Daphne Odora Care

Site

• Daphne odora shrubs require bright light to flower and produce their lushest foliage. A location that receives afternoon shade and bright light for the rest of the day provides a suitable spot for the plant. The shrubs don't tolerate winter frost and primarily grow in subtropical climates and areas that rarely experience winter freezing. Protect the shrub in climates that have occasional but rare winter frosts by planting them near a building or in another protected spot.

Soil

• Daphne odora thrives in well-draining soil. Sites with loose, humus-rich soil provide a suitable location for this plant type. Avoid beds that retain water or develop puddles after rain or watering. Wet roots will cause the shrub to decline and die. Daphne odora tolerates a range of soil pH levels but does best with a pH between 4.5 and 5. Perform a soil test before planting and add amendments, as recommended by the test, to alter the pH as necessary.

Water

• Proper watering keeps your daphne odora healthy and productive. This evergreen shrub requires year-round irrigation. Allow the soil to dry slightly between each irrigation. When watering, only provide enough to moisten the top 6 inches of soil but don't over-saturate the site. Daphne shrubs rarely require irrigation during rainy seasons when the soil is naturally moist. Mulching around the shrubs reduces the need to water as the mulch keeps moisture in the soil. Mulch also keeps the soil and roots cool during the hot season.

Pruning

• Daphne odora shrubs require minimal pruning and retain their mounded shape naturally with only light pruning. Trim off the old flowers after they finish blooming and begin to wilt so the bush remains attractive. Cut back the old flower stems to within 1/4-inch of the topmost leaves. Tip pruning, which removes the tips of the outer branches, helps maintain the shape and size of the bush. Cut off the tips in late winter before the flush of spring growth. Remove dead and damaged branches at any time.