Winter Daphne Daphne odora 'Walberton' (v)
ABOUT
Daphne odora 'Walberton', also known as winter daphne, is a highly ornamental shrub with a lush, rounded form. It is prized for its variegated leaves, which are deep green with a distinctive creamy-yellow margin that adds a splash of brightness to the plant's appearance. Throughout the late winter and early spring, the winter daphne becomes a focal point in the garden due to its clusters of blossoms. These flowers are a gorgeous shade of pink and appear in tight bunches, providing a stark contrast against the variegated foliage. The blooms are not only attractive but also emit a powerful, sweet fragrance that can often be detected from a distance, making this plant particularly valued for its scent. The rich, aromatic qualities of the winter daphne make it a favorite among gardeners looking to add both visual beauty and olfactory delight to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae
Synonyms
Winter Daphne, Fragrant Daphne
Common names
Daphne odora 'Walberton'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Daphne odora 'Walberton' is Winter Daphne. Winter Daphne is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant, including the berries, contain potent toxins that can cause symptoms if ingested. The symptoms of poisoning from Winter Daphne may include a burning sensation in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and in severe cases, convulsions, and coma. Due to these toxins, accidental ingestion of any part of the plant should be considered a medical emergency and immediate medical attention should be sought.
To pets
The common name for Daphne odora 'Walberton' is Winter Daphne. Winter Daphne is also toxic to pets. All parts of the plant, especially the berries, are poisonous when ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and seizures. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to coma or death. Pet owners should take care to prevent their animals from ingesting any part of the plant, and if ingestion is suspected, they should seek immediate veterinary assistance.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Fragrance: The flowers emit a powerful, sweet perfume that can add a pleasant scent to gardens or landscapes.
- Winter Interest: Flowers in late winter to early spring, when few other plants are in bloom, providing color and interest during the off-season.
- Evergreen Foliage: Keeps its leaves throughout the year, providing year-round visual interest and structure in the garden.
- Ornamental Berries: Produces small, ornamental berries that add decorative value and can attract wildlife.
- Compact Size: It's a relatively small shrub, which makes it suitable for small gardens or limited spaces.
- Low Maintenance: Generally requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it an easy plant for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, has a degree of drought resistance, which is beneficial for water conservation and low-water landscaping.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The blooms can attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Daphne odora 'Walberton' can be used in potpourri for its fragrant blossoms, which retain their aroma when dried.
- The plant can also be planted near walkways and entries where its delightful fragrance can be enjoyed when people pass by.
- Branches with blossoms may be brought indoors as a natural and fresh-smelling bouquet that can last several days.
- Daphne can be used as a living support for lightweight climbing plants, as its dense growth can provide a suitable structure for them to twine around.
- The wood of Daphne odora is quite dense and has been used in crafting small decorative items or for inlay work in woodworking.
- Additionally, the plant is sometimes incorporated into sensory gardens due to its textured leaves and heavily scented flowers.
- Daphne bushes can be used as a natural barrier or border when planting them in succession along property lines.
- The leaves of Daphne, if crushed, can produce a strong scent that can be used to repel certain insects from outdoor living spaces.
- In floral art, the small and attractive clusters of Daphne flowers can be used as delicate accents in arrangements and boutonnieres.
- For educational purposes, Daphne may be cultivated in botanic gardens and by horticultural societies to study its growth habits and breeding potential.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiWinter daphne is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityWinter daphne is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity - Daphne plants are often associated with purity due to their bright and clean-looking flowers.
- Protection - In Greek mythology, Daphne was transformed into a laurel tree to protect her from Apollo, which may contribute to the symbolism of protection.
- Immortality - The evergreen nature of some Daphne species can symbolize immortality and eternal life.
- Love and beauty - The fragrant and beautiful blooms of the Daphne are symbolic of love and beauty, often associated with Aphrodite or Venus in mythology.
- Good fortune - Some cultures may regard the Daphne as a bringer of good fortune, possibly due to its pleasing scent and appearance.
- Intellectual achievement - Because Daphne was pursued by Apollo, the god of arts and knowledge, the plant can symbolize intellectual achievement.
WaterFragrant daphne requires consistent moisture but does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may mean watering once or twice a week, depending on climate and soil drainage. Use enough water to dampen the root zone, which might be around 1 to 2 gallons for established plants in a garden setting—moderate amounts to ensure even moisture without over-saturating the soil. During the winter dormancy period, reduce the frequency, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.
LightFragrant daphne thrives in dappled sunlight or partial shade. It's best planted where it can receive morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. An ideal spot might be under the canopy of lightly spaced trees or on the east or north side of a building where it receives some protection from intense sun.
TemperatureFragrant daphne prefers moderate temperatures and may struggle with harsh extremes. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9 and can withstand temperatures ranging from a low of around 0°F to a high of around 75°F. However, it does best when daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 70°F, and nighttime temperatures do not drop much below 50°F.
PruningPruning fragrant daphne should be done to maintain its shape, remove damaged or dead growth, and encourage flowers. It is best pruned lightly, immediately after it has finished flowering in the spring, to avoid cutting off the next season’s blooms. Major pruning is not often necessary, and it's important not to prune too heavily, as this can harm the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWinter Daphne prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. An ideal mix could be composed of two parts peat or coir, one part perlite, and one part compost.
RepottingWinter Daphne doesn't need frequent repotting; it should be repotted once every two to three years, in spring before the onset of new growth.
Humidity & MistingWinter Daphne thrives best with moderate humidity levels, but it does not require a strictly controlled humidity environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Winter Daphne in bright, indirect light and avoid dry, hot spots.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, protected from harsh winds and afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleDaphne odora 'Walberton', commonly known as Winter Daphne, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, usually in a warm and moist environment. After germination, the seedling stage is marked by the development of a root system and the emergence of the first shoots and leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant undergoes rapid growth, producing more leaves and stems, eventually maturing into a shrub. The reproductive stage occurs when the plant becomes mature enough to produce fragrant flowers, typically in late winter to early spring. After pollination, flowers develop into berries containing seeds, which when dispersed, have the potential to grow into new plants, thus completing the life cycle. Over the years, the plant may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, resuming growth with the return of favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Daphne odora 'Walberton', commonly known as Winter Daphne, is typically propagated by semi-ripe stem cuttings taken during late summer. To do this, one should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a segment approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length. The cutting should have a few leaves at the top, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development and planted in a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining medium. The cutting needs to be kept in a humid environment, which can be achieved by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and should be kept out of direct sunlight until roots have established, after which it can be potted on into a larger container with standard potting soil.
