We have a Daphne which is about 8 feet across and over 18 years old. It typically grows about 6-8 inches wider each year. It blooms every spring like clock work - except this year. It just seems to have died. The branches have no sign of life and should be in full bloom now - or very soon (normally). Instead, they are brittle, have some moss beginning to grow on them and snap off easily. We haven't changed their environment at all. Someone said maybe it just died of old age but that seems untypical of most things in the plant world. Any ideas?
My research show that an average lifespan of this shrub is 10 - 12 years.
That said, there are lots of examples of a Daphne growing and blooming for far longer times.
Branches that snap have died. Scratch the bark, if there is green there is still some signs of life in the shrub.
Root rot is one of the most common reasons for loss of a Daphne.
Here are some links to refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/care-for-winter-daphne.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/pruning-winter-daphne.htm
I bought a couple of bare rooted Daphne mezereums last autumn, put one in the garden and potted one up. Neither has produced any leaves yet (it's mid-May and I'm in the SW of England, the lilacs have been in flower for a week or two, apple blossom is over, TB irises not out yet.). Is it naturally a late starter or have I managed to kill them both?
Thanks for the answer. I would be glad to get leaves, let alone flowers this year! But I think what you said is right I'm pretty sure they are defunct. I'll bite the bullet and buy a well-grown plant.
This plant is "late winter to late spring" bloomer, so if you're not seeing any buds forming out of the previous year's leaves, your Daphne Mezereums simply may not have survived the winter.
You "could" give them a couple more weeks but if the branches are very dry and brittle all the way down to the stem, it's likely they're not going to come back. If there is any "green" (pliable branches) still in the plants, you could try adjusting the soil and sun conditions to see if that brings them back (but you still won't get blooms this year).
These articles may help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/care-for-winter-daphne.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/pruning-winter-daphne.htm
What plant food can I use? Will tomato food be ok? Thanks.
The closest match I can find is Daphne odora. For this plant, use a balanced fertilizer- one that provides equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 10-10-10.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/care-for-winter-daphne.htm
I live in Truro, Cornwall. I transferred my Daphne from pot to border last year and I notice buds BUT it has lost All leaves. It is a clay area, but dug a hole twice the size of root ball, filled it with normal compost! Should have this been Ericaceous? What do you suggest? Many thanks Regards Neil Benson
Through some research I have found this information for successful planting of Daphne odora.
Locate your plant in a well draining site with at least 3 hours of shade.
The planting hole should be 50% deeper and twice the width of the root ball.
Reserve this soil in a wheel burrow and then mix with fine sand and ground bark--in a ratio of 1 part sand, 2 parts bark, 1 part soil.
Tease out the roots and set the root ball just slightly higher then the soil line.
Backfill the plant with the mixture.
Mulch the planting with a 3inch layer of organic mulch and water well.
Keep the mulch away from the trunk as this can lead to stem rot.
I suspect the clay soil that you mention is playing a part in the stress and leaf drop your plant is experiencing.
Crown and root rot is a threat to Daphne in poorly draining soil.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/care-for-winter-daphne.htm
My Daphne bush looks really bad. In the last year, there have been very few full leaves. I only got blooms around the bottom of the plant. The plant gets morning sun and shade in the afternoon. Is there anything I can do to help its recovery? I have had it for 8 years. Thanks.
First, make sure the plant is in a suitable location that gives it what it needs- see the care guidelines here:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/pruning-winter-daphne.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/daphne-not-blooming.htm
Daphne especially needs sufficient moisture but also well-drained soil. Excessive pruning can also weaken Daphne plants and allow fungal diseases to attack. This article provides more information on Daphne diseases:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=727
My Daphne has lots of flowers but looks bedraggled and does not have many leaves. We do cut some of the clusters of flowers for flower arranging. Would this be the reason for the lack of green leaves?
I would check your plants growing conditions against the necessary care in the links below.
Check soil moisture levels.
Improper pruning can effect the plant.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/pruning-winter-daphne.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/care-for-winter-daphne.htm
I have a row of daphne bushes which were growing and flowering during winter. As the weather is warming up, it is starting to wilt and die. What do I need to do to stop this process?
Daphne can die without real reason or warning.
This article has more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/daphne-plant-types.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/care-for-winter-daphne.htm