Spurge Laurel Daphne laureola subsp. philippi
ABOUT
The plant known as laurel-leaved daphne is an evergreen shrub, characterized by its dark green, narrow, and leathery leaves that grow densely on the branches. These leaves are arranged in a spiraling fashion up the stem, creating a whorl-like effect that contributes to its distinct appearance. The plant produces inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers which are often concealed beneath the foliage. These blooms have a fragrant scent and appear in small clusters. Following the flowering period, the plant bears fleshy, oval-shaped fruits that are black when ripe. The overall aspect of the laurel-leaved daphne makes it an attractive plant for gardens, with its rich evergreen leaves providing year-round color and texture.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae
Synonyms
Spurge Laurel, Daphne Laurel
Common names
Daphne laureola subsp. philippi.
ToxicityTo humans
Spurge Laurel is toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to severe health issues. Symptoms of poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, it may cause blistering and inflammation of the skin following contact. If ingested, the plant can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bleeding, and can affect the kidneys and liver. The berries of the plant are particularly toxic and consuming them can result in serious consequences, possibly leading to coma or death if consumed in large quantities.
To pets
Spurge Laurel is also toxic to pets. If pets consume any part of this plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, weakness, and lethargy. More severe symptoms could develop, including seizures or respiratory problems, depending on the amount ingested. Like in humans, the berries are especially dangerous and can potentially be fatal if enough are eaten. Immediate veterinary attention is required if a pet is suspected of ingesting any part of the Spurge Laurel.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Flower color
Greenish-yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Daphne laureola subsp. philippi, also known as Spurge Laurel, is often used in gardens for its attractive evergreen foliage and sweet-scented flowers.
- Wildlife support: It provides a food source for birds and other wildlife, as they feed on its berries.
- Habitat creation: Spurge Laurel can contribute to the creation of understory habitat in woodland gardens or natural areas.
- Shade tolerance: As an understory plant, it can thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle to grow.
- Erosion control: Its root system can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a practical choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye: The leaves and bark of Daphne laureola, also known as Spurge laurel, can be used to produce a green dye for coloring fabrics.
- Insect Repellent: The strong scent of the plant may be used to repel insects in cupboards or amongst clothing.
- Candle Wax: The berries of the Spurge laurel yield a vegetable wax that can be used in candle making.
- Bookbinding: The gluey substance from the berries was historically used as an adhesive in bookbinding.
- Woodwork: The hard wood of Spurge laurel is sometimes used to make small wooden articles such as inlays and tool handles.
- Garden Borders: The plant can be used to create dense, low hedges or garden borders due to its evergreen foliage.
- Fragrance: Despite its toxicity, the plant's flowers can provide a subtle fragrance to gardens during its flowering season.
- Culinary Garnish: Although the plant is poisonous if ingested, it has been used — very cautiously — as a decorative garnish in some traditional dishes.
- Ornamental Use: The distinctive foliage and yellow-green flowers make Spurge laurel an ornamental addition to shade gardens or woodland settings.
- Cultural Symbolism: In some cultures, the plant is associated with protection and is planted near homes to ward off evil spirits.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSpurge-laurel is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySpurge-laurel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The Daphne flower is often associated with purity due to its delicate blooms and the white color of some species' flowers.
- Immortality: In Greek mythology, Daphne was turned into a laurel bush, granting her eternal life in this new form, hence the plant can symbolize immortality.
- Glory and Success: Due to its mythological connections to Apollo, the plant has come to be a symbol of glory and success.
- Protection: Daphne laureola (common name Spurge Laurel) was thought to have protective qualities, so they were planted near homes to ward off evil spirits.
WaterThe Spurge Laurel should be watered deeply so that water reaches the roots, typically using about 1 gallon of water per plant. The frequency of watering depends on soil conditions and climate, but generally, the plant should be watered once a week during dry conditions. In well-drained soil, allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings. Be careful not to overwater, as Spurge Laurel does not like to sit in waterlogged soil.
LightSpurge Laurel thrives in partial shade to full shade locations. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive dappled sunlight or be protected from the intense afternoon sun. The best location would be under a canopy of trees or on the north side of a building where it gets filtered light.
TemperatureSpurge Laurel prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range from around 20°F to 75°F. It is hardy and can survive brief periods of colder temperatures down to about 0°F, but sustained frost may damage the plant. The ideal temperature for Spurge Laurel is between 50°F and 70°F.
PruningPruning Spurge Laurel is necessary to maintain its shape and remove any damaged or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune sparingly, as the plant does not recover well from heavy cutting. Remove only the necessary branches and do so annually to keep the plant healthy and well-groomed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpurge laurel prefers well-draining, loamy soil with added organic material. The best pH for spurge laurel is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingSpurge laurel requires repotting every 2-3 years due to slow growth; be gentle, as they dislike root disturbance.
Humidity & MistingSpurge laurel thrives at moderate humidity levels but does not require specific humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place spurge laurel in bright, indirect light indoors with controlled temperature.
Outdoor
In partial shade, plant spurge laurel in moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleSpurge-laurel (Daphne laureola subsp. philippi) begins its life cycle as a seed, typically dispersed by birds or gravity close to the parent plant. After germination, which can be erratic and may require cold stratification to break dormancy, the seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant, growing slowly due to its preference for shaded environments. As it matures, spurge-laurel forms a shrubby perennial structure with evergreen leaves, reaching reproductive maturity after a few years. It then produces small greenish-yellow flowers in late winter to early spring, which are pollinated by insects, primarily flies and bees. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fleshy berry-like drupes that turn black when ripe, containing seeds that complete the cycle when dispersed. The plant can also spread vegetatively through suckers, leading to the formation of dense colonies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Spurge laurel (Daphne laureola subsp. philippi) is via seed sowing. Mature seeds should be collected from the plant when the berries turn a purplish-black color, typically in late summer to autumn. The seed coat is hard and may require stratification, which is a process of simulating natural conditions that seeds must experience before germination. This is often carried out by mixing the seeds with moist sand and refrigerating them at approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) for about two to three months. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil and should be kept at a consistent temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). It can take several months for germination, and patience is essential with this species. Once the seedlings emerge and develop their first set of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted to individual pots or their final location.
