Daphne mezereum 'Rubra' 30-40 CM

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Daphne mezereum ‘Rubra’

• Common Name: Mezereon Daphne ‘Rubra’

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub with ornamental and fragrant value.

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy form with slender stems, reaching 1–1.5 metres tall at maturity.

• Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves that emerge after the flowers, giving a light, airy appearance in summer.

• Flowers: Rich deep pink to purple blooms appearing on bare stems in late winter to early spring—often as early as February.

• Fragrance: Intensely sweet and heady perfume that carries on the air, attracting pollinators.

• Fruit: Produces bright red berries in summer, adding ornamental interest (note: berries are highly toxic if ingested).

• Seasonal Interest: Notable for its winter and early spring colour, followed by summer berries.

• Garden Uses: Ideal for winter borders, cottage gardens, woodland edges, or as a feature shrub near paths where fragrance can be enjoyed.

• Special Note: All parts of the plant, especially the berries, are toxic—care should be taken in gardens with children or pets.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal in hotter regions.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil; benefits from humus-rich planting conditions.

• pH Range: Best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.5–7.5).

• Moisture Needs: Consistent moisture is important, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.

• Planting Time: Plant in spring or early autumn for best establishment.

• Spacing: Allow at least 1 metre between plants for airflow and to prevent overcrowding.

• Shelter Needs: Enjoys a sheltered position, protected from strong winds to preserve early flowers.

• Companion Planting: Works beautifully with early bulbs like snowdrops, crocuses, and hellebores for a layered winter display.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in a large pot with a free-draining mix—ideal for patios or entrances where fragrance can be enjoyed.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil consistently moist, particularly in the first 1–2 years after planting.

  • Water during prolonged dry spells, especially in spring and early summer.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring after flowering to support foliage and berry production.

• Pruning:

  • Requires minimal pruning—remove only damaged or crossing stems immediately after flowering.

  • Avoid hard pruning, as Daphnes resent disturbance and may respond poorly.

• Mulching: A 5 cm mulch layer of compost or leaf mould in spring helps conserve moisture and enrich the soil—keep mulch away from the base to prevent rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free; ensure good drainage to prevent fungal issues and root problems.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy in most regions; flowers can withstand light frost but may be damaged in severe cold—plant in a protected spot for best display.

• Weed Control: Keep the root zone free of weeds to minimise competition and disturbance.

• Longevity: Long-lived if left undisturbed; Daphnes dislike being transplanted once established.

• Size
  30-40 CM C3

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.