Daphne Plant
The Life Of The Daphne Plant
The Daphne plant can actually be considered as any number of some 50 plus species in the genus. Some of them are evergreen while others are deciduous, and the demand for their famously fragrant flowers will be decided upon this factor. The evergreen varieties of the Daphne plant tend to have green flowers which are lacking pedals at all. These flowers are almost undetectable as blooms, blending into the foliage as well as they do, but their scent should make them undeniable. The deciduous species of Daphne plant will most likely bear white to brilliant pink flowers, whether they be pedaled or not, which form aromatic and beautiful clusters. You will certainly recognize the flowers of the Daphne plant once you have been introduced, as the scent is something of a fine perfume factory.
Most species of this herbaceous plant also bear poisonous berries, and they are not generally considered as a family friendly garden addition. This may be a good thing, however, as the Daphne plant has very specific climatic needs which must be met in order for proper growth and bloom. Asia, Africa, and Europe are the most fetching environments for the survival of this evergreen or deciduous herb, but they can be coaxed into living in milder climates on the North American continent as well. Most species will bloom during the late winter, or early spring at the latest. This is when harvest and shipment of the prized blooms will peak each season, though greenhouse advances may produce a more readily available variety of Daphne plant flowers.
Harvest of the Daphne plant foliage is relatively pain free, as they don’t seem to mind missing a few snippets here or there. Depending on the variety of Daphne available to you, you may be willing to forego a brilliant, colorful show of flowers for the extremely pleasing aroma emitted from even the most unsightly blooms. If you have scent challenged flowers, such as the daisy, that you love to clip and vase, you could easily place a few sprigs of pale green Daphne plant flowers as an accompaniment. You will then have a fuller and more visually appealing arrangement while adding perfume and comfort to your home.
If you live in a region that is proper for the growth of any species of Daphne plant, you will need to be armed with a few tips for Daphne success. They enjoy spotty shade, and placing them on an eastern slope will allow for full morning sun but avoidance of the blistering afternoon rays. Plenty of drainage is also important, and this can be accomplished by using mulch within the soil. Water is important, but you will only need to give them water once every two days or so, maybe less. Also, fertilizing them just after the flowering season is over will help to replenish the lost nutrients.