1 named cultivar

‘October’February Daphne

shrub

February Daphne

Daphne mezereum

The Story

Plant Bio

Daphne mezereum, February daphne, is an upright deciduous shrub from Europe and northern Iran, three to five feet in both directions. Clusters of small intensely fragrant pinkish-purple flowers open directly on the bare stems in late winter, well before the dark green leaves appear, and are followed by bright red berries held tight against the wood.

The scent in late winter is extraordinary and the reason anyone grows it. It is also among the most poisonous garden shrubs there is: the berries have killed children, the sap blisters skin, and the fruit is bright red and held at eye level for a small person. Think hard before planting it where children play, and never prune it without gloves.

Uses & Benefits:

Intensely fragrant pink-purple flowers on bare late-winter stems, then scarlet berries.

Very little beyond the scent, which is reason enough for many gardeners.

Bees and butterflies use the early flowers and birds eat the fruit unharmed, though it is toxic to people.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe to northern Iran

Toxicity

Highly toxic; berries have caused fatalities

Planting

How to Grow

Site it away from areas used by small children.
Plant in partial shade in moist, well-drained soil.
Site it near a path or door for the winter scent.
Do not move it once planted; it resents disturbance.
Prune as little as possible, wearing gloves.
Expect a shortish life; plan to replace it.

Pro Tip

Daphnes hate root disturbance and often die after being moved, so choose the position once and leave it alone thereafter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Site it away from small children ⚠️
Plant it where the winter scent carries 👃
Wear gloves for any pruning 🧤
Leave the roots undisturbed 🌱

Don't

Let anyone eat the berries ❌
Move an established plant ❌
Prune it hard ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Check
Enjoy

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Winter-scented planting near a door or pathShaded shrub borderWoodland edge in a garden without children

Companion Plants

Hellebore Snowdrop Witch Hazel EpimediumWinter Aconite

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

February Daphne questions

What zones can February Daphne grow in?

February Daphne is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is February Daphne deer resistant?

Yes — February Daphne is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does February Daphne bloom?

February Daphne typically blooms in late winter to early spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does February Daphne need full sun?

February Daphne does best in part shade.