How to grow

• Daphnes can prove difficult to grow in some situations. Although hardy they dislike exposed sites and are happiest with shelter from cold, drying winds. They need enough direct light to flower well, but hate hot, sunny conditions. • Most are happier on neutral to alkaline soils. Some experts recommend Daphne bholua for acid soils, however, in reality it seems to thrive on fertile soil over chalk. The ideal is a loam-rich soil with good drainage, but sufficient moisture. • Most daphnes resent being grown in containers, this is also an issue for the nurseryman when attempting to produce plants for sale. If attempting to grow in a pot, choose a loam-based growing medium and a large container with good drainage. However, the open ground is always preferable. • Daphnes resent being disturbed, so get the planting position right from the outset. Unlike other shrubs daphnes do not produce a dense, fibrous root system that holds together when they are lifted. Therefore, once out of the pot get them straight into the ground and then leave them alone. • Pruning is only necessary to control shape and size, or to remove dead or damaged wood. Prune cautiously, immediately after flowering, but only if absolutely necessary. Hard pruning of some, notably Daphne bholua, can result in the production of suckers. • Most daphnes are tricky to propagate, however, semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer have a chance of success. Rather surprisingly Daphne odora is relatively easy to root from cuttings. It is advisable to root a few as replacement plants regularly. • Daphnes are not long-lived shrubs and often decline in vigour after ten years or so in the garden. This is often because of a virus in the plant, which manifests itself by leaf loss and stunted growth. When this happens the infected plant should be taken out and replaced.