Winter Daphne Daphne odora Rebecca = 'Hewreb' (v)
![winter daphne [Rebecca]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5704b09fb.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Daphne odora Rebecca, commonly known as winter daphne, is a striking evergreen shrub that boasts a variegated foliage and a strong, delightful fragrance. The leaves of the winter daphne are lance-shaped with distinctive creamy-yellow margins surrounding a deep green center, creating a beautiful contrast that adds visual interest to any garden setting. During the late winter to early spring, the plant produces clusters of blooms that have a romantic pink hue and a powerful sweet aroma capable of perfuming the surrounding air. These flowers are typically arranged in small, rounded bunches and provide a burst of color during otherwise dreary seasons. As a cultivar developed for its ornamental qualities, winter daphne adds both elegance and sensory pleasure to landscapes with its colorful leaves and strongly scented flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae
Synonyms
Winter Daphne, Fragrant Daphne
Common names
Daphne odora 'Hewreb'
ToxicityTo humans
Winter daphne, including the cultivar Daphne odora 'Rebecca', is poisonous to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant, particularly the berries, contain toxic compounds such as daphnetoxin and mezerein. Symptoms of poisoning from winter daphne can include burning sensations in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and in severe cases, it can lead to convulsions, coma, and even death if a significant quantity has been consumed. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation, and caution should be used when handling the plant.
To pets
Winter daphne is also toxic to pets. Similar to humans, all parts of the winter daphne, and particularly the berries, are poisonous if ingested by animals. The toxic compounds, including daphnetoxin, can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, and in extreme cases can lead to a coma or death. Close supervision and preventive measures should be taken to ensure pets do not ingest any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7-9
Native area
China Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Daphne odora 'Rebecca' provides year-round visual interest with its variegated leaves and vibrant flowers.
- Fragrant Flowers: It emits a delightful fragrance when it blooms, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or patio area.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the plant can attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Compact Size: Ideal for small gardens or pots, it doesn't require much space to grow.
- Evergreen Nature: As an evergreen shrub, it maintains its foliage throughout the year, keeping gardens looking lively even in winter.
- Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in partial shade, making it versatile for various garden locations where sunlight may be limited.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Winter Garden Interest: Daphne odora 'Rebecca' provides beautiful variegated foliage and fragrant flowers during the winter months when other plants are dormant.
- Container Gardening: Due to its compact size, 'Rebecca' can be grown in pots or planters, which can be positioned on patios, balconies, or other small spaces.
- Floral Arrangements: The scented flowers can be cut and used in indoor floral arrangements, adding both visual beauty and a pleasant fragrance to a room.
- Attracting Wildlife: The plant can attract pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, enhancing biodiversity in gardens.
- Gift Plant: With its attractive foliage and pleasant scent, Daphne odora 'Rebecca' is a popular gift plant for garden enthusiasts.
- Bonsai Subject: Some enthusiasts might choose to use Daphne odora as a bonsai plant due to its interesting structure and fragrant flowers.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in a row or as a hedge, it can act as a low privacy screen in walkways or along borders.
- Fragrance Garden Theme: It can be the centerpiece in a garden theme dedicated to fragrant plants, contributing to sensory garden designs.
- Symbolic Planting: As Daphne was a figure in Greek mythology, this plant could be used in gardens with classical or mythological themes.
- Education: 'Rebecca' can serve as a specimen for educational purposes, helping to teach about variegated plant varieties and their care.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDaphne is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDaphne is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Grace: With its striking variegated foliage and fragrant flowers, Daphne odora symbolizes natural beauty and grace.
- Love and Affection: The sweet scent of Winter Daphne flowers is often associated with expressions of love and affection.
- Romantic Interest: Giving someone Daphne odora could hint at a romantic interest, tying to the mythology of the nymph Daphne.
- Protection: The Daphne plant is sometimes carried as an amulet for protection due to its toxic properties, symbolically guarding against misfortune.
- Gift of Apollo: As a plant connected to the Greek god Apollo, Winter Daphne can symbolize a divine gift or a token of artistic inspiration.
- Eternal Love: Evergreen nature of Winter Daphne can represent enduring love that survives beyond physical presence or circumstance.
WaterWinter Daphnes, including the variety Daphne odora 'Rebecca', should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the root zone, ideally providing about 1 inch of water weekly. Adjust watering frequency to account for rainfall, with less frequent watering during rainy periods and more in dry conditions. It's important to allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. During the growing season, watering may be necessary 1-2 times per week, while in winter, you can cut back as the plant's water requirements decrease.
LightWinter Daphne thrives in partial shade to filtered light conditions. The ideal spot is one where it receives morning sunlight but is shielded from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. However, it can also adapt to full sun in cooler climates as long as it is not exposed to scorching midday rays.
TemperatureWinter Daphne prefers a temperate climate, faring best in temperatures between 45°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F but is susceptible to damage or death if exposed to temperatures below this for extended periods. Protection from extreme cold and frost is crucial for maintaining plant health.
PruningPrune Winter Daphne sparingly to maintain its natural shape, cutting back the plant immediately after it finishes flowering in spring. This timing allows the plant to set buds for the next year. Remove any damaged or diseased branches as needed to encourage healthy growth and air circulation within the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWinter daphne requires well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter mixed in, such as peat moss or compost. The best soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. To create an ideal soil mix, combine equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and compost or aged bark.
RepottingWinter daphne should be repotted sparingly, as it does not tolerate root disturbance well. Generally, repotting is necessary only every 2-3 years or when the plant has clearly outgrown its container. Use a careful approach to avoid damaging the roots during the process.
Humidity & MistingWinter daphne thrives in moderate humidity levels, typically around 50-60%. It is important to maintain consistent humidity without making the environment too damp, which can lead to problems such as leaf spot or root rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Needs partially shaded area, sheltered from strong winds and frost.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleDaphne odora 'Rebecca', commonly known as Winter Daphne, begins its life cycle as a seed or more frequently as a rooted cutting, which upon planting starts to develop a strong root system. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage, producing glossy, variegated leaves and establishing a bushy shrub form. After a few years of growth, typically in late winter to early spring, Winter Daphne enters the flowering stage, producing clusters of fragrant, pink to purplish flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small red berries, or drupes, which contain seeds that can disperse to propagate new plants. As an evergreen, Daphne odora 'Rebecca' maintains its leaves throughout the year, although older leaves will shed as new growth emerges. This shrub has a relatively slow growth rate and a lifespan of multiple years, sometimes requiring careful pruning to maintain health and promote continued flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Daphne odora 'Rebecca', commonly known as Winter Daphne, is most successfully propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The optimal time for taking cuttings is during the late summer months. To propagate, a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 centimeters) cutting of a semi-ripe non-flowering side shoot is selected. The lower leaves are removed, and the base is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a humid environment with indirect light. It's important to maintain the moisture of the potting mix without making it waterlogged. Within several weeks to a couple of months, the cutting will develop roots, after which it can be gradually acclimatized to ambient conditions.
