JOIN NOW LOG IN
iVillage GardenWeb iVillage GardenWeb THE INTERNET'S GARDEN & HOME COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENT
Blogs Forums Photo Galleries Ask The Experts Tools & Directories        
Return to the Fragrant Plants Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Daphne mezereum

Posted by brandymulvaine Z5 MI (My Page) on
Wed, Sep 23, 09 at 12:29

Greetings-I am new to this forum and wondered if anyone can tell me about D.mezereum?
I just received seeds for this plant and would like to hear from other people that have started it from seed or have the plant.
1)What kind of growing conditions are ideal?
2)To start the seeds do I need dark or light?
3)How about bottom heat?
4)Will it be too cold up here in the winter?
5)How hard are they to keep inside?
6)Does it have a strong fragrance?

Thank you for your answers in advance
-B


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Daphne mezereum

Hello Brandy...Let's start with the seeds. Daphne mezereum is a frequent self-sower in areas where birds eat the fruit. In fact, the happiest plants are the ones that volunteer; it seems they "know" where they want to grow. So, I would suggest you plant your seeds in your garden where you think you would like your plants to be. Find spots with at least half a day's sun, in well drained soil that's not especially rich, and perhaps a bit on the neutral to alkaline side. Plant the seed just barely below the surface, and let nature take it's course. Forget about starting them inside, or growing them indoors. The species is hardy to at least zone 4B (-25F), so no worries there. The fragrance is unique amongst the daphnes. It doesn't have the clovey-spiciness of Daphne cneorum or 'Carol Mackie', or the lemon-rosy scent of Daphne odora. It's a little lilac-y, with a bit of lily of the valley mixed in...absolutely intoxicating!


 o
RE: Daphne mezereum

Thanks for the info Michaell! I'm glad to know they can handle the cold. The soil here is very sandy but I don't know what the PH is. I can't wait to smell this one. If it does well I might look into getting the others, what a delightful bouquet!
-B


 o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!


Return to the Fragrant Plants Forum
 
 


iVillage GardenWeb: The Internet's Garden & Home Community  
  iVillage Home & Garden Network