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.

Toxic; mezerein and daphnetoxin phorbol esters.

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