Growing daphne in pots is a great option for those who want to enjoy the beauty of this fragrant flowering shrub, but don't have the space for a traditional garden. By potting daphne, you can bring the plant indoors during the colder months, or place it on a sunny patio or deck where it can receive the bright light it needs. When growing daphne in pots, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water the plant regularly. Daphne can be a bit fussy, but with a little bit of care, it will thrive in its new home.
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About soil condition, daphnes prefer well-drained but moist, rich soil, so a mix of sand, organic matter and potting soil is a good option. If the pot doesn't have drainage holes, be sure to add some rocks or gravel to the bottom before adding soil.
Not too different with other plants, daphne needs sunlight to grow. However, too much direct sunlight can damage the plant. If you are growing daphne in pots, make sure to place them in an area that gets partial sun to avoid scorching the leaves.
The temperature condition for growing daphne in pots is cool to cold. The plants prefer a well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. They do not like wet feet, so make sure the pots have drainage holes. Daphne should be planted in a pot that is large enough to accommodate its root system. The plants can be placed in full sun to partial shade.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant would be 50% or above. anything below that, the leaves will start to dry out and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity gets too low, the plant may start to drop leaves. If the humidity is too high, the plant may start to get fungal diseases.
Regarding fertilizer, this plant is not a heavy feeder. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is all that is needed. Root growth is slow, so be patient when growing daphne in pots.
Pruning daphne is best done in late spring after the plant has flowered. Daphne can be pruned quite hard if necessary, as it will respond well and quickly regrow. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged wood first, then cut back the main stems by around a third. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth from the base, resulting in a fuller, healthier plant.
Propagation is best done from semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. Make sure the cutting has at least 2-3 leaves. Cut just below a leaf node (the point where the leaves attach to the stem). Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a pot with well-drained potting mix. Keep the pot in bright, indirect light and water when the soil feels dry to the touch. New plants should form within 6-8 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate will be significantly slower than if the plant were in the ground. This is due to the roots not being able to spread out and anchor the plant as they would in the ground. Also, the pots will dry out more quickly than the ground, so more frequent watering will be necessary. fertilizing should be done more carefully, as it is easy to over-fertilize and burn the roots in a pot.
Common problems for this kind of plant are: 1. They need very well-drained soil. 2. They are susceptible to root rot. 3. They need to be watered regularly, but not too much. 4. They need full sun to partial shade. 5. They are susceptible to aphids and other pests.
Source:
Daphne laureola | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Daphne 'Lawrence Crocker' - Oregon State University
Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carole Mackie' - North Carolina State
