Daphnes have a short lifespan of 15 -20 years. Root readily from cuttings taken in late spring or summer. When potting on (to help plants through their first winter) use a layer of grit around the rooted plug and pot into a 1 litre pot to allow roots to grow throiugh the grit into a free-draining compost.

They have a delicate, long, straggly root system with few feeder roots at the ends, so they have a low tolerance for drought, waterlogging or being moved. Soil must be well drained and moisture retentive.

The correct botanical name is Daphne mezereum var. rubra (Laurel Emms. RHS Horticultural Advisor).

All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals due to alkaloids and saponins. The plant can irritate skin and may cause skin allergies.