Daphne: How to Care for It?

Place it in good conditions

The Daphne should be planted in partial shade, it prefers sheltered spots where indirect sunlight is filtered through trees. A location protected from spring frosts and cold winds is ideal.

Once well established in light soil, rather neutral or slightly acidic, rich in humus, moist and well-drained, it requires little care. It only fears one thing: excess water.

Also remember to protect it from winter frosts. Below -5°C, provide protection to keep the foliage healthy and enjoy its early flowering. Below -10°C, protection is essential: the Daphne can be shielded with winter fleece. Water lightly at the end of the frost period, otherwise it may die of thirst.

Ensure good drainage

Daphne is susceptible to fungal diseases that develop in heavy, compacted and moist soil. This is why the soil must be well-draining without being too dry in summer.

Most often, it is excess water that weakens its roots and encourages contamination of the young plant by Phytophthora, a soil-borne fungus: this attack can kill the Daphne suddenly and completely. It thrives in persistently damp conditions, with overly frequent watering, and at certain temperatures. Light or amended soil and good drainage are therefore essential: a layer of gravel about 20 cm deep at the bottom of the planting hole, mixed with compost or heather soil and a little gravel.

Keep it cool in summer

Daphne roots must be kept cool in summer. All precautions aimed at maintaining coolness at its base are welcome. The benefits of mulching are numerous: nourishing the soil, keeping the earth cool, reducing watering, limiting weed growth… Apply mulch in late April to early May, when the soil has warmed up. This summer mulch will slow down herb growth and soil drying out.

Preferably use maritime pine bark (with its acidic pH) for this typical heather soil plant. Spread it in layers about 5 cm thick, to be renewed each year. You can also plant small perennials (ferns, heather) or bulbs to protect the base, preserve soil moisture and reduce watering needs. Water it in summer – nature takes care of watering the rest of the year: generally speaking, it prefers relatively dry soil.

Skip the pruning

With Daphne, pruning is unnecessary except to remove dead wood or limit overcrowding. The plant naturally takes on a rounded and compact habit. As Daphne’s growth is very slow, this won’t be necessary in the first few years. Moreover, pruning could well harm it: this plant reacts poorly to drastic cutting and many diseases can “take hold”.