Myrtle-leaved Daphne Plant Care

Myrtle-leaved Daphne (Daphne myrtilloides) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Daphne genus. Myrtle-leaved Daphne is native to China, specifically Gansu, Shaanxi, and Shanxi.

Myrtle-leaved Daphne displays a compact, rounded shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Myrtle-leaved Daphne produces fragrant clusters of small tubular flowers in white, pink, or lavender.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Myrtle-leaved 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.

Myrtle-leaved Daphne thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Daphne myrtilloides tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Myrtle-leaved Daphne prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Myrtle-leaved Daphne to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Myrtle-leaved 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Myrtle-leaved 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.

Myrtle-leaved 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.

Prune Myrtle-leaved 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.

Myrtle-leaved 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.

Myrtle-leaved Daphne can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mezereon plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Myrtle-leaved 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.

Myrtle-leaved Daphne grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Myrtle-leaved Daphne is native to China, specifically Gansu, Shaanxi, and Shanxi. In cooler regions, grow Myrtle-leaved Daphne as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.