Daphnes are famed for their intoxicating scent so why not grow one in your garden and take full advantage of its unique perfume? Flowering in late winter/early spring, these plants are often one of the first plants to bloom and give a sense of relief to gardeners that have endured a cold and empty winter.
Planted in containers or in a border near to the home, Daphnes will produce a welcome scent as you pass and fill the air where it flowers.
Daphne is a slow growing shrub that will add elegance and luxury to any garden.
When you bring your plants home or when they are delivered you should move them in to their final positions as soon as you can to avoid any damage that may affect establishment and growth.
If you cannot manage to plant your Daphne immediately you should make every effort to ensure that your plants are watered well and stored in a cool and bright space until planting is possible.
Daphnes enjoy a sheltered position in the garden and are deemed as tender plants in much of the UK, growing best in the South and West of the country.
Plant your Daphne in a sunny position or in part sun for best results.
Daphnes often dislike being grown in containers but it is possible to grow plants in large containers if they are afforded some care in terms of watering, feeding and being protected during colder periods.
Growing plants in containers also means that they are easily moved indoors, in to the greenhouse or in to a suitably sheltered position.
Daphnes are very tolerant of varying soil types and conditions, however, they will not tolerate heavy clay and detest water-logging.
For best results you can improve your soil so that it is deep, fertile and well-drained, ideal conditions for most plants.
To achieve this you can add organic matter, such as well-rotted garden compost, leaf mould or multi-purpose compost to your soil coupled with a generous helping of horticultural grit or sand.
An annual surface mulch of organic matter will also help to improve soil structure, insulate roots and feed plants.
As a slow growing plant your Daphne will require little maintenance and is best left to grow away naturally.
Prune plants lightly if at all.
Generally you should only pinch out growing tips to encourage bushier growth and as these plants are slow growing you should take care not to remove to much growth.
Plants will require watering after planting to ensure that they dry out and establish well, however you should be careful not to over water plants.
Apply general fertiliser at intervals in the growing season in line with recommended amounts and a mulch each spring with composted bark, leaf mould, compost or well-rotted manure.