April 11, 2008
Daphne mezereum
Filed Under uncategorized
Besides being so early, shrubby Daphne mezereum is highly perfumed. It’s hard to find, but Greer Gardens is among the few nurseries that offer it.
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from martha to just margaret
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December Garden Chores
All based on my Zone 5B Berkshire/Hudson Valley location; adjust accordingly.
THE PAUSE THAT REFRESHES: Gardeners, like their gardens, benefit from a bit of dormancy, and the time is upon us. Enjoy it. Seed-catalog season gets going in earnest later in the month, so early December is prime time to inventory leftover seeds and store them in a cool, dry place. A friend stashes his in the fridge, first sealing in zipper bags with the air squeezed out, then placing the bags in a sealed plastic box rather than have strays get lost among the yogurt and mayonnaise.
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There’s something so regal about having purple in the garden, whether it’s foliage or flower. I like the depth of it. Fragrance makes it all the better!
When can I prune this lovely plant? I am pleased to say that my Daphne Mezereum is growing beautifully, to the point that it has begun to lose its nice shape (when covered with leaves that is), and it looks—-blobby. I know die-back can be triggered by too much pruning, but I am DYING to give it a snip or two. Shoule I wait until leaf drop or ‘prune after bloom’, or is it safe to prune lightly now? I live in Pacific NW
Welcome Margaret C: I have to say, I have no first-hand experience pruning D. mezereum, as my oldest plant up and died before it needed it (after maybe 10 years with me), and my others are also fine after probably 7 or 8 years where they are.
In general, when I don’t know what is “perfect” for pruning a plant timing-wise, I prune spring-flowering things right after bloom, to give them lots of time to recover.
I have read that this Daphne resents pruning, so even right after bloom I’d be cautious and not try anything dramatic if it’s avoidable. Daphnes in general are funny creatures, in my limited experience and some reading, so I am grateful when they cooperate and cautious being too rough with them.
So glad to “meet” you here.