{"id":2705,"date":"2020-01-18T00:03:53","date_gmt":"2020-01-18T08:03:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/hortlib\/pal\/pal-question-495\/"},"modified":"2024-04-20T11:45:52","modified_gmt":"2024-04-20T18:45:52","slug":"daphne-odora-care","status":"publish","type":"pal","link":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/hortlib\/pal\/daphne-odora-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Daphne odora care"},"content":{"rendered":"

I have a Daphne odora which had aphids on it early
\nthis spring and I kept hosing it with water and got rid of the aphids
\n(didn’t spray with any chemicals). Lost a lot of leaves but now has new
\ngrowth. Problem now is all the leaves look wilted like it lacks water and
\ndoesn’t seem to be growing. I have watered it real good during the hot weather
\nbut it doesn’t seem to be working. The plant is about 7-8 years old and
\nhas done well until this year. It gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
\nAm I watering too much or is it because of the heat?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Daphnes can be a bit fussy, and as this article
\nby Sarah Raven<\/a> on Daphnes from the British paper the Telegraph mentions:<\/p>\n

“Daphnes like life pretty constant, not too wet and not too dry, so, particularly when they’re settling in, give them a little regular watering if the rain doesn’t do it for you. They need and like good drainage, so always add plenty of organic matter (and some grit if you garden on clay). And don’t despair if your plants don’t go on forever. Daphnes rarely last more than 15 years and you’ll almost never see a shrub older than 20. Plan on taking cuttings after flowering every five years or so to make sure you always have a daphne or two in your garden.”<\/p>\n

Signs of winter damage are similar to signs of drought problems, so it
\ncan be confusing. The foliage can be scorched if the plant receives hot afternoon sun, but your plant is in
\nafternoon shade. To add to the confusion, yellowed leaves which drop can
\nbe symptomatic of excess water AND excess drought, as well as a delayed
\nreaction to a cold winter. My own Daphne odora has this same problem, and
\nalways loses some of its leaves, develops new growth, but grows slowly.
\nThis plant requires good drainage, so that is another consideration.<\/p>\n

Here is local gardener Ed Hume<\/a> on Daphne odora<\/em>:<\/p>\n

“It is important to note that this type of Daphne needs to planted in a
\nspot where it gets protection from the hot mid-day sun. An eastern
\nlocation or similar spot is ideal. In addition, this one is not quite as
\nhardy as the others, and may need to be given some cover protection,
\nshould temperatures dip below 25 degrees. Frost or sun burn, will show-up
\nin a blackening of the tips of the leaves and in severe cases the leaves
\nare apt to drop from the plant. The dark green evergreen leaves often
\nhave a cream-colored margin along the outside edge.”<\/p>\n

Another local gardening expert, Ciscoe Morris, says the following:
\n“These plants will thrive in the right conditions, but you will be
\ndisappointed if you plant it in the wrong spot.Growing Conditions: Morning sun; organic, well-draining soil. Do not over-water in summer, especially in clay soil. Daphne odoras do best in morning sun and afternoon shade. Give it
\nwell-draining soil (amend with compost). During summer, water only as
\noften as needed to keep it alive.”<\/p>\n

Based on all the variables, I suggest you water it less often, and check
\nto make sure it has adequate drainage. This can be a challenging plant,
\nso be patient and hope for the best.<\/p>\n

Daphne<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I have a Daphne odora which had aphids on it early this spring and I kept hosing it with water and got rid of the aphids (didn’t spray with any chemicals). Lost a lot of leaves but now has new growth. Problem now is all the leaves look wilted like it lacks water and doesn’t seem to be growing. I have watered it real good during the hot weather but it doesn’t seem to be working. The plant is about…<\/p>\n

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