Italian Daphne Daphne × napolitana

Water

Watering your Daphne should be done cautiously to keep the soil consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. This typically means watering it every week or two, providing around 1 gallon of water each time, depending on the weather conditions. During the growing season, you may need to water more frequently if the weather is particularly hot and dry. During winter, watering should be reduced, but the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before adding more water.

Light

Daphne x napolitana prefers to grow in a spot that offers dappled sunlight or partial shade. Bright, indirect light is ideal for this plant, and it should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun. Morning light is gentle and can be beneficial, but in areas with very hot midday sun, provide some shade to prevent leaf scorch.

Temperature

Daphne x napolitana thrives in a temperature range between 45°F and 75°F. It is important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures as it can suffer damage below 30°F or above 80°F. Ideally, the plant should be placed where it is shielded from the severe cold, as consistent temperatures near the middle of its tolerance range will encourage healthy growth.

Pruning

Pruning Daphne should occur just after the plant has finished flowering to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged wood. This is typically done in late spring or early summer. Pruning not only helps to control the size of the plant but also encourages fresh growth and more prolific blooming in the following season. Avoid heavy pruning; instead, focus on light trimming as Daphne can be slow to recover from harsh cuts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Daphne requires a well-draining soil mix with a high content of organic matter to thrive. A mixture of equal parts potting soil, peat, and perlite or sand is ideal. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Daphne, commonly known as Daphne, should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. Care should be taken to avoid overly disturbing the roots during repotting as they can be sensitive.

Humidity & Misting

Daphne plants prefer moderate humidity levels. They thrive in an environment that mimics their native habitat, which is not too dry. Aim for a humidity level around 50% to provide optimal growing conditions for Daphne.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and avoid over-watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Daphne × napolitana, commonly known as Napolitan Daphne, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which can be sluggish and may require periods of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, a seedling emerges and establishes into a young plant, putting down its roots and growing its first leaves. As the plant matures, it develops into a small shrub with a typical height of up to 50 centimeters, producing glossy green leaves and characteristic clusters of fragrant flowers, typically blooming in spring. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects attracted to the flowers’ scent and nectar, the plant produces small red or black berries (drupes), which contain seeds that can disperse to give rise to new plants. Throughout its life, Daphne × napolitana experiences periods of growth and dormancy, with the plant focusing energy on root and foliage development in the growing season and conserving energy during colder months. The lifespan of the plant can vary, but with proper care in well-drained soil and with protection from harsh winter conditions, it can survive for several years.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Propogation: Daphne × napolitana, commonly known as the Napolitan Daphne, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is most successful when performed in late summer. A cutting, usually about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, is taken from a healthy, non-flowering stem. The bottom leaves are stripped off, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have formed, which generally takes several weeks. During this time, the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot.