How to Care
Planting
Daphne can be planted any time from early autumn to late spring. Autumn is ideal as it gives the plant time to establish before drier summer months.
Plant Daphne in semi shaded spots in the garden, or in areas with a little afternoon sun. Avoid the full summer sun. Plant in a frost free area or ensure frost protection over colder months and protect from coastal winds.
They prefer an acid or lime free soil that is easily crumbled and well drained.
Feeding and Watering
If planting in the ground, tone up the soil by adding some good compost. Add ican Real Blood and Bone to the soil at planting time and top dress with Tui Acid Fertiliser. Water in well.
In pots and containers, use a top quality potting mix which will already have plant food in it. Supplement this with a slow release fertiliser such as ican Slow Food annually and liquid feed with ican Fast Food fortnightly.
Daphne like moist or damp conditions, especially over summer. They do not like wet feet however, so avoid planting in heavy clay soils. Do not leave to dry out over summer months.
Pruning
Very little pruning or shaping is needed. Remove spent flowers and prune to shape if necessary by cutting down to the next set of leaves.
Pests and Diseases
Modern Daphne suffer very little from pests or diseases. The most common problem people have with Daphne is yellowing leaves.
This is caused by either poor drainage, which may mean the plant needs relocating, or a nutrient deficiency, usually iron.
This can be remedied by applying chelated iron, aluminium sulphate or flowers of sulphur.
