Himalayan Daphne Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill'
ABOUT
Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill' is a stunning plant, widely admired for its delightful fragrance and attractive blooms. This plant boasts dense clusters of flowers that range in color from a rich pink to a lighter blush on the outside, which contrasts beautifully against the creamy-white interior of the flowers. These blossoms are noted for their sweet and pervasive scent, which can easily fill the air around the plant, drawing in pollinators and enchanting garden visitors. The foliage of 'Jacqueline Postill' is no less captivating, with leaves that display a lustrous, deep green hue. These leaves are elegantly arranged along the stems, and their evergreen nature provides year-round interest, contributing to the plant's overall lush appearance. During the flowering season, the striking blooms emerge directly from the wood of the previous year, creating a splendid display that seems to both compliment and contrast the rich foliage. The overall habit of 'Jacqueline Postill' is upright, and its branching structure gives it a full and rounded look. The bark on the mature stems adds additional texture and interest, with its subtle color and pattern. In the landscape, 'Jacqueline Postill' is often used as a specimen plant because it offers multi-seasonal interest and can be a focal point due to its beautiful flowers and scent. It performs well in a variety of garden settings, making it a versatile choice for those looking to add both visual and olfactory appeal to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae
Synonyms
Nepalese Paper Plant, Himalayan Daphne, Jacqueline Postill Daphne
Common names
Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Daphne is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain poisonous substances, and consumption can lead to symptoms such as burning sensations in the mouth, increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can result in headaches, weakness, and even convulsions or coma. It is essential to avoid eating any part of the Daphne plant.
To pets
Daphne is also toxic to pets. Like in humans, all parts of the plant contain toxic substances. If a pet ingests Daphne, they might experience symptoms including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe poisoning could lead to more serious effects such as weakness, lethargy, convulsions, and in extreme cases, it could be fatal. It is crucial to prevent pets from consuming any part of the Daphne plant to avoid these risks.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 6 feet (1.4 1.8 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Himalayas
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill' is known for its beautiful, fragrant pink flowers that can add a splash of color and charm to any garden or landscape setting.
- Winter Interest: It blooms in late winter to early spring, providing color and interest during a time when most other plants are dormant.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a delightful scent that can perfume an entire garden, making the outdoor experience more pleasant.
- Attracts Wildlife: The plant attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Compact Size: It typically remains relatively small, making it suitable for gardens where space is at a premium or for use in container gardening.
- Ease of Care: Once established, it requires minimal maintenance, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Evergreen Foliage: The plant has evergreen leaves that provide year-round greenery and structure to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill' can be used in perfumery due to its fragrant flowers which produce an intoxicating scent, an aroma sometimes likened to jasmine or clove.
- Its dense foliage and upright growth habit make it an ideal candidate for privacy screening in gardens.
- The plant can be used as a focal point in garden design because of its attractive winter blooms.
- Its wood is sometimes used in small-scale craft or carving projects, though this is not a common use.
- The plant can be grown in containers, providing winter interest on balconies or patios where garden space is limited.
- Floral arrangers sometimes use the branches with buds and flowers of this Daphne for indoor arrangements.
- In certain cultures, the plant is associated with good luck and is planted near homes for its auspicious symbolism.
- Since it flowers in winter, it is often planted in commemorative gardens or spaces dedicated to year-round beauty.
- The plant is sometimes used in butterfly gardens, as its blooms can provide nectar for early-emerging butterflies and other pollinators.
- Enthusiasts of the plant might collect different cultivars of Daphne, including 'Jacqueline Postill', as a part of a specialty or themed garden collection.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daphne is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daphne is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Grace: The Daphne plant is often associated with beauty and grace due to its attractive flowers and elegant form.
- Immortality and the Divine: In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree, symbolizing eternal life and a connection to the divine.
- Love and Attraction: The fragrant flowers of the Daphne plant have been linked with love and attraction, making the plant a symbol of affection.
- Protection: Some cultures believe that the Daphne plant has protective qualities, keeping away negative energies and ensuring the safety of the household.
WaterThe Himalayan daphne needs consistent moisture but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this may equate to watering once every week or two, depending on climate conditions, with each watering being thorough enough to soak the soil up to 8-10 inches deep. During the growing season, a weekly deep watering of about 1-2 gallons should suffice, but always check the soil moisture level before watering. Reduce frequency in winter when the plant is dormant and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
LightThe Himalayan daphne flourishes best in partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight but prefers dappled sunlight or a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. An eastern or northern exposure that avoids the intense heat of late afternoon is ideal for this plant. Avoid deep shade locations, as insufficient light may lead to sparse flowering and leggy growth.
TemperatureThe Himalayan daphne is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit but performs best in temperatures ranging from 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to protect the plant from extreme cold winds and hot temperatures. Ideal growth occurs in temperate climates with no prolonged extremes. This plant does not do well in climates with high summer heat and humidity.
PruningPrune Himalayan daphne to maintain shape and remove any damaged or dead branches; this also encourages healthy growth and airflow. The best time to prune is right after flowering in spring to avoid cutting off next year's buds. Pruning once a year is typically enough. Always use clean, sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts and minimize stress to the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHimalayan Daphne prefers a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix containing loam, peat, or compost, and sharp sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage yet retain adequate moisture.
RepottingHimalayan Daphne rarely needs repotting; it's done only when it's pot-bound, typically every 2 to 3 years. Repot in spring with care due to its sensitive root system.
Humidity & MistingHimalayan Daphne thrives best in moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. It doesn't require high humidity environments, but shouldn't be placed in overly dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Himalayan Daphne near a bright window; avoid hot, direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleDaphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill' begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, seedlings grow and develop into juvenile plants with a basal rosette of leaves. As the juvenile plant matures, it enters a vegetative state, producing woody stems and evergreen foliage characteristic of the species. Flower buds form on mature plants, typically blooming in late winter to early spring, with fragrant pink to purple flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces berries containing seeds that are dispersed by birds and other animals. The plant continues to grow and can live for many years, flowering annually, until it reaches senescence and eventually dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Early Spring
Propogation: Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill', commonly known as Himalayan Daphne, is most successfully propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in mid to late summer, after the flush of spring growth has matured. To propagate, cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) in length are taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The cut ends of the cuttings are often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then inserted into a mixture of perlite and peat or a similar well-draining medium. The cuttings should be kept under high humidity and indirect light until they have rooted, which usually takes several weeks. Care must be taken to not overwater the cuttings to prevent rot.
