Jooni

assignment

Daphne

1 Species

Species

Daphne x burkwoodii

Daphne is a small, slow-growing flowering shrub prized for its intensely fragrant spring flowers. The species most often grown as bonsai is Burkwood daphne (Daphne × burkwoodii), a semi-evergreen hybrid; winter daphne (Daphne odora) is evergreen and somewhat less hardy. A daphne bonsai is an outdoor tree that needs a cool winter rest to flower.

It suits growers with some experience: daphne resents root disturbance, hard pruning and wet soil, and can collapse suddenly when stressed. All parts of the plant, including the berries, are highly poisonous and the sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when pruning and keep it away from children and pets.

At a glance Daphne × burkwoodii

Difficulty
Intermediate
Placement
Outdoors
Light
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate
Min. temperature
-10°C (14°F)
Foliage
Semi-evergreen

Fertilizing

Daphne is a light feeder. Feed from the end of flowering until late summer with a balanced fertilizer at half strength every 2 weeks, or with solid organic fertilizer once a month.

  • Choose a fertilizer for flowering or acid-loving plants rather than one high in nitrogen.
  • Stop feeding in autumn and winter.
  • Wait about 4 weeks before feeding a freshly repotted tree.

Placement

Keep daphne outdoors all year in a bright spot with morning sun and light shade during the hottest part of the day. It likes cool roots, so shade the pot itself from strong summer sun.

Burkwood daphne is hardy, but roots in a pot are more exposed than in the ground: protect the pot below -10°C (14°F) in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Winter daphne is more tender and should be sheltered below about -5°C (23°F). Do not keep daphne indoors; it needs winter cold, good light and fresh air.

Pruning

Prune only straight after flowering. Next spring's flower buds form during summer, so any later cutting removes next year's flowers.

  • Shorten shoots that spoil the silhouette, cutting just above a leaf.
  • Remove dead or crossing twigs, but never cut hard back into old, bare wood, which rarely buds again.
  • Seal larger cuts, as daphne heals slowly.

Young and medium branches can be wired, and informal upright and cascade styles suit its natural habit. Use wire matched to the branch thickness and check it often, as the thin bark is easily damaged.

Repotting

Daphne is very sensitive to root disturbance. Repot only every 2-3 years, in early spring before growth starts or straight after flowering, and remove no more than a quarter of the roots.

  • Handle the root ball gently and keep root pruning to a minimum.
  • Use a very free-draining mix, such as akadama with pumice, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6-7).
  • Keep the tree in light shade, out of the wind, until new growth appears.

Watering

Daphne needs steady moisture but never waterlogged soil, which quickly leads to root rot. Water when the top 1-2 cm of soil is dry, and check daily in summer, when small pots may need water every day.

  • Water less in autumn and winter, but don't let the root ball dry out.
  • After repotting, misting the foliage helps the tree recover.
  • Use rainwater or soft water if your tap water is very hard.

Seasonal care

  • Spring: Enjoy the fragrant flowers, then prune lightly as soon as they fade. Repot if due, before growth starts or right after flowering.
  • Summer: Give morning sun, shade from the hottest sun and keep the pot shaded. Feed lightly and water carefully, and don't prune, as next year's flower buds are forming.
  • Autumn: Stop feeding and reduce watering as growth slows. Burkwood daphne may shed some leaves, which is normal for a semi-evergreen.
  • Winter: Keep the tree outdoors for its cool rest and protect the pot below -10°C (14°F). Water only when the soil starts to dry.

Common problems

Daphne is sensitive, and most problems start at the roots.

  • Sudden wilting and collapse: Usually root rot from waterlogged soil, or root damage. Use a very free-draining mix, never let the pot stand in water and disturb the roots as little as possible.
  • Yellow leaves: Often chlorosis from soil that is too alkaline, or from overwatering. Use soft water, a slightly acidic mix and a fertilizer that contains iron.
  • Mottled, distorted leaves: A sign of virus infection, often spread by aphids. There is no cure, so control aphids and discard badly affected plants.
  • Few flowers: Caused by pruning after the buds have formed, too little light or too much nitrogen. Prune only right after flowering and feed lightly.