Daphne gnidioides Care
Daphne gnidioides
An evergreen shrub native to Western and Southern Anatolia, with fragrant flowers. It does not like its roots disturbed and prefers well-drained, calcareous soils and partially shaded positions. All parts are poisonous.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Pruning: Not done; daphnes dislike pruning.
- General care: Make sure water does not collect at the root collar.
- Frost risk: Hardy, but very young seedlings may need protection from severe frost.
- Pruning: It does not need formative pruning and its top should not be cut. Only remove dry, broken, and diseased branches.
- General care: It is getting ready to wake.
- Watering: Not needed. Spring rains are sufficient.
- Fertilizing: A thin layer of compost can be added to the soil; avoid chemical fertilizer (do not overapply).
- Plant protection: Aphids may be seen on the new shoots.
- General care: New growth begins.
- Pests & diseases: Check for aphids.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: Flower buds form.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- Pruning: Not done; it is flowering time.
- General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Pruning: Only very light shaping pruning can be done after the flowers have finished; definitely avoid hard pruning.
- General care: The fruits (poisonous) begin to form.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
- Pests & diseases: Can be watched for spider mites in very hot, dry conditions.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: Preparation can be made for planting new seedlings. Take care not to disturb the roots.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: This is the best month for planting. During planting, make sure the root collar is at soil level and the roots are not damaged.
- Pests & diseases: Good drainage is critical against the risk of root rot.
- General care: Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under leaves.
- General care: The plant is fully dormant.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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