Tangut daphne is an evergreen shrub adored by gardeners for its profusion of pretty white flowers, which are embellished with a dusting of purple. The fragrant flowers turn into scarlet-red berries that attract birds. This plant is frequently planted in woodland gardens and mixed borders. Parts of the shrub are toxic, so it should be handled with care.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Daphne tangutica, syn. Daphne retusa, is a species of flowering plant in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to Tibet, China, and possibly Taiwan. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) tall and wide, with leathery leaves and clusters of fragrant white and pink flowers in spring. The flowers are often followed by red berries. It grows in forests.
The Latin specific epithet tangutica refers to an historical tribe in what is now north western China, but has become a synonym for Tibet, part of the plant’s native range.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, as has D. tangutica Retusa Group.
II. How to Grow and Care
Tangut daphne requires well-draining soil, appreciating partial shade to full sun exposure. It is critical to avoid waterlogging, as tangut daphne is sensitive to excessive moisture, which can lead to root rot. Proper pruning to maintain shape and promote healthy growth is necessary after the flowering period, as tangut daphne can become woody.
Sunlight
Sunlight requirements vary depending on variety. While most prefer a sunny area in the garden, others require partial shade. A good tip is to make sure that the roots of the plant are in the shade, regardless of which tangut daphne you have.
Temperature
Native to Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, the tangut daphne requires temperatures between 12 to 20 ℃ to flourish, but can happily withstand temperatures down to 5 ℃. If the temperature reaches -5 ℃ for extended periods, then the plant may start to wither and die. The tangut daphne is very hardy, and can withstand drought and frost for short periods.
Watering
Tangut daphne thrives in its native mountainous regions, where it has adapted to withstand periods of low moisture availability. This species exhibits a preference for moderate humidity and is moderately drought-tolerant. Watering should be done once every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between sessions. Typically grown outdoors due to its hardiness, tangut daphne benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture, especially during its active growing season.
Soil
The optimum soil for tangut daphne would be a nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH value of 7-8 (so sightly alkaline). At the same time, the soil should be well-draining, so try to avoid heavy soils or soils that dry out quickly – the plant will struggle with either waterlogged or dry soil.
Fertilizing
Feeding tangut daphne with balanced nutrition fertilizers promotes growth and bloom vibrancy. Apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) monthly during spring and summer. In autumn taper off, and during winter, cease fertilization to respect dormancy. Precise application rates depend on the product, but generally, 1/2 teaspoon per gallon is suitable. Over-fertilization risks root burn; therefore, follow instructions and err on the side of caution. Adjustments in fertilizer strength or frequency may be needed based on tangut daphne’s response and growth phase.
Planting Instructions
Although some choose to plant their tangut daphne in a container, this isn’t recommended as the plant has an extensive root base. If you are planting your tangut daphne in an outdoor container, ensure that it is deep and has lots of holes for adequate drainage.
As this plant can reach up to 1.8 m in height and 2 m in width, plant it so that it has adequate space to grow. Try to ensure that your plant has 1.5 m of space between itself and any other plant. Plant your tangut daphne at the beginning of spring by digging a hole around 13 cm deep and twice the size of the root ball. To encourage your tangut daphne to settle quickly, sprinkle a helping of blood, fish, and bone before placing the plant into the soil. Then, firmly pat the soil around the roots and be sure to give your new shrub a good drink!
Once your tangut daphne has become established, you should avoid moving or replanting – this will put its roots under stress and could lead to plant death. Because of this, make sure that you pick the perfect location in your garden before planting your shrub.
Pruning
The tangut daphne does not like to be pruned – this may lead to die-back. If you notice parts of your plant require removal, such as damaged or wayward branches, remove these at the beginning of spring. Because the tangut daphne is toxic, wear gloves and adequate eye protection when handling – the plant is a known skin and eye irritant.
Propagation
Tangut daphne can be reliably propagated through cuttings, a method that allows clones of the original plant to be produced. Care should be taken to select healthy, disease-free stems for this purpose, and the use of a rooting hormone can enhance the chance of success. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining propagation medium and kept under conditions of high humidity until roots have developed. Careful monitoring of moisture levels is crucial to ensure the delicate new roots do not dry out or rot.
Transplanting
The prime time to transplant tangut daphne is the rejuvenating period of early to mid-spring, ensuring a full season for root establishment. Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot with well-drained soil and be gentle with the root ball to encourage a seamless transition.
III. Harvesting and Storage
The tangut daphne can be harvested as a cut flower and displayed in vases indoors – its delightful scent will quickly fill a room.
