Winter Daphne Plant Care: How to Grow Winter Daphne Shrubs

Named for its late-winter bloom time, winter daphne (Daphne odora) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family of flowering plants. It is native to Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, and parts of southern China. On average, winter daphne plants grow to be up to four feet tall and equally wide with a mounding growth habit. This flowering shrub has dark green leaves and reddish-purple buds which develop into showy, fragrant flowers. Winter daphne flowers grow in clusters with flower colors ranging from pale pink to lilac to white. Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' is a popular cultivar of variegated winter daphne, meaning it has variegated leaves featuring a mix of green with bright yellow margins.

Be aware that every part of the winter daphne plant is toxic to humans and pets. If you choose to grow winter daphne in a flower bed or rock garden, take care to keep the shrub away from pets and children.

Winter daphne thrives in USDA zones seven through nine. If you live in one of those hardiness zones, use the following tips as a guide for growing winter daphne shrubs.

1. 1. Plant winter daphne shrubs in the spring. New winter daphne plants start becoming available at garden centers in the spring. This is a good time to plant them in your garden, but be aware, these slow-growing plants will not bloom until winter.
2. 2. Choose a sunny planting location. Winter daphne thrives in partial shade—specifically areas with adequate morning sun and part shade in the afternoon. Plant winter daphne in a full sun environment only if you live in a relatively cool hardiness zone.
3. 3. Use well-draining soil. For the best results, choose an area of your garden with good soil drainage. Good drainage helps prevent the soil from getting soggy, which will keep root rot at bay.
4. 4. Water winter daphne plants regularly. Winter daphne requires moderate watering, or about once a week or more if the weather becomes hot. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soaking wet.
5. 5. Add a layer of mulch. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of your shrubs can help with soil moisture retention.
6. 6. Prune winter daphne plants as needed. To prevent leggy growth, cut back the plant after its flowers finish their bloom cycle. Take care to prune lightly without cutting into the main stems and only prune your plant on an as-needed basis to encourage dense new growth.
7. 7. Fertilize mature plants in the spring. With proper care, your daphne shrub will flower in the mid-to-late winter. After the bloom time is over in early spring, your plant will benefit from a balanced fertilizer.

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