Winter Daphne Plant Care

Winter Daphne (Daphne odora) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Daphne genus. Winter Daphne is native to China, later spread to Japan and Korea. Winter Daphne is also known as Fragrant Daphne, February Daphne.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Winter 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.

Winter Daphne thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Daphne odora tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Winter 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 Winter Daphne to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Winter 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.

Winter 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.

Winter 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 Winter 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.

Winter 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.

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

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Winter 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.

Winter Daphne grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Winter Daphne is native to China, later spread to Japan and Korea. In cooler regions, grow Winter Daphne as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.