Spurge laurel
Daphne laureola · Thymelaeaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around spurge laurel and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, dark green and leathery
- Flowering
- Winter to spring (December to April), small yellow-green flowers with an intense fragrance
- Mature size
- 1 to 1.5 m in height, upright and compact habit
- Growth rate
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Good, down to approximately -12 °C
- Origin
- Western and central Europe
- Soil type
- Well-draining, chalky or neutral, fertile
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-draining, especially during spring and summer growth. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid excess moisture which can cause root rot. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.
Exposure
Prefer a position in partial shade or dappled shade, typically beneath tree canopy. Daphne laureola tolerates full sun poorly, as it can dry out the foliage. A north or east-facing exposure is ideal.
Soil and planting
Requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter, ideally chalky or neutral. Improve the soil at planting time with compost or potting soil. Install the daphne without burying it deeply: the collar must remain at soil level.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact and balanced shape. Remove dead or diseased branches as soon as they appear. Avoid heavy pruning which slows growth.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced or flowering shrub fertilizer in spring. Moderate nitrogen-rich fertilizers which promote foliage at the expense of flowering. A light annual application is generally sufficient.
Diseases and pests
Daphne can be affected by leaf mildew in overly humid conditions. Watch for aphids and spider mites during warm periods. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage when watering.
Did you know?
Daphne laureola has been renowned since antiquity for its extraordinarily fragrant flowers, releasing a sweet and fresh aroma in the depths of winter, making it a precious shrub for enlivening dormant gardens. However, this beauty conceals a delicate nature: it is a plant requiring patience and can be challenging to establish, which makes it prized by experienced gardeners seeking a horticultural challenge.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.