Alpine Daphne Daphne arbuscula
ABOUT
Daphne arbuscula, commonly known as the dwarf daphne, is a compact evergreen shrub characterized by its dense and rounded habit. It often forms a lush mound of glossy green leaves, which remain on the plant year-round, providing a constant display of foliage. The leaves are small and leathery, with a smooth margin, and tend to grow in whorls around the stem, giving the plant a neat and orderly appearance. One of the most striking features of the dwarf daphne is its flowers. They bloom in clusters, emerging directly from the branches or at the leaf axils. Each cluster is composed of several tiny, star-shaped flowers which are a beautiful shade of pink or white and sometimes have a purplish hue. The blossoms are particularly noted for their delightful fragrance, which can be quite strong and is often described as sweet and intoxicating. In addition to its fragrant flowers, some varieties of dwarf daphne produce attractive, spherical berries. These berries can be red or black in color and add an additional point of interest to the plant after the flowering season has ended. Overall, the dwarf daphne is valued for its charming appearance and the splash of color and scent it adds to gardens and landscapes. Despite its delicate looks, it is a hardy plant that can withstand a variety of growing conditions, making it a favored choice among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae
Synonyms
Carnation Daphne
Common names
Daphne arbuscula
ToxicityTo humans
Daphne arbuscula, commonly known as dwarf daphne, is a plant known for its toxicity to humans. All parts of the dwarf daphne are poisonous when ingested. The main toxic components are daphnetoxin and mezerein which can cause severe symptoms if ingested. The symptoms of dwarf daphne poisoning may include intense burning sensations in the mouth and throat, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and weakness. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to convulsions, delirium, and possibly death from organ failure or cardiovascular collapse.
To pets
Dwarf daphne is toxic to pets. Much like their effects on humans, all parts of the plant contain harmful substances such as daphnetoxin and mezerein that can be poisonous if ingested by animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, depression, weakness, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, consumption of the dwarf daphne can result in convulsions, tremors, and potentially, fatal respiratory or cardiac complications. Immediate veterinary attention is required if a pet ingests any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet (30 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its attractive flowers and evergreen foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those with limited time.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive with less water once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping and drought-prone regions.
- Wildlife Support: Offers nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Year-Round Interest: Provides structure and color in the garden throughout the year, even in winter.
- Compact Size: Its small stature makes it suitable for rock gardens, containers, and small garden spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Daphne arbuscula, commonly known as the Alpine Daphne, can be used in model and miniature gardening due to its small size and ornamental appearance.
- The wood of the Alpine Daphne is extremely hard and has historically been used for small carved objects, such as intricate figurines or inlays.
- Its dense foliage makes it suitable for creating low, evergreen hedges in rock gardens and alpine garden settings.
- Alpine Daphne can be used as a natural dye source; the bark and berries can yield a range of colors when used in traditional fabric dyeing techniques.
- This plant is occasionally used in botanical illustrations and plant taxonomy education due to its distinctive morphology.
- The fragrant flowers of the Alpine Daphne make it a candidate for inclusion in perfumery, as a natural source of scent.
- Specialty nurseries may cultivate Alpine Daphne as a collector's plant for enthusiasts who value rare or alpine species.
- Alpine Daphne's robust nature at high altitudes makes it an ideal study subject for research on plant resilience and adaptability to harsh climates.
- Its attractive blooms and rarity can make Alpine Daphne a valuable plant for fundraising efforts by botanical gardens and conservation groups.
- Due to its compact growth habit, Alpine Daphne is suitable for bonsai, offering a unique challenge for enthusiasts of this Japanese art form.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Alpine Daphne is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Alpine Daphne is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Eternal Love: Daphne arbuscula, commonly known as the alpine daphne, has been associated with eternal love, stemming from the myth of Apollo and Daphne in Greek mythology where Daphne was turned into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's affections.
- Purity: The delicate white to pink flowers of the alpine daphne symbolize purity and innocence, often being used in various cultures to represent these virtues.
- Protection: In folklore, the alpine daphne is believed to ward off evil spirits, thus symbolizing protection—ties into the laurel wreaths used in ancient Greece as a sign of protection and victory.
- Good luck: Giving someone Daphne arbuscula plants or flowers is sometimes considered a gesture of wishing good luck, as the plant is admired for its beauty and resilience in rocky, alpine environments.
WaterAlpine daphne prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. It is best to water this plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the climate and the time of the year, this might be once or twice a week. Use room temperature water and gently water the plant with approximately 16 to 32 onzes each time for a pot of about 8 inches in diameter, ensuring you do not wet the leaves or the center of the plant as it may encourage disease. During the winter, reduce watering by half to prevent root rot as the plant's growth slows down.
LightThe Alpine daphne thrives in partial sunshine to light shade. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive bright, indirect light for most of the day with some direct morning sunlight being beneficial. However, it should be protected from the harsh, direct sunlight of the afternoon which can burn the leaves. An east-facing or north-facing window or a shaded south-facing spot would be ideal for indoor plants.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Alpine daphne is between 50°F and 75°F. It can withstand temperatures down to 30°F but should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing for extended periods. During hot summer days, it is important to keep the plant in a cooler area where it does not exceed 75°F to ensure its survival and health.
PruningPrune Alpine daphne to shape the plant, remove any dead or diseased wood, and promote dense growth. This is best done in the late spring or early summer, after the plant has bloomed. Pruning should be limited to a light trim, as Alpine daphne does not respond well to heavy cutting back. Annually inspecting and snipping away any problematic branches should suffice.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAlpine Daphne thrives in well-drained soil with a mix of loam, peat, and coarse sand or perlite. The ideal pH for this plant should be slightly alkaline, around pH 7.5 to 8. A recipe could be one part loam, one part peat, and one part coarse sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingAlpine Daphne typically does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current container. This may occur every 2-3 years. Care should be taken when repotting as it has a delicate root system.
Humidity & MistingAlpine Daphne prefers moderate humidity, not too dry and not overly humid. Maintaining indoor humidity levels around 50% is generally conducive for the plant’s growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Alpine Daphne in bright, indirect light and cool temperature.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, sheltered from intense afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleDaphne arbuscula, commonly known as alpine daphne, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a well-drained, rocky or sandy substrate to germinate successfully. Upon germination, the seedling emerges with a slow growth rate, establishing a root system before developing true leaves. As a juvenile, the alpine daphne gradually matures into a compact, evergreen shrub, characterized by its woody stems and glossy, dark green leaves. It enters the flowering stage as early as the second or third year, producing fragrant, pink to purple blossoms which are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of fleshy red or orange berries. Following pollination, completed by insect visitors such as bees or butterflies, the plant sets fruit, dispersing seeds either by gravity or with the aid of birds, which are attracted to the berries. The alpine daphne has a perennial habit, with individual plants capable of living for many years, continually going through cycles of growth, flowering, and seed production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Daphne arbuscula, also known as Dwarf Daphne, is through semi-ripe cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during late summer. When preparing cuttings, select a healthy, disease-free branch and slice a segment that is about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long. The cut should be made just below a node, and the lower leaves should be removed. Apply a rooting hormone to the cut end to encourage root growth. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one node is buried where roots can develop. The pot should be kept moist and placed in a warm area with bright, indirect light. With proper care, the cutting will eventually develop roots and can be transplanted into a suitable growing location.
