How to Grow Daphne Shrubs For a Fragrant Garden
Daphnes are very attractive shrubs, producing tubular white to light pink flowers in May, followed by small red fruits (drupes). The small, oval, light green leaves are evergreen in most climates, and the shrub usually forms a nice rounded mound.
Varieties like 'Carol Mackie' are especially prized for their variegated foliage. Daphnes are relatively small shrubs that are good choices for small backyards, where they make good base plants or shrub border specimens.
These are slow-growing shrubs that are usually planted from well-developed seedlings in spring. These plants can take seven to ten years to reach their relatively small mature size. However, keep in mind that all parts of Daphne are poisonous, especially the shiny berries.
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Daphne Care
Daphne is not the easiest shrub to grow. They do not transplant well and the farmer must maintain a delicate balance between keeping the soil moist and keeping it well-drained. These plants are known to die suddenly and without an obvious cause.
To avoid disappointment, think of them as temporary and place them in an area that will allow for easy removal if your plant dies.
If you can find the right balance of conditions, then well-established Daphne shrubs can be relatively easy to care for, as they don't require a lot of maintenance, pruning, or special care. You will need to choose the type of Daphne shrub you want, as there are many varieties.
When planting a nursery-grown specimen, it should be placed a little higher than it was growing in the nursery pot so that the root crown is raised about 1/2 inch. Preparing the soil by mixing peat can help create the slightly acidic pH level of these shrubs.
Light
While some Daphne varieties do well in full sun, most flourish best in partial shade conditions. These varieties that are grown primarily for their variegated leaves will do well even in relatively shady conditions, although flowering is low. Group them with other acid-loving plants that have similar needs for sunlight (azaleas, for example).
Soil
Daphnes prefer well-drained soil with lots of compost and soil with a slightly acidic pH. Daphne shrubs thrive in moist soils. To keep the soil around you moist in summer (and to keep the roots cool), apply a three-inch layer of mulch.
Watering
During the first year of growth, water the shrub several times a week. Once established, Daphne shrubs still require a delicate balance between constant humidity and good drainage. Make sure the mulch remains moist and that the shrub receives at least 1 inch of water per week through rain, watering, or a combination of these.
Temperature and humidity
Daphne shrubs can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, but in Zones 4 and 5 they really should be considered semi-evergreen, or even deciduous, as they tend to drop their leaves and develop new foliage early in the season. spring.
These shrubs accept high levels of humidity, although they can be susceptible to fungal leaf spots.
Fertilizer
Daphne bushes should be fertilized twice a year with a balanced granular fertilizer (such as 10-10-10). February or March and July are good times to do this.
Pruning Daphne
These slow-growing shrubs don't require much pruning, as they naturally mature into well-rounded, mound-like plants. Broken limbs or the occasional misbehaving limb can be cut off.
If you prune, do so immediately after flowering, as this will preserve the flowers for the next season. However, in general, Daphnes do not like pruning and can show pronounced death if pruned a lot.
We hope you enjoy this video about caring of the super fragrant Daphne odora plant:
Source: KING 5
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Last update on 2025-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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