I bought a Daphnis plant but it has had a strange looking damage on leaves. I’ve sprayed it with pest killers but it doesn’t seem to go away. It is very slow growing also. Can you tell me what is wrong with it?
Unfortunately, diagnosing these can be a bit difficult. They can die quite suddenly, and for no apparent reason.
The first thing is to be sure and provide the exact environment that they need. This includes making sure that the soil dries out pretty thoroughly before receiving water. Overwatering will be the most common cause of failure.
This article will offer more information on what their environmental needs are: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/daphne-plant-types.htm
I have broken off two very yellow Daphne leaves. It is a new plant and the first time I've had a Daphne.
Daphne can be just a bit particular when it comes to environment. I would, first, be sure that the soil has plenty of time to dry out down to about 3 or 4 inches or so between watering. Yellowing leaves will be the first sign of overwatering, with a quick downward spiral to the death of the plant.
If you are sure that the soil has plenty of time to dry out between getting a drink, then you can begin to figure out deficiency symptoms.
Feeding with an all purpose, once per year, is often enough to keep them plenty happy.
This article will offer more information on the care of the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/care-for-winter-daphne.htm
What should I spray it with?
Adult scale insects are protected with a waxy covering and are not controlled well with common contact insecticide sprays. Contact sprays can be used during the early/immature stage of the insect pest life cycle, called "crawler" stage, usually in early spring. You can try a systemic insecticide that penetrates the leaf and translocates into the sap that the pests are feeding on. Below are more options:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
was advised by plant nursery to use white oil to get rid of this little black insect but not yet working after spraying with white oil several times.
There are MUCH better options for pest control. Neem oil, chrysanthemum oil, or even hot pepper extract work much better. This collection of articles will give you more ways to make your own pest control, along with many other organic gardening tips: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic
We live in Central New York. We’re tryiny to identify a shrub we assume to be native, found often around streams, but grows very well in our yard, away from water. In the early spring the woody stems have Pink flowers that gradually turn to red berries in the summer. It has small, dark green leaves until fall, when they turn a beautiful red-orang before dropping. It can spead easily. Thanks for any help! You site and newsletters are some my very favorites.?
That is Daphne mezereum!
Here is an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/pruning-winter-daphne.htm
Plant bought from garden centre 12 months ago.Planted in a tub in full sun.leaves started to fall off more or less straight away. Now just a few leaves at top of three branches. Can i hard prune to revive it?
I would not prune or cut branches at this time. Review the care requirements to determine if you need to change anything in your planting or location.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/pruning-winter-daphne.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/daphne-plant-types.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/daphne-not-blooming.htm
What would cause my thriving 21 yr old Daphne to suddenly lose leaves. So far it seems to be only partially but I had a similar instance with one (approx. 8-10 yrs old) that lost leaves slowly until it was completely "bald" and died several months later. Never could figure out what happened.
Apparently it is unusual for a daphne to live as long as yours has! Here's a quote from our expert:
"Another potential problem with daphne is that it is known to die suddenly and seemingly without cause. Because of this tendency, you should think of it as a temporary plant. Place the shrub in areas where you can easily remove and replace it as it becomes necessary."
Here's a link for the article: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/daphne-plant-types.htm