Am I Taking Good Care Of My Daphne Shrub?

Are you aware that daphne plants are very toxic?

Did you planted your daphne in partial sun or partial shade?

Did you planted your daphne in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter?

Are you making sure that the soil is never completely dry?

Do you feed your daphne frequently?

Do you prune your daphne deeply?

Do you keep your daphne shrub free of pests and diseases?

Daphne plants are poisonous. Chewing on the flowers, foliage or red berries can be fatal. You should never plant daphne shrubs where pets or children play.

Partial sun to partial shade is usually the recommended growing location for these plants. At the partial-sun end of this spectrum, you may experience superior blooming. Many people seeking shrubs for shade will gladly sacrifice some flowers to enjoy the bicolored leaves of these bushes.

Daphne shrub prefers well-drained soil with plenty of compost and a neutral to acidic soil pH. Daphne shrubs thrive in moist soil. To keep the soil around them moist in summer (and to keep the roots cool), apply a three-inch layer of mulch.

A layer of mulch will help keep the roots cool and moist. While the mulch will cover the soil, make sure it does not dry out. Water the shrub when there is not a lot of rainfall.

The Daphne shrub only needs to be fertilized twice a year. February and July are good times to do this. Fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer designed for shrubs. Do not use an acid fertilizer.

Deep cuts from pruning are a detriment to the healthy growth of daphne plants. Prune daphne lightly and only as needed. Care for daphne will include removing long branches at a node, without cutting into the main stem of the plant.

Good job! You are taking good care of your daphne shrub.

Daphne plants are susceptible to viral diseases transferred by insects like aphids. Wipe the leaves to get rid of aphids. Wiping leaves can also get rid of cicadas, crickets, earwigs, and grasshoppers, all of which may feed on your daphne. Moth larvae require a systemic pesticide. Fungi like Ryzoctonia, Phytophthora, Pythium, Thielaviopsis cause daphne sudden death, all you can do is to take good care of it and maintain a good watering practice.