Overview
Daphne sericea is a bushy shrubs in the genus Daphne, part of the Thymelaeaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Daphne sericea grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden, cottage and informal garden and rock garden.
About
Daphne sericea is a shrubby species of flowering plant in the genus Daphne with purple flowers. It was first described by Martin Vahl. Daphne collina has been treated as a separate species, but is considered to be a cultivar or group of cultivars of D. sericea. It is a parent, with Daphne caucasica, of the popular hybrid garden plant Daphne × transatlantica. It is native to Greece, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Sicilia and other regions. In the garden it prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden, cottage and informal garden and rock garden. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Daphne sericea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Daphne
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Daphne sericea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Daphne sericea
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in containters in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Greenwood cuttings from spring to early summer and semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Layering from late spring to early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot and virus diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Daphne sericea?
Daphne sericea prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Daphne sericea need?
Daphne sericea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Daphne sericea hardy in the UK?
Daphne sericea 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 Daphne sericea?
Propagate by seed in containters in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Greenwood cuttings from spring to early summer and semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Layering from late spring to early summer.
More in the Daphne genus
- Daphne
- Daphne 'Leila Haines'
- Daphne albowiana
- Daphne arbuscula 'Diva'
- Daphne aurantiaca 'Sichuan Gold'
- Daphne bholua 'Cobhay Coral'daphne 'Cobhay Coral'
- Daphne bholua from India
- Daphne cneorum 'Aurea Marginata' (v)
