Daphne, also available commercially as Daphne, is very popular because of its pretty flowers in early spring and decorative red fruits in summer. Caring for the ornamental shrub is not complicated. How to properly care for daphne.
How do you properly care for daphne?
When caring for daphne, it is important to water freshly planted bushes regularly, carry out rejuvenation cuts after flowering and protect the plant against diseases and pests. Older plants do not require fertilization and most varieties are hardy.
What should you pay attention to when watering?
You should water freshly planted shrubs more frequently in the first year. But definitely avoid waterlogging.
Later, daphne needs no watering at all because of its long roots. They also draw water from very deep layers of the earth.
Do you need to fertilize daphne?
When planting, add some mature compost to the planting hole. In the first year, a layer of mulch provides nutrients, keeps the soil evenly moist and prevents weeds from emerging.
Older plants do not need fertilizer.
Some gardeners recommend liming daphne in spring and fall because daphne grows better in calcareous soil. However, it is usually enough if you occasionally lightly work a few crushed or ground eggshells into the soil.
Can daphne be transplanted?
In the first few years you can try transplanting the daphne to another location. To do this, you have to get the long roots out of the ground as completely as possible. This is hardly possible with older plants.
How is daphne cut?
Cut daphne back by a third immediately after flowering. Occasional rejuvenation cuts are advisable.
What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
The biggest problem is verticillium wilt caused by fungi. The branches wilt even though the plant is moist enough. There is no cure for it.
- Tear out daphne including roots
- Remove soil around the planting site
- Dispose of plants and soil with household waste
- Under no circumstances put in the compost
Nudibranchs are quite common on Daphne. Collect them as quickly as possible.
Does daphne need winter protection?
Most varieties are absolutely hardy and can do without winter protection.
Tip
If you cut daphne flower branches as flower decorations for vases, keep in mind that the toxins from the daphne will end up in the flower water. Make sure vase water is disposed of carefully to prevent children from getting it or pets from accidentally drinking it.
