Overview
Danae racemosa is a bushy shrub in the genus Danae, part of the Asparagaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Danae racemosa grows best in shade and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and container. It is native to Iran, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus and Türkiye.
About
Danae racemosa, commonly known as Alexandrian laurel, is a shrub in the Asparagaceae family. It thrives in sheltered, shady positions with moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate dry shade once established. This cultivar produces fragrant flowers and is suitable for shade gardens, woodland gardens, and containers. It is hardy in the UK to H5 and benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape. Propagation is typically done by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. The plant is toxic and native to regions including Iran, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, and Türkiye.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Danae racemosa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Danae
- Sunlight
- shade, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Danae racemosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- shade garden, woodland garden, container
- Native to
- Iran, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, Türkiye
- Fragrance
- fragrant flowers
- Toxicity
- toxic
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Danae racemosa
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered, shady positions with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry shade once established.
- Pruning
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- Propagation by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Danae racemosa?
Prefers sheltered, shady positions with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry shade once established.
Where is the best place to plant Danae racemosa?
Danae racemosa prefers shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Danae racemosa need?
Danae racemosa grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Danae racemosa?
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Danae racemosa hardy in the UK?
Danae racemosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Danae racemosa?
Propagation by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Is Danae racemosa toxic?
Toxic.
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