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Daphne Genkwa Wikimedia Commons
Thymelaeaceae

Daphne Genkwa

Daphne genkwa

Enchanting beauty.

Family
Thymelaeaceae
Genus
Daphne
Native to
China, Korea
Bloom season
Spring
Type
deciduous shrub
Height
2-4 ft
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Water
moderate
Hardiness
5-8
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Daphne genkwa blooms on bare branches before leaves appear, creating a stunning cloud of lilac flowers in early spring.
  • The flower buds, called 'yuan hua' in Chinese, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years as a diuretic.
  • All parts of the plant are highly toxic, containing daphnin and other compounds that can cause severe reactions if ingested.
  • The genus Daphne is named after the nymph in Greek mythology who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo.
  • Daphne genkwa is notoriously difficult to transplant because its roots are extremely sensitive to disturbance.

Color meanings

0

desire to please

1

gentle persuasion

Uses

  • specimen garden shrub
  • traditional Chinese medicine ingredient