Daphne Planting Instructions

Select a location that receives full sunlight year-round. Avoid planting sites with summer shade from nearby deciduous trees, as shade reduces flowering.

Prepare the planting soil in an area that drains well. Avoid locations where water remains near or on the soil surface after snowmelt, rain or irrigation. Moderately sandy soils provide the Daphne shrub’s optimum planting site.

Perform a soil test on the preferred planting site before you plant the Daphne using a purchased test kit or one from an extension office. Follow the testing instructions for the particular kit. Daphne shrubs require a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

Add limestone to the bed to raise the soil pH, or use sulfur to lower the pH. Apply the amount the soil test indicates as necessary for bringing the pH into the optimum range. Add the amendment at least two weeks before planting. Work the amendment into the top 8 to 12 inches of soil.

Dig the planting hole so it's the same depth as the Daphne's nursery pot and twice as wide. Loosen the soil in the bottom of the hole to a depth of 6 inches so the roots can better penetrate into the surrounding bed.

Lift the Daphne shrub from the pot. Set the root ball in the prepared planting hole so the top of the root ball sits flush with the surround soil surface.

Fill the hole in halfway with the removed soil. Thoroughly water the soil settling it around the roots. Finish filling the hole and water a second time.