- What should be considered when watering?
- Do you need to fertilize Daphne?
- Can daphne be transplanted?
- How is daphne cut?
- What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
- Does Daphne need winter protection?
Daphne, also commercially available as Daphne, is very popular for its pretty flowers in early spring and decorative red fruits in summer. The care of the ornamental shrub is not complex. How to properly care for daphne.
Older Daphne does not need to be watered
What should be considered when watering?
Freshly planted shrubs should be watered more frequently in the first year. In any case, avoid waterlogging.
Due to its long roots, daphne will later do without watering. 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 mulch layer provides nutrients, keeps the soil evenly moist and prevents weeds from emerging.
Older plants do not need fertilizer.
Some gardeners recommend liming daphne in the spring and fall, since daphne grows better in calcareous soil. However, it is usually sufficient 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 to transplant 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 back daphne by a third immediately after flowering. Occasional tapering cuts are advisable.
What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
The biggest problem is fungal Verticillium wilt. The branches wither, although the plant is moist enough. There is no antidote.
- Tear out the daphne including the roots
- Remove soil around the planting site
- Dispose of plant and soil with household waste
- Never put it in the compost
Nudibranchs are quite common on Daphne. Collect them as soon as possible.
Does Daphne need winter protection?
Most breeds are absolutely hardy and do not need winter protection.
tips
If you are cutting daphne flower sprigs to decorate vases, be aware that daphne toxins will leach into the flower water. Be sure to dispose of the vase water carefully so that children do not get it or pets accidentally drink it.