Daphne pseudomezereum, commonly known as February Daphne, is a semi-evergreen shrub native to the understory of deciduous forests and forest edges in Honshu, Japan, and Korea. It typically grows to a height of 3 feet (0.9 meters) and has a similar spread. February Daphne is characterized by its clusters of fragrant, pale pink to purple flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring, around March and April, before the leaves emerge. The flowers are quite showy and are followed by red berries that are attractive but toxic. The plant is deciduous in summer, shedding its leaves in regions with hot summers, while some Korean variants are winter-deciduous, losing their leaves in the cold season.

February Daphne is valued for its early spring flowers, which can bring color and fragrance to the garden when few other plants are in bloom. It is often used in border plantings, as a foundation shrub, or in woodland gardens. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun, well-drained soil, and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. It requires little maintenance once established but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. There are no widely known popular cultivars, but the species itself is sought after for its early flowering habit. Potential problems include susceptibility to viral diseases and pests such as scale insects. It should be noted that all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, and care should be taken when handling, as the sap can cause skin irritation.CC BY-SA 4.0