Tichborne Daphne Daphne × susannae 'Tichborne'

Water

For a 'Chalk Hill' Daphne, maintain a consistent watering schedule to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week with about 1-2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Cut back on watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant, and always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering.

Light

A 'Chalk Hill' Daphne thrives in partial shade to full sun. It performs best when it receives morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. A spot that offers dappled shade throughout the day is ideal for this plant to flourish without risking leaf scorch from too much exposure.

Temperature

The 'Chalk Hill' Daphne prefers temperatures ranging between 45°F and 75°F. It can tolerate lows down to about 30°F but should be protected from frost to prevent damage. The ideal growing conditions are temperate, avoiding extremes of heat or cold.

Pruning

Pruning a 'Chalk Hill' Daphne is generally done to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged wood. It is best pruned after flowering in late spring, as it blooms on old wood. Light pruning annually is sufficient for keeping the plant healthy and promoting vigorous growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Carol Mackie Daphne is one that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture of equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand can provide the ideal structure and nutrients. It's important to maintain a soil pH that is neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 7.0, for optimal growth.

Repotting

Carol Mackie Daphne plants should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent them from becoming root-bound and to refresh the soil. However, they prefer to be left undisturbed if possible, so only repot if necessary and do so with care.

Humidity & Misting

Carol Mackie Daphne prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate the humidity typically found in a home. Avoid overly dry or highly humid environments, aiming for a consistent average humidity that complements their natural habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide plenty of light, not direct sun; well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade; shelter from strong winds; well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Daphne × susannae 'Tichborne', commonly known as Tichborne Daphne, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in suitable conditions, sprouts to form a seedling with a basic root system and cotyledons for initial growth and photosynthesis. As it matures, the plant develops true leaves and a stronger root system, growing into a young plant with the distinctive leathery, glossy leaves of the Daphne species. The vegetative stage is marked by further growth of stems and foliage, and the plant begins to exhibit its characteristic growth habit, typically forming a rounded and bushy appearance. With adequate care including appropriate sun, water, and well-draining soil, the Tichborne Daphne progresses to the reproductive stage, producing fragrant pink flowers, usually in the spring. Pollination leads to the formation of fleshy fruits, which contain seeds that can disperse to initiate a new cycle. Throughout its life, this evergreen shrub requires pruning to maintain shape and size, and it may last many years with proper horticultural practices.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Daphne × susannae 'Tichborne', commonly known as Daphne, is through semi-ripe cuttings. Semi-ripe cuttings of Daphne are typically taken in late summer. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowered shoots of the current season's growth and cut a section about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves to expose a clean stem, and potentially dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful rooting. The cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar free-draining rooting medium. Cuttings need to be placed in a warm environment with high humidity, which can be maintained by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged, and with patience, the cutting should root in several weeks, after which it can be transferred to a larger pot and grown on until it is ready to be planted out.