Rock Daphne Daphne tangutica Retusa Group
ABOUT
Daphne tangutica Retusa Group, commonly known as the retusa daphne, is a perennial shrub with a rounded, dense form. This plant is characterized by its glossy, leathery leaves that are oval to lance-shaped and exhibit a deep green hue. These leaves are evergreen, which means they adorn the shrub throughout the year, providing continuous visual interest. The retusa daphne is celebrated for its fragrant flowers, which typically bloom in late spring to early summer. These blossoms are small and clustered, often a charming shade of pink or white. After flowering, the plant produces red berries that add an additional layer of decorative appeal. The berries should be noted for their attractiveness to both the eyes and local wildlife, although they are usually considered inedible and potentially toxic to humans and pets. Noteworthy too is the plant's bark, which can be exfoliating, providing textural contrast and interest even in the absence of leaves in cultivars that may not be evergreen. Overall, the retusa daphne is appreciated for its multi-seasonal beauty and its ability to contribute consistently to the aesthetics of garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Retusa Daphne, Balloon Plant
Common names
Daphne tangutica Retusa Group.
ToxicityTo humans
Daphne is known to be highly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains potent toxins, particularly daphnetoxin and mezerein, which can cause severe symptoms such as burning sensations in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more significant issues like convulsions, coma, and even death due to multi-organ failure or cardiac arrest. Skin contact with the sap can also cause dermatitis, so it's advised to handle Daphne with care.
To pets
Daphne is equally toxic to pets if they consume any part of the plant. Symptoms of Daphne poisoning in pets include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and seizures. In severe cases, ingestion can result in acute organ failure or central nervous system effects, potentially leading to death. As pets are often curious and may chew plants, it's crucial to keep Daphne out of their reach.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Daphne tangutica Retusa Group, commonly known as Daphne, offers year-round visual interest with its glossy evergreen leaves, pink flower buds, and fragrant blooms that appear in spring.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, and its berries can attract birds, contributing to biodiversity in the garden.
- Compact Growth: Daphne plants are well-suited to small gardens or spaces, owing to their relatively small size and tidy, mounded growth habit.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Daphne requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerance: While not exceptionally drought-tolerant, established Daphne plants can withstand periods of dryness better than many other ornamental shrubs.
- Versatile Landscaping: Daphne can be used in a variety of landscaping applications, including borders, foundation plantings, and as a focal point in gardens or entryways.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance that can add a sensory dimension to gardens, patios, or anywhere the plant is placed close to living areas.
- Four-Season Interest: With its evergreen leaves, seasonal flowers, and sometimes colorful berries, Daphne provides interest in the landscape across all seasons.
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 scent of Daphne (Daphne tangutica Retusa Group) can naturally deter insects, making it an alternative to chemical repellents in gardens.
- Decorative Berries: The bright red berries of Daphne can be used for decorative purposes in floral arrangements and wreaths.
- Skin Care: Although not medically endorsed, Daphne berries are sometimes used in traditional skincare remedies in some cultures for their perceived beneficial properties.
- Fragrance Production: The flowers of Daphne can be used in the making of perfumes due to their strong, pleasant fragrance.
- Cultural Symbolism: In certain cultures, Daphne plants might be associated with legends or symbols and can be planted for this cultural significance.
- Natural Dye: The berries of Daphne may be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or crafting.
- Wildlife Support: Daphne plants can provide food and habitat for various species of birds and small mammals.
- Sound Barrier: When planted in groups, the Daphne's thick foliage can act as a natural sound barrier for noise pollution.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used for educational purposes in botany or horticulture to study plant growth habits and characteristics.
- Garden Design: Due to its attractive appearance, Daphne can be strategically placed in garden design for aesthetic improvement.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Daphne is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Daphne is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Daphne plants are often associated with purity due to their delicate and beautiful flowers, which can symbolize innocence and chastity.
- Protection: Mythology links the plant to the nymph Daphne and the god Apollo, and as a result, it's believed to offer protection by warding off evil spirits.
- Love and Affection: During antiquity, the Daphne plant was tied to love and affection, perhaps related to the myth of Apollo’s unreturned love for the nymph Daphne.
- Good Fortune: In some traditions, Daphne plants are thought to bring good fortune to the owners and are often planted for this purpose.
WaterThe Daphne retusa requires regular watering to maintain slightly moist soil, especially during the growing season in spring and summer. Watering should occur once every one to two weeks, depending on weather conditions, with more frequent watering in hotter, drier periods and less during cooler, moist weeks. When watering, it is best to apply water slowly at the base of the plant until the soil is moist at a depth of a few inches, using approximately 1-2 gallons per session for an established plant. In winter, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging, as the plant's water needs decrease during dormancy.
LightThe Daphne retusa thrives in partial shade to full sun. The ideal location provides morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day, which is especially important in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch. Avoid deep shade as this can hinder flowering and overall plant vitality.
TemperatureThe Daphne retusa prefers a temperate climate and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to around -20 degrees Fahrenheit and is most comfortable in a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during active growth. Protection from extreme cold and hot temperatures is beneficial to maintain plant health.
PruningPruning the Daphne retusa is mainly for shaping and removing dead or damaged wood. It requires minimal pruning, best performed immediately after flowering to maintain plant shape and encourage bushier growth. Heavy pruning should be avoided, as this can reduce flowering and potentially harm the plant. Prune no more than once per year, in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Daphne, also known as Retusa or Tibetan Daphne, is well-draining with a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, around 6.0 to 7.0, to ensure optimal growth.
RepottingThe Retusa Daphne should be repotted infrequently, only when it has outgrown its current pot or the soil has degraded, about every 2 to 3 years, to avoid disturbing its sensitive roots.
Humidity & MistingTibetan Daphne prefers moderate humidity levels. The ideal humidity range should be 30-50% for healthy growth, without requiring any special humidifying techniques.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Retusa Daphne in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Retusa Daphne in partial shade, shelter from strong winds, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleDaphne tangutica Retusa Group, commonly known as Retusa Daphne, begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in well-draining soil with some shade. After germination, it enters a juvenile growth phase, developing a root system and foliage. As it matures, it forms a woody stem and evergreen leaves, entering the adult vegetative stage. Retusa Daphne then blossoms in late spring to early summer, showing off fragrant pink-purple flowers that attract pollinators and can lead to the formation of red berries if conditions allow for successful pollination. These berries carry seeds which, once dispersed, can initiate the life cycle of new plants under suitable conditions. With proper care and in the right environment, Retusa Daphne can live for several years, going through multiple flowering and seed-setting cycles within its perennial lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Daphne tangutica Retusa Group, often referred to as the Retusa Daphne, is through semi-ripe cuttings. This technique is generally undertaken during late summer, around August to September. To propagate, a gardener takes cuttings of about 2 to 4 inches (approximately 5 to 10 centimeters) in length from the current year's growth, ensuring that each cutting has several sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development. The cuttings are then inserted into a mix of perlite and peat moss, or a similar well-draining rooting medium. The potted cuttings should be kept in a humid environment under indirect light until they have rooted, which can take a few weeks to several months. Once the cuttings have established a good root system, they can be potted up individually into larger containers to grow on before eventually being planted out in the garden.
