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Daphne mezereum
February daphne
Europe from the British Isles east through Scandinavia and Russia to Turkey and western Asia; mountain forests and calcareous scrubLearn more
Overview
Daphne mezereum is February daphne (mezereon), an upright deciduous shrub growing 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall and 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) wide. Rosy-purple (or white in f. 'Alba') tubular flowers 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) in dense clusters along bare stems in February-March — strongly fragrant. One of the first shrubs to bloom in late winter. Medium green lance-shaped leaves 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) clustered at stem tips. Bright red (or yellow) drupes 0.3 inch (8 mm) ripen along the stems in June-July. In Thymelaeaceae. Native to Europe and western Asia. All parts are highly toxic — the bright red berries contain mezerein and daphnin. Ingestion of a few berries can be fatal to children. The sap causes contact dermatitis. This high toxicity is the primary limitation — do not plant where children have access. Daphne species are notoriously short-lived and unpredictable — sudden death without obvious cause occurs (typical lifespan 5-15 years). Resents transplanting, root disturbance, and hard pruning. Not drought-tolerant. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8. Part shade. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to Europe from the British Isles east through Scandinavia and Russia to Turkey and western Asia. Found in mountain forests and calcareous scrub.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen shrub near entryways, paths, and windows where the late winter fragrance can be experienced, spaced 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m). Also in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Late winter fragrance. All parts highly toxic — do not plant where children play. Short-lived (5-15 years). Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Late winter to early spring (February-March). Rosy-purple (or white) tubular flowers 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) in dense clusters along bare stems. Strongly fragrant. 3 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated. Bright red (or yellow) toxic drupes ripen June-July.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Rosy-purple (species) or white (f. 'Alba'), tubular, 0.5 inch (1.3 cm), in dense clusters along bare stems before leaf emergence; strongly fragrantFoliage Description
Medium green, lance-shaped, 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long, clustered at stem tips; turns yellow in fall before droppingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade (3-6 hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5 — tolerates alkaline conditions. Not drought-tolerant. Resents transplanting — plant in permanent location as a small container-grown plant. Do not disturb roots (no digging around the base). Resents hard pruning. All parts highly toxic — site away from children. Sap causes dermatitis — wear gloves. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Light shaping only after flowering (March-April) — remove the tips of overly long stems. Do not cut into old bare wood. Daphne species resent hard pruning and may die. Minimal pruning is the safest approach. Wear gloves — the sap causes contact dermatitis.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons