Winter Daphne Daphne odora

Names

• Family

  Thymelaeaceae

• Synonyms

  Winter Daphne, Fragrant Daphne, Sweet Daphne

• Common names

  Daphne indica var. odorata, Daphne odora var. alba, Daphne odora var. marginata, Daphne odora var. rubra.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The winter daphne is toxic if ingested and can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. In severe cases, ingestion can result in internal bleeding, organ damage, and can be fatal.

• To pets

  The winter daphne is also poisonous to pets, with similar symptoms of poisoning as in humans, which include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and loss of appetite. Consuming parts of the plant can lead to more severe symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and potentially could be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)

• Spread

  2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  7-9

• Native area

  China

General Benefits

• Attractive Aesthetic: Daphne odora, commonly known as the winter daphne, has glossy, dark green leaves that provide year-round interest in gardens and landscapes.
• Fragrant Blossoms: Winter daphne is renowned for its intensely fragrant flowers, which bloom in late winter to early spring, offering a sweet scent when few other plants are in flower.
• Wildlife Attraction: The flowers provide nectar that attracts pollinators such as bees early in the season when other food sources are scarce.
• Compact Growth: With its compact growth habit, winter daphne is suitable for small gardens or as part of foundation plantings, requiring limited space to flourish.
• Shade Tolerance: Winter daphne is capable of growing in partial shade, making it a versatile plant for different garden settings and creating underplanting opportunities beneath tree canopies.
• Evergreen Presence: As an evergreen shrub, it maintains its foliage throughout the year, contributing to the garden's structure even in the dormant seasons.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Daphne odora, commonly known as "winter daphne," can be used in container gardening to bring fragrant blooms to patios and balconies during winter and early spring.
• The plant's wood, while not commonly used, may be carved into small, decorative items due to its hard nature.
• Scent extraction from the flowers of winter daphne is sometimes undertaken for use in homemade perfumes and fragrances.
• Dried winter daphne flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for their pleasant scent and to add variety to the blend.
• The flowers of the winter daphne can be used as a natural dye source for crafts, providing a yellow to green hue.
• Pressed flower art can utilize the attractive blooms of winter daphne to create natural designs on paper or fabric.
• Winter daphne can serve as a photography subject, especially for macro photography due to its intricate flowers and interesting leaves.
• In landscaping, winter daphne is used to provide structure and as a feature plant in sensory gardens because of its notable scent.
• Cut branches of winter daphne can be used in floral arrangements, particularly for winter weddings or events when few other plants are in bloom.
• Bonsai enthusiasts sometimes use winter daphne to create fragrant bonsai displays, though the plant requires careful training and pruning.

Feng Shui

Daphne odora, commonly known as winter daphne, is not typically mentioned in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Winter daphne is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Immortality: Daphne odora, also known as winter daphne, is associated with immortality and the Greek myth of the nymph Daphne, who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo, thus becoming an everlasting tree.
• Protection: In ancient lore, winter daphne was thought to provide protection due to its divine connection and use in laurel wreaths worn by victors and nobility, symbolizing safeguarding from harm.
• Purity: The delicate and pure white or sometimes light pink flowers of the winter daphne are often associated with purity and innocence.
• Chastity: Connected to the chastity of the nymph Daphne, the plant symbolizes a steadfast chastity and determination to remain untouched.
• Glory and Fame: The association with laurels and crowning achievements bestows winter daphne with the symbolism of renown, glory, and ultimate recognition.