Daphne odora explained

Daphne odora, winter daphne, is a species of flowering plant in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to China, later spread to Japan and Korea. It is an evergreen shrub, grown for its very fragrant, fleshy, pale-pink, tubular flowers, each with four spreading lobes, and for its glossy foliage. It rarely fruits, producing red berries after flowering.

The Latin specific epithet odora means "fragrant".[1] In Korea, the plant is also poetically called "chullihyang" – a thousand-mile scent – referring to the delightful fragrance of the flowers. In Japan, the plant is more commonly known as "jinchōge".

It grows best in fertile, slightly acid, peaty, well-drained soils. It grows in full sun or partial shade, and is hardy to -10C, possibly lower.

Plants are not long lived, usually lasting eight to ten years.[2] Daphne generally do not react well to root disturbance, and may transplant badly. D. odora is also susceptible to virus infection, which causes leaf mottling.[3]

All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and to a range of domestic animals.[4] Some people experience dermatitis from contact with the sap.[5]

Daphne odora may be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Cultivars

Notes and References

  1. Book: Harrison, Lorraine. RHS Latin for gardeners. 2012. Mitchell Beazley. United Kingdom. 9781845337315. 224.
  2. Flora, The Gardener's Bible, ABC Publishing, Sydney, 2005
  3. The Reader's Digest Gardeners' Encyclopaedia of Plants & Flowers, Sydney, 1998
  4. Web site: Poison Plant Illustrations - Australian Plant Information.
  5. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/56422/Daphne-odora-Aureomarginata-(v)/Details Royal Horticultural Society