Contents
Description
Daphne Alpina is a flowering plant that is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. It is a member of the Thymelaeaceae family, which includes around 50 species of shrubs and trees.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Thymelaeaceae |
| Genus | Daphne |
Appearance
Daphne Alpina is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 1 meter tall and 1 meter wide. It has dark green, leathery leaves that are about 5 cm long and 2 cm wide. The flowers are small and fragrant, with a diameter of approximately 1 cm. They are usually pink or white in color and bloom in late winter or early spring.
Care Guide
To care for Daphne Alpina, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun and needs regular watering. Fertilization should be done sparingly, as the plant is sensitive to high levels of nitrogen. Daphne Alpina is hardy to USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Daphne Alpina is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including spider mites, scale insects, and powdery mildew. To prevent infestations, it is important to keep the plant well-watered and properly fertilized. In addition, pruning dead or diseased branches can help prevent the spread of disease.
Habitat
Daphne Alpina is native to high-altitude regions of Europe and Asia, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soil. It is commonly found in alpine meadows and on rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the best time to prune Daphne Alpina?
A: Daphne Alpina should be pruned immediately after flowering, as this will encourage new growth for the following season.
Q: Can Daphne Alpina be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Daphne Alpina can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Daphne Alpina be fertilized?
A: Daphne Alpina should be fertilized once a year in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Daphne Alpina toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Daphne Alpina is toxic to both dogs and cats, and ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. It is important to keep pets away from the plant.
Related Plants
- Daphne Odora
- Daphne Mezereum
- Daphne Cneorum
- Daphne Laureola
References
- “Daphne Alpina.” PlantFiles. Accessed 20 July 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/57474/
- “Daphne Alpina.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 20 July 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/18957/Daphne-alpina/Details
- “Daphne Alpina.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281853
