Daphne sericea Care
Daphne sericea
An evergreen shrub native to Southern and Western Anatolia, with silky leaves and intensely fragrant pink flowers. It does not like its roots disturbed and prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained, calcareous soils. 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.
- 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; buds may appear.
- Watering: Not needed. Spring rains are sufficient.
- Fertilizing: Not required, it tolerates poor soils.
- Pruning: Not done; it is flowering time.
- Plant protection: Aphids may be seen on the new shoots.
- General care: The main flowering period begins.
- Pests & diseases: It attracts bees with its strong fragrance.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: Flowering continues.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- Pruning: Only very light shaping pruning can be done after the flowers have finished; definitely avoid hard pruning.
- 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.
- General care: It is tolerant of summer heat and drought.
- 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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