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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Daphne oleoides is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies).
Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

D. buxifolia. Sibth.&Smith. D. glandulosa. D. jasminea. non Sibth.&Smith. D. lucida.

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

There is a report that the fruit is eaten, but this report then goes on to say that they cause nausea and vomiting[2]. There is also a report that they can be distilled to make an alcoholic drink[2].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Purgative Skin VD

The roots are purgative[46, 61, 240]. An infusion of the bark and leaves are used in the treatment of cutaneous affections[240]. The leaves are also used in the treatment of gonorrhoea and are applied to abscesses[240].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a cool lime-free well-drained friable soil[1]. Plants are usually calcicole and require an acid soil[50]. Survives in any well-fed and well-drained soil in sun or part shade according to one report which also says that it is a reliable plant in most parts of the country[182]. This species is not very hardy outside the mildest areas of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[200]. Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible[188]. The flowers have a clove-like perfume[245].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe with the pot sealed in a polythene bag to hold in the moisture. Remove this bag as soon as germination takes place[164]. The seed usually germinates better if it is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it dries on the plant) and sown immediately. Germination should normally take place by spring, though it sometimes takes a further year. Stored seed is more problematic. It should be warm stratified for 8 - 12 weeks at 20°c followed by 12 - 14 weeks at 3°c. Germination may still take another 12 months or more at 15°c[164]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia EUROPE: Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia (Kosovo, Vojvodina), Spain, France AFRICA: Algeria

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Brachyloma ciliatum	Daphne Heath	Shrub	0.4	8-11	S	LMH	SN	M	0	0
Chamaedaphne calyculata	Leather Leaf	Shrub	0.8	6-9		LMH	SN	M	1	1
Daphne bholua		Shrub	2.0	7-10		MH	FSN	DM	0	1	3
Daphne genkwa	Lilac Daphne	Shrub	1.5	4-8		MH	SN	M	0	3
Daphne gnidium	Flax-Leaved Daphne	Shrub	1.5	7-10		MH	SN	DM	0	1
Daphne involucrata		Shrub	0.0	-		MH	SN	M	0	0	1
Daphne laureola	Spurge Laurel	Shrub	1.0	6-9		MH	FS	DM	0	1	0
Daphne mezereum	Mezereon, Paradise plant, February Daphne	Shrub	1.5	4-7	M	MH	S	M	0	2	2
Daphne odora	Winter Daphne, Fragrant Daphne	Shrub	1.5	7-9	S	MH	SN	M	0	2	3
Daphne papyracea		Shrub	1.5	7-10		MH	S	M	0	1	1
Daphne pseudomezereum		Shrub	1.5	5-9		MH	S	M	0	0	1
Salix daphnoides	Violet Willow, Daphne willow	Tree	10.0	4-8	F	LMH	N	MWe	1	2	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Daphne oleoides - Schreb.