Kamchatka Daphne Plant Care
Daphne kamtschatica Maxim.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Daphne kamtschatica is a species of shrub in the family Thymelaeaceae. It is native to parts of Korea and Japan, as well as Kamchatka.
Every 7–14 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Kamchatka Daphne?
Plant Kamchatka Daphne in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Kamchatka Daphne Native To?
What Is the Kamchatka Daphne?
Kamchatka Daphne (Daphne kamtschatica) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Daphne genus. Kamchatka Daphne is native to parts of Korea and Japan, as well as Kamchatka.
Kamchatka Daphne displays a compact, rounded shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Kamchatka Daphne produces fragrant clusters of small tubular flowers in white, pink, or lavender.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kamchatka Daphne?
Water a young or newly planted Kamchatka Daphne every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Kamchatka Daphne Need?
Kamchatka Daphne thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kamchatka Daphne Prefer?
Daphne kamtschatica tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Kamchatka Daphne prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kamchatka Daphne?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Kamchatka Daphne to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kamchatka Daphne?
Feed Kamchatka Daphne every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Kamchatka Daphne?
Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Kamchatka Daphne is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Kamchatka Daphne?
Kamchatka Daphne can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Kamchatka Daphne?
Prune Kamchatka Daphne while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Kamchatka Daphne in Winter?
Kamchatka Daphne is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Kamchatka Daphne?
Kamchatka Daphne can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mezereon plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kamchatka Daphne Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Kamchatka Daphne?
Kamchatka Daphne is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Kamchatka Daphne Need?
Kamchatka Daphne grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Kamchatka Daphne is native to parts of Korea and Japan, as well as Kamchatka. In cooler regions, grow Kamchatka Daphne as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Kamchatka Daphne is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Daphne genus — compare its care with other Daphne species on PlantoScan.
Daphne is part of the Thymelaeaceae plant family — browse all Thymelaeaceae genera and species.
Kamchatka Daphne thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Daphne Species
Other Daphne species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Daphne kamtschatica Maxim., family Thymelaeaceae (first published in Mém. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Pétersbourg Divers Savans 9: 237 (1859)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Kamchatka Daphne is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
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