Caring for Daphne Shrubs

Start with the Right Site and Soil

• Loose, sandy soil rich in organic matter with perfect drainage is essential for success with daphne shrubs. Amend the soil with dolomite lime according to the label directions when preparing the planting hole for daphne shrubs. This addition will enable the daphne's roots to take up the sulfate of magnesium that this plant needs for proper growth. Daphnes resent being moved, so choose a site where the shrub can reach its mature size. Depending on the particular variety, they prefer growing in full sun to part shade.

Regular Maintenance

• Once established, daphne shrubs are drought-tolerant. They are not heavy feeders and will not tolerate wet soil. Once a year, in early spring, a single dose of rose fertilizer applied according to the label directions at the drip line of the shrubs or a top dressing of 3 inches of compost is all that is required to keep these plants performing at their peak. Water the shrubs deeply after applying the fertilizer.

Pinching and Pruning

• Daphne shrubs do not need regular pinching or pruning. When necessary, pinch the foliage of the plant back to maintain the shape of the plant. Daphne shrubs that are too large or become leggy will respond to heavy pruning. It is best to prune or pinch these plants right after they finish flowering to make sure you don’t remove next year’s flowers.

Pest and Disease Prevention

• Daphne shrubs have a reputation of dying suddenly without any warning. A number of pests and diseases affect these plants. Aphids, scale insects, tobacco ringspot, Verticillium wilt, southern blight, Botrytis twig blight, and crown and root rot are common problems. You can deal with aphids and scale insects in a number of ways, including releasing beneficial insects. Keeping the soil pH under 7.0 will help prevent many of the disease problems that affect this plant. Other preventative methods include avoiding over-fertilization and over-watering. Remove the old mulch under the plants yearly and replace it with new mulch to prevent disease spores from building up under the plant.