne benefits from light pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. This should be done after flowering in late spring or early summer to avoid cutting off the next year's blooms. Pruning can also encourage a bushier growth habit. Remove only a small percentage of the plant—no more than one-third of the total growth—in any one year to ensure the plant remains healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Paperbush plant prefers a soil mix that is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral in pH (around pH 6.0 to 7.0). A mix of loam, compost, and perlite or sandy soil can provide the right conditions for healthy growth.
RepottingPaperbush plants do not need to be repotted often; they can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they are root-bound. It is best to repot in spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingPaperbush plants thrive in moderate to high humidity levels. Aim to maintain a humidity level of 50-60% to support its growth without the need for frequent watering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Paperbush in bright, indirect light and avoid dry air indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Paperbush in partial shade with shelter from wind.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Daphne bholua 'Hazel Edwards', commonly known as the Himalayan Daphne, begins its lifecycle as a seed which germinates in a well-draining soil mix, requiring cold stratification to break dormancy. After germination, the seedling grows and develops a root system and foliage, entering a juvenile vegetative state. As the plant matures, it enters an adult vegetative stage characterized by the growth of leathery leaves and a sturdy stem structure. The Himalayan Daphne then reaches reproductive maturity, usually after a few years, and produces fragrant, tubular pink to purple flowers in late winter to early spring, depending on the climate. Following pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into small, fleshy fruits (drupes) containing the seeds for the next generation. The plant has a perennial habit, meaning it can live for many years, repeating the flowering and fruiting cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Daphne bholua 'Hazel Edwards', often referred to as the Himalayan Daphne, is a plant that is generally propagated by semi-ripe cuttings. This method is best performed during the late summer months. To propagate via semi-ripe cuttings, one needs to select a healthy, current year's growth and cut a section approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. The base of the cutting should be made just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves should be removed. Dipping the base into rooting hormone can help stimulate root growth. The cutting should then be placed in a pot containing a mix of sterile potting soil and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage, and maintained in a humid environment until roots have developed enough to allow the new plant to be gradually acclimatized to normal conditions.
