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Daphne

Daphne care, Daphne maintenance

 

Many gardeners grow and know Daphne because of the strong, rich scent from clusters of starry pink or white flowers. There are many varieties of Daphne to choose from, but the traditional is Daphne Odora Leucanthe. Many find Daphne easy to grow, but others not so much, so read on for our tips and tricks to have a successful plant.

 

Growing Conditions

Find a position in semi shade with moist, well drained soil. Pots are also lovely, but the pot size and good drainage holes are important. Daphne detest wet feet, so well-draining soil is essential.

 

Planting

Plant in a soil that has a high organic matter and is free of lime. Daphne prefers a neutral to slightly acidic soil and detests alkaline soil with a high pH, so balancing the soils pH may be needed.


When planting, first plunge the plant into a seaweed solution to stop transplant shock. Once the bubbles have stopped rising, it is time to plant. Daphne need care when planning as they do not like their roots disturbed, so be careful when re-planting.
Mulching once planted with leaf mould or bark is ideal. Make sure you keep the plant weed-free and do not underplant with annuals or other plants, as they do not like the root competition.

 

Maintenance

Feed in spring after flowering to restore the plant's energy, and again in autumn to give the plant a boost. A few options for this would be any acid fertiliser or one designed for rhododendrons or camellias.
Your plants do not need to be pruned unless you want to give them a bit of shape. To do this, prune it in spring, straight after flowering.

 

Common Issues

Yellowing leaves are often a question from customers. Naturally, as the plant is flowering, it will often have yellow leaves just under the flower bud that will fall off. This is totally normal and nothing to be worried about. However, yellow leaves can also be an indication of too much sun, a watering issue, or that the plant needs a plant tonic. Often with acid loving plants, they get blockages in their roots, and a tonic can help clear this blockage so it can take up the nutrients they need. When feeding the plant in spring, I often recommend to also give a tonic of Sequestron, a liquid feed especially for acid loving plants.

 

Root Rot

If a Daphne suddenly gets sick and the stems are feeling squishy or look wrinkly the most likely cause is root rot. This is because of poor drainage. There are products you can use for root rot, but it often depends on how far the plant has gone on whether you can save it. Seven years is considered a good age for a Daphne (although they can live much longer) so consider planting one every 5 years.

 

 

Daphne Perfume Princess White                                                           

Daphne care, Daphne maintenance

 

Daphne Leucanthe

Daphne care, Daphne maintenance

 

 

 

 

 

 

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