Nepalese paper plant Daphne bholua 'Peter Smithers'
ABOUT
Daphne bholua 'Peter Smithers', commonly known as Nepalese paper plant, is an attractive, evergreen shrub. It is noted for its glossy, green leaves which can add a lush, vibrant look to any garden setting year-round. The leaves are leathery and typically arranged in a whorled pattern along the stems, creating a pleasing texture and shape. During the blooming period, which often occurs in late winter to early spring, the Nepalese paper plant produces clusters of flowers. These flowers are renowned for their delightful fragrance and are typically a pale pink to white color, making them particularly eye-catching against the rich green foliage. The blossoms are tubular and waxy, which gives them a striking appearance as they bunch together in dense clusters. Once the flowering season concludes, the plant bears fruit which takes the form of round berries. Initially, these berries have a red hue and eventually mature to a black color, providing an additional point of interest in the plant's overall appearance. The combination of its evergreen nature, aromatic flowers, and the succession from flowers to attractive berries make the Nepalese paper plant a desirable addition to many gardens. Its aesthetic attributes allow it to be used effectively as an ornamental plant, contributing to the visual appeal of both private and public landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae
Synonyms
Himalayan Daphne, Paper Daphne
Common names
Daphne bholua 'Peter Smithers'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Daphne is toxic to humans. All parts of the Daphne plant, including the berries, bark, and leaves, contain toxic compounds that can cause serious health issues if ingested. Symptoms of Daphne poisoning may include a burning sensation in the mouth, intense vomiting, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, and weakness. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious conditions such as respiratory failure or even coma. Handling the plant can also result in skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals.
To pets
Daphne is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Similar to its effects on humans, all parts of the Daphne plant contain poisonous substances that can lead to serious health problems if pets ingest any part of the plant. Symptoms of Daphne poisoning in pets can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, depression, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, seizures, and tremors. Depending on the amount ingested and the size of the pet, ingestion of this plant can be potentially fatal, so prompt veterinary attention is advised if a pet is suspected to have eaten any part of a Daphne plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet [1.8 meters]
Spread
4 feet [1.2 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Himalayas
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds ornamental value to gardens with its striking flowers and fragrance.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the ecosystem.
- Year-Round Interest: Offers visual appeal across seasons with evergreen foliage and winter blooms.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for small gardens due to its moderate size and non-invasive root system.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and upkeep once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a degree of tolerance to dry conditions, requiring less 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- Traditional Perfumery: The Daphne bholua 'Peter Smithers', due to its fragrant flowers, can be used in the traditional making of perfumes and scents, especially in regions where the plant is native.
- Botanical Illustration: The ornamental qualities of this plant, such as its beautiful flowers, make it a desirable subject for botanical artists looking to capture the diversity of plant life.
- Ecological Studies: Biologists may use the Daphne bholua 'Peter Smithers' to study plant-pollinator interactions, as its flowers attract various pollinators.
- Winter Gardens: The plant’s ability to flower in late winter can be used to add color to otherwise dormant winter gardens.
- Holiday Decor: Its fine, fragrant blossoms can be incorporated into festive wreaths and arrangements for natural holiday decor.
- Teaching Tool: Because of its specific growth requirements, the Daphne bholua 'Peter Smithers' can serve as a teaching aid in horticultural classes to illustrate plant care and habitat needs.
- Photography: This photogenic plant can be a subject for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the beauty of nature throughout the seasons.
- Floral Language and Symbolism: In cultures where flower symbolism is important, the Daphne bholua 'Peter Smithers' may be used to convey a certain message due to its beauty and fragrance.
- Handicrafts: The sturdy stems and evergreen leaves of the Daphne bholua 'Peter Smithers' make it suitable for use in handmade crafts and decorations.
- Sensory Gardens: Featuring this plant in a sensory garden can be immensely rewarding due to its strong fragrance and the texture of its leaves.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daphne is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daphne is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Immortality and Eternity: The Daphne plant, commonly known as 'Nepal Paper Plant,' is often associated with immortality and eternal life due to the evergreen nature of some Daphne species, which keep their leaves throughout the year.
- Protection: In some cultures, Daphne is considered a plant of protection due to the toxin it contains, which protects it from herbivores and has also been used by humans to protect against ailments.
- Charm and Beauty: Given its delightful fragrance and attractive blossoms, the Nepal Paper Plant is often linked to charm and beauty, reminiscent of the myth of the nymph Daphne from Greek mythology, after whom the genus is named.
- Love and Affection: Because of its intoxicating scent, which is used in perfumes, and its lovely flowers, the Nepal Paper Plant is sometimes associated with love and affection, indicating the giver's romantic or deeply felt appreciation for the recipient.
WaterThe Himalayan Daphne, as Daphne bholua 'Peter Smithers' is commonly known, requires consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week, supplying about 1-2 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions. The top inch of soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. In hotter and drier periods, it may require more frequent watering, while in cooler, wetter months, it may need less. It’s crucial to avoid wetting the foliage as this can lead to fungal diseases.
LightFor optimal growth, the Himalayan Daphne prefers a spot that offers partial shade, especially sheltered from the hot afternoon sun. It thrives best in a location that receives morning sunlight and dappled shade in the afternoon. Ensure that the plant is not placed in deep shade as this can inhibit flowering. A position that mimics its natural understory habitat, with bright, indirect light, is ideal.
TemperatureThe Himalayan Daphne is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, though it performs best in conditions between 60°F and 75°F. It can typically survive minimum temperatures down to around 0°F but may require some protection from harsh winter winds and severe frosts. The ideal growing temperature for the plant is within the moderate to cool end of the temperate zone, avoiding extremes of heat and cold.
PruningPruning the Himalayan Daphne is vital for maintaining a compact and healthy shape and encouraging good air circulation. It should be pruned after it finishes flowering in the late spring to early summer. Cut back the flowered stems by about a third, and remove any damaged or diseased wood. It is also an opportunity to shape the plant, but remember that heavy pruning can be detrimental as Daphne bholua can be slow to recover, so moderation is key.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHimalayan daphne requires well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, around 7.0 to 7.5. A good mix would be one part loam, one part leaf mold or peat, and one part sharp sand or perlite to ensure good drainage.
RepottingHimalayan daphne rarely needs repotting and prefers to be left undisturbed. If necessary, repot no more often than every 2-3 years using a similar soil mix to the original.
Humidity & MistingHimalayan daphne thrives in moderate humidity levels, around 50-60%. Avoid conditions that are too dry or too damp to maintain plant health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep soil slightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from cold winds; mulch.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Daphne bholua 'Peter Smithers', commonly known as the Himalayan daphne or paper daphne, begins with seed germination, requiring well-drained soil and a cool period to break dormancy. After germination, the seedling stage involves developing a root system and foliage. The vegetative stage follows as the plant matures, producing leathery leaves and a bushy form over several years. The reproductive stage is marked by the fragrant blooms it produces in late winter or early spring, with flowers emerging in shades of white to pink. After pollination, the plant forms berries that turn black when ripe, containing seeds that are distributed by birds. Finally, after many years, the plant reaches senescence, where growth slows, and it may eventually die back, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Daphne bholua 'Peter Smithers', commonly known as Nepalese paper plant or Himalayan daphne, is most effectively propagated through semi-ripe stem cuttings. This method is typically carried out during the late summer months. To propagate, a healthy, semi-ripe cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) is selected. The cutting should have several leaves and it is often beneficial to include a small "heel" of the older wood at the base. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in well-drained potting mix. The cutting must then be kept in a warm, humid environment, out of direct sunlight, to encourage rooting. Adequate moisture is crucial, but the soil should not be waterlogged as this can cause the cutting to rot.
