How to Grow Daphne

Daphne are neat, mostly evergreen shrubs with exquisitely perfumed pink, red or mauve flowers in late winter and spring.

Morning sun and shade for the rest of the day

Regular watering

Cool, very well drained, slightly acidic soil. Daphnes do particularly well in pots, which provide ideal drainage

Suitable for most climatic zones.

How to grow daphne in your garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny spot in the garden that receives afternoon shade and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig a hole, place the plant in the bottom of the hole, gently backfill with soil and water in well.

Step 3

Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw and water in well.

Step 4

Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food to encourage strong root development, healthy green leaves and lots of heavenly flowers.

How to grow daphne in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 300mm wide and deep with good drainage holes. Position in full sun that receives shade in the afternoon.

Step 2

Fill chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Plant, backfill gently with potting mix & water in well.

Step 3

Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food to ensure strong root development, healthy green leaves and lots of heavenly flowers.

Growing tips

Regularly remove spent leaves and flowers. Plants that grow too tall can have their trunks pruned. This will stimulate new branches to form
Plants grown indoors will need periods outside to stay healthy, for example six months inside then three months outside.
The sap of some species can cause skin irritation.

How can I Propagate Daphne?

Daphne cuttings are best taken from December-January, using wood of the current season's growth that has not flowered but has become firm (semi-hardwood).

Take stem cuttings, with leaves removed from the lower 300 mm and allow to dry out (in a cool place out of direct sunlight) before planting. Insert the cuttings into pots of Yates Seed & Cutting Potting Mix. Cover the cuttings with glass or a clear plastic bag to maintain warmth and humidity, and water regularly to keep the potting mix moist. Cuttings will take up to six months to establish.

Plants can also be propagated through a method called layering. In January, choose a stem that is close to the ground level. Cut the stem at an angle, partially through, closest to the soil, and insert a matchstick into the cut to keep it open. Dig a shallow trench and secure the stem to the soil using pegs.

Common Problems of Daphne

Why Are the Leaves on My Daphne Yellowing and Falling Off?

Yellowing leaves and leaf drop may be a result of poor drainage. Daphne require perfect drainage, so if planted in garden beds, it is crucial to improve the soil with organic matter or create raised beds to ensure proper drainage. In pots, use a good quality potting mix. Elevating the pot on feet can also aid in drainage.