Soil Requirements

• Daphne shrubs require a planting site with well-draining soil. The plant will not tolerate a wet root system. They prefer slightly sandy conditions but can adapt to other soils. Daphne shrubs often benefit from the addition of general purpose sand to the soil of the planting site. The plant prefers alkaline soil conditions with a pH 6.0 to 7.0. Adding lime to a planting area that suffers from slightly acidic soil can help the plant establish.
  
  

Planting

• The daphne shrub tolerates a planting location with full sunlight, but it does best when placed in a site that receives afternoon shade. Once the daphne shrub becomes established it does not transplant well. Plant small, young daphne shrubs for the best transplant success. Always plant the daphne plant at the same depth it was planted in its nursery container. Dig the hole twice as wide as the plant's root ball. Gently spread the shrub's root system in the hole before filling in with soil. Pat the soil down around the shrub's root system to remove any air pockets. Water the daphne shrub thoroughly to help the root system get started.
  
  

Problems

• Some varieties of daphne shrubs, such as Daphne mezereum, suffer scale insect infestations. The plant require regular spray applications of a horticultural oil to control pests. Dapne odora may also suffer from crown rot, especially in growing locations on the West Coast. Aphids and mealy bugs may also regularly feed on the daphne shrub. Consider hosing the shrub off with water to remove the insect pests. Use a horticultural oil if the infestation appear severe.
  
  

Sensitivity

• The daphne shrub can die suddenly if it undergoes environmental changes. Exceptionally sensitive, too much or too little water adversely affects the plant. The plant does not accept an extreme temperature change. It also does not enjoy too much fertilizer. Daphne plants may also suffer from the fungal infection Southern blight. An infected plant can perish within one month. Always remove the sick plant and avoid replanting a new daphne shrub in the planting site. The fungal infection known as twig blight can also cause branch depth on the shrub. Prune away the infected branches and applying a fungicide to control the fungus.