mezereon
Daphne mezereum
USDA zones4 to 7
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall3 to 5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Rounded
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- Reddish purple to pink
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Mezereon (Daphne mezereum) is a shrub for borders, cottage gardens, specimen planting, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy soil. Fragrant magenta-purple flowers cover the bare stems in late winter, then turn into red berries. Rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. Do not move it after planting, because the roots are sensitive.
Pairs well with Lenten rose, Hicksii yew, Green Spice coral bells, and Blue fescue.
Native range
Central and eastern Europe and Turkey.